Japan! April 21 Part 4 - Katsu Midori

I felt like Katsu Midori deserved its own blog entry. My mom had done some research online and found out about this popular kaiten (revolving bar) sushi restaurant in Shibuya, within walking distance of our hotel. Once we arrived and saw the people waiting outside for a seat inside, we knew it was going to be tasty. We started taking plates from the bar, and I was impressed by how fresh the fish was, and the fish-to-rice ratio. Everything was delicious, and reasonable, the least expensive plate was 105Y (appr. $1.20). After looking at what the other customers were eating, we realized many people were mainly placing special orders. We did the same, including for the salmon. The main sushi chef was extremely boisterous and entertaining, yelling "Irrashai, irrashai!" (Welcome, welcome!) every time a new customer walked in. It was a super savory and fun time, the nighttime view from our hotel room topped it off.

Japan! Day 12, Part 2 : Katsu Sushi

Steve really wanted to have some sushi during our trip, so for lunch we went to Katsu Sushi, where my mom and I had gone the year before. She reminded me how to get to the Seibu shopping center in Shibuya, I was quite surprised when I found it so close to the train station. Steve really enjoyed the salmon, I enjoyed all the generous cuts of fish and how it covered the rice. The kids enjoyed the various choices besides sushi, such as chicken, edamame, and ice cream. The same, entertaining sushi chef was there and posed for a photo at the end of our meal. We enjoyed modern Japanese culture and dining at its finest!

Japan! April 18 Part 4 - Probably the Most Food I've Eaten in a Day

I have been looking forward to doing this post. The day for our Nara excursion started off with the excellent breakfast at the Kyoto Granvia Hotel. Two visits to the buffet included salmon, pastries, corn potage and mixed fruit, as well as curry rice, mixed vegetables, potato salad, sausage, and a poached egg. (The coffee was freshly ground, yum.)  For lunch I ate two of these large sushi wrapped in wasabi leaves which my mom and I purchased at the entrance of Todaiji. I stood while I ate, to ward off the deer. Since lunch was so light (in my mind), my mom and I had a snack at a cafe in Nara, where I had a large bowl of spaghetti with meat sauce and zucchini. (How could I pass up the Y650 special?) The day ended with a "nama" beer, katsu don and curry udon. The waitress offered extra udon noodles at no extra charge, and again, how could I refuse? Vacation does that to me, it works up my appetite!  Honestly, I myself am in disbelief at how much food I consumed in one day. 

Notes: My mom had a light dessert at the cafe and a small dinner.
What I ate for breakfast this day is much more that what I usually eat in an entire (work) day. Weekends and summer do not count.

BestBBallCakes

BestBBallCakes
Originally uploaded by MinaG.

Today we celebrated Steve's birthday, the theme was basketball! Yumi picked out the decor, and with Mama's chicken katsu and rice, and an amazing dancing video made by Rob (with input by Mari :), followed by great 3-on-3 basketball, the day ended with these amazing cakes handcrafted by Rob, he must have used some measuring tools and stencils for the precise frosting job. It was a terrific day.