Azabu Sushi

A Japanese dinning and event company opened up in Tribecca. Upstairs is Greenwich Grill, a Japanese fusion restaurant. Downstairs is Sushi Azabu, where we had a very great Sushi dinner. After looking for a good, authentic sushi place, we decided to see what a Japanese dinning chain company could do here in NYC. We were going to order omakase. But how could I not order fresh oyster? They had a special oyster—really big and so rich. If you like Western oysters, like those one-slurp pieces, you may not like this milky, luxurious flavor.


We also tried 3-kind sashimi appetizer: fresh salmon, maguro (tuna) and yellow tail. All good. Very good.


Shirako! Don't be scared of the look. It doesn't taste as grotesque as it looks. If you are adventurous eater who wants good stuff, just go ahead and try. Don't bother learning which part of the fish it is. They broil/grill and seasoned only with some salt. Smokey on the outside; melting milky inside. Not fishy at all. At all. It's kind of like marshmallow on a camping fire, without the sweetness.


Since we were at the sushi bar, they served omakase one piece at a time, which is the best way to enjoy sushi. The conversation with the young chef is fun and informative. And you can enjoy each piece so fresh out of the chef's hand. I got carried away by popping each piece as they were served. No pics. Sorry. But I took a picture of someone else's order.... All sushi were so fresh and small, Edo-mae style. Most of the sushi here are served with soy sauce or salt already. I highly recommend this place to those who really like Japanese sushi. They do make spicy rolls for their local patrons. I was a bit surprised but I understand that they have to take a good care of their regulars. Romantic? I think so. It's a small, lovely place. And very quiet, which I like.

When you make a reservation, call them and tell them that you are going to Sushi Azabu. Open Table seems to be only for upstairs. If you want the sushi bar (which is highly recommended), make sure to mention it clearly. they only have 10 or so bar seats and 3 tables.

Cong Ly

Pho. Pho. Pho. I needed a cheap, delicious bowl of noodle soup. Pho is arguably the most comforting noodle soup. After researching on Chowhound and all other reliable internet source, we tried a small place in east Chinatown, Cong Ly. It's good. But not THE BEST, I have to say. Plus, they close by 9pm...

Lunch in Tsukiji

Sounds like Tsukiji market won't relocate until 2018 or so. But for most of us, the highlight of Tsukiji Market is the small restaurants and grocery stores outside the main market. On hidden alleys, so many tiny dining spots run their business. With my friend from Emerson College, I went to Kurokawa, a tempura restaurant with 15 seats. We tried their famous Kaki-age Don. Don means a dish served over steamed rice in a bowl. Kaki-age is a type of tempura with diced seafood or veggie. Their Kaki-age had big chunks of fresh, sweet scallop and shrimp. The koromo (tempura batter) is so light and crispy, even after dipped in the original tampura sauce. Most of these small spots are cash-only, but the environment alone is worth the try.


After the big tempura lunch, my friend took me to a hidden tea cafe. You can have a tea and a Japanese sweet for 300 - 600 yen (3 - 6 bucks). They bring you a pot of hot tea for refills.

Back in Tokyo

My last business trip to Japan. As always, I visited my favorite sushi place, Hide. We always toast with a beautiful plate of sashimi. He know how to pick the best seafood and decorate in a minimal yet excellent presentation.

An-kimo (angler fish liver) is usually prepared steamed or boiled and served in ponzu (citrus vinegar). 

Plump, sweet scallop grilled and wrapped in nori seaweed.

Winter is oyster. Oyster is my love! Japanese oyster has richer flavor and bigger in size compared to Western ones. Fresh oyster in Hide's original ponzu. I can get a bowl of this. Easily.

And final dish is a plate of assorted sushi. My favorite is in the middle. Shallots (I think it's different from what we have here) and quail egg. I will miss my Japanese trip...

HOPE

November 4, 2008 became another historical day for us who live in USA. Everyone was united: Citizens who can vote, immigrants who can't vote, including myself and a friend of mine who designed this beautiful poster for Artists for Obama project. (To have a talented person like him around me is another reason I love living in NYC.)

It was beautiful and sensational that we won. But I was more emotional about the experience, something we never experience in Japan. The US government/politics is corrupted in some ways for sure. But when did we have Prime Minister that people find hope in? Or a candidate who raises $150 millions in a month—average contribution of under $86 per person?

We proved that change can happen and McCain lost. But I have to say McCain's speech after the defeat was very respectable. Speech is another thing Japanese politicians are bad at. The 5 candidates, including Asoh, had a group interview before the election. They all sounded confused, scared or uninspiring. Obama's speeches remind us of JFK—they say it's due to the fact one of his speech writers Adam Frankel worked under Theodore C. Sorensen, a famous speechwriter and advisor for JFK. All his 3 speechwriters are under 30 years old. Lots of his volunteers were also young people. His entire campaign was indeed an evidence of our hope for the future. And Obama gave hope for old people too. Like the story about 106 years old black lady and the story about Charles who won a lotto to meet Obama (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TW-6DpC-mj8).

It's going to be tough for Obama for sure. He over-promised many things and he raised expectations among us. Now it's our duty to continue supporting him and keep believing in him.

Ugly Miko

2009 Halloween. I was sick sick sick. Came home. Dressed up. Took hundreds of pictures myself. Undressed. Slipped into bed... No party. No fun. But I guess this looks funny.