Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 561

December 1, 2010: If next Wednesday is going to be like this Wednesday, I'd rather just skip it.

You know how they say your entire life flashes before your eyes before you die?  Well, if I was dying and my entire life flashed before my eyes, a replay of December 1st, 2010 would seriously make me reconsider rescinding that do not resuscitate order.

I woke up late this morning – and it was downhill from there.  Because I was dropping my pug, Jelly, off at the vet's for her MRI, she was the only one who didn't get breakfast this morning.  And, boy, did she remind me – barking, whining, looking up at my with those big pleading bug-eyes as if to ask: "Why?  What did I do?  Why have you – and Nature's Variety Beef Formula – forsaken me?".  I did my best to ignore her like a persistent panhandler or fellow producer Carl Binder suggesting we sit down to watch a producer's edit.  I loaded Jelly into the car, said goodbye to the rest of the gang who would be cooling their paws until lunch, and headed off -

And directly into a traffic jam.  An early morning fire had shut down one of the city's main streets, West Broadway, for two blocks in either direction.  Interestingly – one might even go so far as to say "annoyingly" – motorists were denied access to the street but there were no signs directing them around the blockage.  And so, I took a left, hoping to take my next right and run a parallel course to the one I'd planned, only to discover the next block was inaccessible as well, forcing me to take another left and travel down another two blocks before taking another right to travel twelve more blocks before taking a right and eventually finding my way back to civilization.  Seriously.  Would it have killed them to put up a simple Detour sign directing us to the quickest and most convenient way around the problem area?  Time and again, it seem as thought Vancouver's city planners plan for everything, except for the possibility that cars may be on their roads.  They're far too busy building cycling lanes in order to curry favor with the city's powerful bike lobby.

I arrived at the vet clinic and dropped Jelly off.  After showing remarkable improvement following a stem cell procedure to treat her hip dysplasia and arthritic shoulders and elbows, she has deteriorated significantly over the past week and a half, leading her vet to suggest we investigate other potential causes for her condition.

November 30, 2010: Resurgence airs tonight! The BIG mid-season finale! 9:00 p.m. on SyFy!

Yep, sparks will be flying tonight as Stargate: Universe heads into its mid-season break in explosive fashion with Resurgence, an episode that sees the Destiny crew investigate a mysterious energy signature…

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Anyway, it turns out Volker was misreading the screen and the energy signature was actually their own shuttle, so they all have a laugh and put on a talent shows that sees Eli and Brody team up for a high-steppin' medley of Gilbert and Sullivan favorites.  You're gonna love it!

Just kidding.  You will love it.  But no talent show or Gilbert and Sullivan medley, although we will see Eli struggling to deal with a recent loss, Scott struggle to prevent a loss of his own, and this -

In addition to a few surprises.  The events of tonight's episode will have significant and shocking repercussions that will reverberate through the rest of season 2 and beyond.

If you want to know a little more, check out this non-spoilery preview by Curt Wagner: Destiny boldly goes in spectacular 'Stargate Universe' mid-season …

Or this preview by Joseph Dilworth Jr.: Hope Finds A "Resurgence" On The Next Stargate Universe *SPOILERS*

 

Photos courtesy and copyright MGM Television

Speaking of Stargate: Universe, scifi in general and, oh, the universe, check out this interesting article over at Discovery.com that makes mention of the show and some timely cosmic developments: http://news.discovery.com/space/cosmic-rebirth-encoded-in-background-radiation.html

Brought Jelly in to see the neurologist today.  She has an appointment to get an MRI tomorrow.

Have finally narrowed down my list for the "I Make the Best Whatever…" contest.  The elite eight will be announced as part of tomorrow's blog entry.

 

Tagged: SGU, Stargate, Stargate Universe

November 29, 2010: My Snow Monkeys in trouble! Production update! News of note!

Damnit!  My Snow Monkeys are about to go down to defeat.  With 18 points to make up, my sole player tonight, Frank Gore, racked up 5.3 points in the first quarter alone! Then suffered an ouchy and took himself out of the game.  Thanks.  Thanks a lot, Frank.  With two more weeks to go in the season, that just about eliminates us from playoff contention.

Went into the office today to watch not one, not two, but THREE episodes of Stargate: Universe's second season – a Day 1 Mix of Twin Destinies (Some fantastic visuals in this one), a Day 2 mix of Alliances (Both Ming-Na and Jamil are terrific), and Andy's director's cut of the season finale, Gauntlet (Those last two acts!  Wow!).  One more mix and one more day should do it for 2010…

Steve Eramo has posted his latest interview with Alaina Huffman (SGU's Lieutenant Tamara Johansen): http://scifiandtvtalk.typepad.com/scifiandtvtalk/2010/11/stargate-universes-alaina-huffman-space-medic.html

My buddy Jon in Japan has alerted me to the following cultural event taking place in Tokyo during our visit: pole dance championships.  Beats a third straight visit to Tokyo Tower.

Oooh. Latest trailer for HBO's Game of Thrones: http://www.hbo.com/video/video.html?view=grid&vid=1145144&autoplay=true

So cool.  And generous!  Hundreds of lucky Oprah fans will get to be entombed with the beloved t.v. host:  http://www.theonion.com/video/oprah-invites-hundreds-of-lucky-fans-to-be-buried,18443/

Think twice before you consider standing too close to a lava flow: http://www.cracked.com/article_18862_6-deadly-injuries-you-think-youd-survive-thanks-to-movies.html

The long paw of the law in Japan: 

Fake doctor jailed for giving breast exams in bar.  What has the world come to when you can't trust a complete stranger to examine your breasts at a local drinking establishment:

November 28, 2010: What's in YOUR pantry?

I woke up at 5:20 a.m. to deal with a dog-related issue and, by the time I was done, it was almost six.  Rather than head back to bed, I elected to head downstairs and tackle that long overdue pantry cleaning.  I was amazed at some of the interest/weird/downright mysterious items I discovered including two packages of four year past their due date TimTams, an economy size tin of duck confit, a jar of nutella so old it had started to sport brown (albeit delicious-looking) moss, and the following items…

 

This is one of those items that only sees significant sales during a looming apocalypse when the panicked masses descend on their local supermarkets desperate for anything.  Yes, even hearts of palm.





I had no idea dried pasta had an expiration date. In this case = early 1999.  I was reluctant to throw it out given it had practically achieved family heirloom status.





File this one under "awesome": a jar of chestnut puree. Perfect for topping a bowl of ice cream, or a bowl of chestnut puree.





It's like some mystery goodie bags they give out at Chinese birthday parties. Can't read the label but my guess is it aint chocolate.





Another mystery something from Asian supermarket. I'm going to say wasabi-covered marbles, but it could actually be green tea.





Mix one part Jagermeister, one part rum, and one part squid juice and you've got yourself a Rusty Sailor. And, probably, vomit on your carpet.





The label ways "sweet, fruity and festive" but it was none of the aforementioned.  In fact, it was nowhere near as good as it smelled.  Still, far tastier than the hearts of palm.

Back in the office tomorrow to watch a couple of mixes, a visit to the neurologist (for Jelly, not me) on Tuesday, dentist on Wednesday, and then wrapping up the week with some Christmas shopping – unless I run out of time in which case I'll be doing my holiday shopping in Tokyo.  Wonder if mom would like a takoyaki maker?

November 27, 2010: How did I miss that?

I've been doing a little updating of late, clearing out some old emails and bookmarks, checking in with distant friends online, and discovered a bunch of interesting developments I missed out on for whatever reason.  And so, I'd like to take a moment to draw your attention to said developments in this "How did I miss that?" entry.

1. Marty G. has a website!

 

Presumably a shot from his recent GQ photo shoot.

Martin Gero, as most of you know, is a good friend, fellow foodie, former Stargate writer/producer, and all-around charming talent who now calls L.A./New York/Toronto home as he jets between his various projects on the go.  I try to keep up with Mary G. via his twitter account, the one stop spot for all the exciting developments in the Golden Boy's life (ie. Oct. 26th = "I'm 33, it's midnight, and I'm standing in line with my best friends to buy a videogame.").  Anyway, I happened by the other day and, while it's entirely possible I just never noticed before, I noted a link to a Martin Gero website:  http://martingero.com.  Look at that handsome mug gracing the front page.  Coincidentally, Martin called me this morning and, while we were talking, informed me that, in fact, the website has been up for two years now.  Furthermore, my drawing attention to it on this blog would shame him into updating it given that it's been about that long since he last visited.

2. Jamie Elman co-wrote and starred in a web series!

Another funny and extremely talented guy I worked with way back when is Jamie Elman who, some time this summer, forwarded me a link to a great five-episode series he co-wrote and stars in called crazy/sexy/awkward.  It's all three of those things and hilarious.  What's it about?  Well – "Neurotic romantic Ben Hoffman hasn't had sex in a year. Ever since the love of his life walked out on him, Ben has been stuck in a rut of despair and an endless streak of dates gone horribly awry.  But now, his manchild best friend Sebastien and wingwoman neighbor Ashley have decided enough is enough: it's time to get Ben out of his cave, and throw him head-first into the wild jungle of the LA singles scene to break his seal." www.crazysexyawkward.com

I think I can be excused for missing it since the email was sent to my old email account, but I dug it up and bring it to your attention.  It's funny as hell, but stand forewarned – it's raunchy stuff.

3. Alyssa Ciccarelli is writing for Riese.

Alyssa is someone else I know from way-back-when.  She's a talented writer who is presently pulling scripting duties on Riese: The Series, a steampunk web epic now screening at SyFy.com: http://www.syfy.com/riese/.   The cast boasts some impressive talent, among them several Stargate vets including Sharon Taylor, Patrick Gilmore, Ben Cotton, Ryan Robbins, and Amanda Tapping who provides the voice of the show's narrator.

 

4. There's an artisan sakemaker in Vancouver!

Despite my ridiculously replete liquor cabinet, I'm not much of a drinker.  I'm not a whiner or whineo (what do you call a wine aficionado) nor am I the type to crack open a nice cold beer on those hot summer days.  Having said that, I do enjoy my sake – so I was pleasantly surprised to learn the city boasts its own artisan sakemaker (http://osake.ca/).  Head on over to Masa Shiroki's shop on Granville Island and do a tasting of his handcrafted Osake fresh premium Junmai Sake.  Or check out the various inspired products that make use of kasu, the "lees" that remain after the fermented rice mash has been pressed.  The flavor is intense and delicious, and can be found in products like kasu hot sauce, kasu cherry drink, and even an out-of-this-world kasu ice cream with raisins.  Vancouver's  primo gelato shop, Bella Gelataria, makes their own version of kasu gelato that is so unbelievable that it's surpassed chocolate as my favorite ice cream flavor.  For real!  But more on Bella Gelataria in the coming days…

Today's entry is dedicated to Michelle, Izzy, and AB!

Tagged: crazy/sexy/awkward, Jamie Elman, Martin Gero, Osake, Riese: The Series

November 26, 2010: Gift-giving! Recipe-testing! Question-answering! And Jelly says thanks!

It's Jim Menard and Michael Blundell!

Yes, it's that time of year.  The time of year when thoughts turn to home, family, and lovable Directors of Photography bearing gifts!  Thanks for the vino, boys.  Your work continues to amaze and here's hoping we get a chance to do it all over again next year!

In addition to home, family, and Directors of Photography, my thoughts have also turned to the seven days when mom and sis will be visiting during the Christmas holidays and what, exactly, I'll be cooking for them while they're in town.  Rather than take the easy out and hit some restaurants, I've decided to handle all dinner duties during their stay. As a result, I've been spending a lot of time testing various recipes, finding what works, what doesn't, and what makes the holiday line-up.  Last night, it was pork belly two ways…

Slow Roasted Pork Belly with Hoisin

Pressed Belly of Pork

Both very good but, alas, not good enough to unseed stronger candidates like Chicken with Morels and Metaxa, Bacon-Fried Pork Chops, and Costa Brava Fish Stew.  Tonight, I tried my hand at two more dishes…

Panko-crusted fried red tomatoes topped with sour cream, chives, and crumbled prosciutto. Damn, these turned out better than I could have imagined. These sour cream-crowned treats were the perfect accompaniment to...

Slow-Roasted Baby Back Ribs with sweet and spicy maple/chipotle glaze. The sauce was so good, I'm considering making it my next ice cream flavor.

And Akemi made her totemo oishii dumpling soup!

This weekend, I may tackle one of three desserts, either a Tarte Tatin, Maple Pecan Pie, or Chocolate Stout Cake.

This weekend, I finalize the short-list for the "I Make the Best Whatever…" contest.  It's going to be tough because there are a lot of great-looking/sounding candidates to choose from!

Thanks to everyone who sent Jelly well-wishes and helpful links.  She'd like to take this opportunity to thank each of you personally.  Oh, and Maximus says thanks too…

November 25, 2010: Jelly update! Mailbag!

My gal Jelly (pictured above) suffers from hip dysplasia and arthritic shoulders and elbows.  It got so bad that she was barely able to walk, so I looked into possible treatments for her condition.  Major surgery is an option to replace the ball joints of her hips, but its an extremely invasive procedure and, going on thirteen, I'm not convinced she'd be able to handle it.  And so, I looked into alternate treatments – supplements to strengthen her joins, pain medication and, most recently, a stem cell procedure (documented a few months back) that resulted in dramatic improvement in her mood and mobility.  Unfortunately, over the past week or so, her condition has worsened. While her mood remains upbeat, her hindquarters seem to be weakening to the point where she can barely hold herself upright to pee.  Kristi from Vet-Stem has been following Jelly's progress and suggested I take her in for a follow-up injection.  I discussed the option with Jelly's doctor and, while he thinks we can certainly try it, he suspects Jelly's problems may be even more complicated than what we assumed.  And so, next week, I'm taking my gal in to see a doggy neurologist (No kidding.  I didn't even know they existed.) who'll check her out and, possibly, recommend at cat scan (ironic, no?) to get to the root of the issue.  Sucks to get old.

Still, even though she's slowed down, she clearly knows how to have fun…

Just in case you thought I'd forgotten all about you, I'll be announcing my elite eight recipes in the "I Make the Best Whatever…" showdown later this weekend.  Lots of terrific-sounding/looking dishes to choose from!

Well, now – this is timely.  Tokyo maintains the title of Top Michelin City: http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/101124/utravel/as_japan_michelin_guide

Happy Thanksgiving!

Mailbag:

Iom666 writes: "Is there an AI on Destiny itself ?"

Answer: Rush has suggested that, while Destiny does possess a certain awareness (ie. its ability to recognize and address insufficiencies in food, water, etc.), he stops short of saying it possesses intelligence.  His ability to interact with the avatars on the bridge would appear to be a result of the ship's neural link; its ability to understand and communicate presumably a result of its absorption of Franklin whose brain patterns now function as template for human understanding.  Still, it appears to go one step further, by demonstrating what seems like empathy for Tamara – if, it really was behind her vision.  So, to answer your question…I dunno.  I just work here.

Michael Jones writes: "True, Destiny seems to be using the mind of the person having the visions to craft said visions, but they seem to show some level of character or personality."

Answer: Agreed, although one could argue that what we perceive as personality is actually a personality construct manifested by Rush's subconscious.

Laura writes: "I found Christopher Moore's Bloodsucking Fiends at Indigo for 10 bucks and will probably read it over the holidays."

Answer: It's tough to stop at just one.  I started with Fool, then read Bloodsucking Fiends, and now have another half-dozen Moore books sitting on my to-read pile.

Joel writes: "It would seem then that as capable and as advanced as the obelisk/planet beings are, they are not as capable or as advanced as the creation message beings. Am I correct in believing that these entities are in fact different and that one is superior to the other?"

Answer: That assumption would appear to be correct.

KEK writes: "So are we to assume that their lack of 'soul' is he reason they died again, or what that just Caines theory?"

Answer: No.  It was a phsyiological design flaw (or re-design flaw to be more specific) that caused them to die again.  The lack of soul (or perception thereof) was a failure/byproduct of the process.

dasNdanger writes: "Ye didnae answer me wee question aboot Japan an' whole grain rice!"

Answer: I asked Akemi and she claims there's only one kind of rice in Japan.  And I'm assuming it aint whole grain.

Freeman writes: "Most of the ship was never explored or at least not yet, are there going to be any surprise stasis pods or anything like an ancient or two hiding somewhere on the ship?"

Answer: Well, now, wouldn't that be interesting?  Please remember to file this comment and response away for future reference.  Like, say, late in season 2.

irish pete writes: "Hey Joe, i was looking at some old sg1 episodes and in an episode called 'demons' (season 3) the writer is carl binder. Is this the infamous moustache wearing, german supporting rogue that we all love/ hate/ are indifferent to?"

Answer: That be him!

Ben writes: "So, just for my peace of mind, what exactly happened to Caine? Is he dead, or still alive? He was still alive when the light appeared, but then he says he remembers his death. So, what's going on there?"

Answer: One could draw the following conclusion from having watched the episode – Caine and the others died on the planet (in Caine's case, it was on the heels of witnessing the white light).  The planet's caretakers/creators discovered them too late and sought to remedy the situation by restoring them to full functionality and reuniting them with Destiny.  However, while constructing planets is easy, resurrecting once living beings is not and this resulted in – for lack of a better way of putting it – each of the restored human beings having an expiry date.  Eventually, the damage done caught up with their corporeal forms, resulting in all of their deaths – even Caine's which took place offscreen.

Joan001 writes: "Speaking of exploring the ship – don't they have beaming technology and if so, will they discover it?"

Answer: You're thinking of the Asgard.

Doug writes: "I disagree with that characterization of Caine. He was never a man of science or logic, all of his choices and responses in both Faith and Visitation seemed to be constructed on his system of belief.

As a religious scientist myself, my first reaction would always be to suspect the explicable before the inexplicable. It's not a challenge to the faith of any reasonable believer to accept that not everything you dont understand is de facto divine."

Answer: In this case though, it wasn't a simple theoretical matter but a very personal life and death experience, and that no doubt informed his conclusion.  Also, the fact that both the existence of powerful aliens or an omnipotent God are posited but neither hypothesis is supported by corroborative evidence.

Elminster writes: "I've often wondered why you haven't done a 'Japan Trip' with your Sis?"

Answer: Okay, now you're beginning to sound like my mother.

squall78 writes: "I am hearing from some of my sources that SGU will be renewed for a 3rd season. Same sources that told me Caprica was done, so I do trust them, but they said take it as any rumor or buzz or good/bad sign. Brad said he might possibly leave, but didn't he leave or take a break back when SG-1 ended and you and Paul were running SGA? Also, would you take the showrunner position for SGU if Brad were to leave if the opportunity was given to you? I think you guys did great with SGA, would hate to see Brad leave totally but I think you and Paul would still make an amazing show. Your eps have been some of my favorites of this series."

Answer: I wouldn't put much stock in rumors.  After all, many of us were convinced that season 11 of SG-1 was going to happen and, well, we all know how that turned out.  To the best of my knowledge, the decision-makers have yet to broach the subject of a renewal and I don't expect to hear definite word, positive or negative, until January.  Right now, there's no knowing what kind of a scenario we'd be looking at if and when SGU gets that third season pick-up but, for the record, Paul and I were co-show runners this year with Brad.

Tagged: pugs

November 24, 2010: Comic haul! The return of the Weird Food Purchase of the Day! Snow Monkeys go for their sixth win eight games!

Well, not actually a comic haul.  More of a trade paperback haul…

I've come to prefer collections over single issues and these were a few of the titles I've been meaning to pick up for a while.

Chew: Police detective Tony Chu uses his cibopathic abilities to solve crime, deriving psychic sensations from whatever he consumes.  As a foodie, how can I NOT check this one out.

Secret Six: Gail Simone's awesome re-launch follows a team of calculating yet colorful and charismatic villains who take on the missions those other super groups would never dream of tackling.

The Walking Dead: Enjoying the series on AMC?  Well, check out the comic book that inspired it.  It's even better.

Maus: A Survivor's Tale: In this Pultizer Prize-winning work that took thirteen years to complete, the author uses metaphor to tell the tale of a Jew living in Poland under Nazi rule.  Considered among the greatest graphic novels of all time.

All quiet on the Stargate front as the cast and crew head their separate ways to work, enjoy the holidays, and await word on a potential third season.  Meanwhile, post-production continues (as Kerry, our post-production coordinator will frequently remind us) with Day 1 Mixes of Deliverance and Twin Destinies, and a Day 2 Mix of Alliances on deck.  And, given the way the schedule looks to be playing out, I'll probably be receiving delivery of the Day 1 Mix of The Hunt at The Imperial Hotel in mid-December.

Today's weird food purchase of the day comes compliments of blog regular Laura who spotted a package of Astronaut Ice Cream at the U.S. Space Camp gift shop and thought of me. Thanks, Laura.

November 23, 2010: New episode of Stargate: Universe tonight! Visitation! 9:00 p.m. on Syfy!

Hey!  Look at what I found at work today!

Ashleigh brought her parents' dog, Flori, in for the day to help with the paperwork…

Anyway, she did very good work, organizing Ashleigh's desk, sending out some documents on my behalf, even making an awesome cappuccino with a intricate leaf design on its surface.

She proved an instant hit with everyone, especially one Carl Binder…

Note – Flori doesn't know quite what to make of the guy.

Flori on her lunch break.

Needless to say, Flori and I got along famously and I ended up suggesting she interview for the Executive Producers' Assistant position.

I've got my fingers crossed for her!

Thanks to everyone who has made the enormous effort to get the word out about Stargate: Universe's second season.  I see you all on twitter and your hard work is much appreciated.  With two more episodes before the mid-season break, let's finish STRONG!  Tonight's episode, Visitation, finds some old friends (see episode #213, Faith) paying Destiny a mysterious and unexpected visit…

Pop Culture Zoo's Joseph Dilworth Jr. weighs in with his thoughts on tonight's episode here: http://popculturezoo.com/2010/11/destiny-gets-a-visitation-on-the-next-stargate-universe/

Show Patrol's Curt Wagner gives us a sneak peek and preview of tonight's episode here: http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/show-patrol/2010/11/stargate-universe-goes-twilight-zone-in-visitation.html

Meanwhile, WormholeRiders recently interviewed one of Visitation's very special guest stars: http://wormholeriders.com/blog/?p=21038

Steve Eramo has an interview with Elyse Levesque (SGU's Chloe Armstrong) here: http://scifiandtvtalk.typepad.com/scifiandtvtalk/2010/11/stargate-universes-elyse-levesque-growing-pains.html

And an interview with Erick Avari (SG-1′s Kasuf) here: http://scifiandtvtalk.typepad.com/scifiandtvtalk/2010/11/stargate-sg-1s-erick-avari-full-circle-heroes-star-trek.html

AND an interview with multi-Stargate series co-creator Brad Wright here: http://scifiandtvtalk.typepad.com/scifiandtvtalk/2010/11/stargate-universes-brad-wright-its-a-wonderful-life.html

On the non-SGU front, check out this fun site – Tales from Beyond the Pale – that offers radio plays for the digital age (http://talesfrombeyondthepale.com/).  Among the creepy entries is an offering from one of our former Book of the Month Club guests, author Sarah Langan.  In Is This Seat Taken? a "young man meets an alluring woman on the long Island Railroad and slowly comes to realize they have a common past… but maybe not the one she is recollecting."

Let's conclude today's entry with a few production pics…

And some of you thought MY handwriting was illegible.

Space bison!

Will gives Brian some flying instructions.

Apparently, these are the chairs the astronauts use.

Looks mighty comfy, no?

November 22, 2010: Rate my Tokyo restaurant list!

In approximately two weeks, Ivon and I will be Tokyo-bound.  Since I'll be in company this time rather flying solo, I've decided to mix things up a bit.  Instead of the strictly Michelin star blowouts of past years, I've elected to broaden my horizons by incorporating a little high and a low-end dining into the culinary itinerary: teppanyaki, yakitori, izakayas, tempura, tonkatsu sushi, unagi, and, yes, a handful of Michelin stars.  Even though we'll be playing things more by ear on this trip, I'm a firm believer in the more structured approach to travel, thus I've gone ahead and established some touchstones for us to look forward to/schedule around.  These touchstones will (surprise surprise) take the form of restaurants located throughout Tokyo.  So, for instance, if we know we'll be having dinner at Sawada in Ginza, we may elect to spend the day in the nearby area – breakfast at Tsukiji, lunch at Mos Burger, browsing at Misukoshi and Ito-ya, taking in a Noh performance, then after-dinner drinks at the Desert Rose.

Anyway, this is how it's looking so far…

Day #1: Dinner at Kamon.  We get in late, so what better way to introduce Ivon to the marvels of kobe beef than a teppanyaki meal at the hotel restaurant.

Day #2: Dinner at Birdland.  Heard a lot of very good things about this upscale yakitori joint that serves up everything from chicken breast with basil sauce to "chicken oysters" (whatever they are).

Day #3: Lunch at Butagumi.  If you're in the mood for tonkatsu (deep-fried pork cutlet), looking no further than this restaurant in Nishi-Azabu that offers up some 57 different varieties of pork from Spanish Iberico and Chinese Meishanton.

Day #4: Dinner at Sawada.  We'll be doing plenty of casual breakfast sushi at Tsukiji, but for blow-your-mind high-end sushi, I can't think of better than Sawada.  Last year, I went for lunch and enjoyed a three hour feast.

Day #5: Dinner at Pachon.  This restaurant comes recommended to me from my buddy Stefan who I met on my last trip to Tokyo.  He's a bigger foodie than I am (I mean, the guy carries around his own salt pouch!) and spend the better part of his year in France – so he should know what he's talking about.

Day #6: Diner at the Molecular Tapas Bar.  Beef cooked in nitrous oxide.  Liquid nitrogen Blue Hawaiian.  Just a couple of the inspired two dozen or so dishes served up at THE place to sample the wonders of molecular gastronomy in Tokyo.  Ivon had only one restaurant request, and this was it.

Day #7: Dinner at Kondo.  If you're going to do one tempura meal in Tokyo, you can't do much better than this restaurant in Ginza.

Day #8: Dinner at Hirosaku.  One of my best meals on my last trip to Tokyo was lunch at the family-owned and operated Hirosaku.  According to the concierge who made the reservation, Mrs. Watanabe remembers me.  I'm guessing she remembers the ever-gregarious Stefan and just happens to recall the guy he was dining with.  Anyway, eager to try the charcoal-grilled Japanese black cattle this time.

Day #9: Lunch at Nodaiwa. This fifth generation restaurants is one of the few places to serve natural eel – steamed and served with wasabi and rock salt or lovingly broiled.

Day #10: Dinner at Muroi.  I missed Muroi on my last trip, an oversight I intend to rectify this time.  Apparently, the chef specializes in wild mushrooms (with over 70 varieties!).

Day #11: Ristorante Honda.  I have to include at least one Italian restaurant and Ristorante Honda comes highly recommended.  Apparently, they do a winter flan with foie gras and truffles as well as a sea urchin tagliolini.

Day #12: Tateru Yoshino Ginza.  Organic vegetables from Chiba, seafood from Yamaguchi and Wakayama, and lamb from Hokkaido.  Another restaurant that made my short list last time I visited.

Day #13-15: Open.

So, I figure somewhere in there, we'll work in a bunch of izakayas, ramenyas, at least one soba kaiseki, and maybe a lunch at that place in Omotesando that serves up burgers in those whiter than white buns – not to mention all the desserts!  I swear, this trip, if the sake doesn't kill us the pistachio macarons will!

If you've got a dish you'd like to enter in the "I Make the Best Whatever" contest, post a description and link to a pic by tomorrow night at the latest.  I've got more than enough to choose from and would like to announce the elite eight contenders for the recipe showdown.

Today's blog entry is dedicated to PBMom.  Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Tagged: Tokyo travel