Recent new openings
So I have been to a bevy of new openings in the last few weeks. Here is the rundown. Ivy Place in Daikanyama. This is David Chiddo's new restaurant in Daikanyama. The food is calssic Chiddo fare, brining together good...
Japan in the world today
Japan is no longer a relevant country anymore. There I said it. I was hoping I would never say it, but I have. The US only provides lip service to Japan as an ally in case of a confrontation with...
Comfort Food in Tokyo- The Reuben Sandwich
The Reuben sandwich is the first "named" sandwich. It is pastrami and sauerkraut, usually on rye. It has been a favorite comfort food of mine for most of my life especially while I was in NY. Unfortunately for us Tokyoites,...
Comfort food in Tokyo - The patty melt
A lot has been written about the Renaissance in gourmet burgers in Tokyo over the past couple of years so I won't touch on that so much. However, the poor man's burger the sandwich that Eddie Murphy's mom made for...
Comfort food in Tokyo- NY style pizza
Tokyo is a city of fine cuisine. You can get almost anything and at great quality as well. It is better than New York in some ways. However, one thing that is difficult to find in Tokyo is good pizza....
Comfort food in Tokyo- The Chili cheese dog
The chili cheese dog. A wonderful combination of processed meats and what amounts to cheez-Whiz. Any red-blooded respectable American will attest to the grandeur that is the chili dog. My history with the chili dog in Tokyo started at Zest...
Comfort food in Tokyo - Cheesesteaks II
Hooters- apparently they have them. I haven't been to Hooters yet, so I have no review. TGIFridays- their cheesesteak is a bit weird. The bread is completely wrong. It feels more like a traditional sandwich than a cheesesteak. I am...
EarthQUAKE III
It is now the 16th. Normally I Would be drunk on green beer somewhere celebrating St. Pat's day, but duty calls. It is now day 6 since the earthquake hit northern Japan. Things are getting weird in Tokyo. The streets...
EarthQUAKE II
So one day has passed since the earthquake hit the Japanese Islands. Obviously the northern part of Honshu has been struck the worst. The pictures from Sendai and Ibaraki are pretty telling of the catastrophe. There is no way to...
Major Earthquake
I am safe at home. I hope everyone else has gotten home tonight or has a warm place to stay. It is getting cold and I know a lot of people are stranded in the big city. I hope they...
Molecular Bar at Mandarin Oriental
So finally I got off my ass and went to the Molecular Bar at the Mandarin Oriental. It received one star from the Michelin Guide last year. I was not a fan of Fat Duck or El Bulli when I...
New openings Mosaique
Where Pierre Gagnaire used to be in Minami Aoyama has a new tenant. Mosaique, a casual French place and bar run by some of the old staff at Citabria. Arn asked me to stop by their soft opening last week....
China/Japan relations- WTF?
I usually don't write about anything controversial on this blog, because I assume that no one should care about what an anonymous person feels about an issue. It only fuels needless debate without resolution. Having said that, I cannot sit...
Cajun sandwiches!!!!
Sohan is doing cajun sandwiches at his bar Bourbon Street in Roppongi. They sounds great, but only 10 are being sold each day. I will definitely go some night when I can get out early and gorge myself.... Speaking of...
Everybody relax, I'm here.
That is a quote from Big Trouble in Little China. Awesome movie to watch and get drunk to. Don't expect a masterpiece, it's just fun, it's like a better version of Goonies, because it has Jack Burton in it. Speaking...
New openings
Hello Readers! Another installment of the most unread blog in the world. So a friend of mine Arn is opening a new restaurant in Omotesando soon. It is going to be in the spot that Pierre Gagnaire was, across the...
Sohan of Bourbon Street back for a night
So last night I went to a special dinner at Mario Frittoli's in Nishi Azabu. It was a joint dinner between Mario and Sohan. Unfortunately I had a cold so I couldn't drink, but it was fun nonetheless. Highlights were...
Random stuff
I have been working on some proprietary code and keeping some weird hours. But while I have soem downtime while the code is off and calculating some paramaters for my models, I had some free time to mess around with...
New toy Part I
So I have been going on a bit of a crazy shoppping spree over the past few weeks. One of the things I picked up was the Apollo 11 spacecraft chogokin. I haven't opened it up yet, but I look...
Pet Peeve
I hate it when Japanese people use the word "luxury" instead of "luxurious". I understand that luxury can be used as an adjective, as in luxury cruise, or luxury brand or luxury car, but most of the time the person...
Restaurant updates
So it's been a while since my last foodie update. So some items of interest: Blacows- the awesome kuroge wagyu burger joint in Ebisu delivers now!!!! Awesome! The place emphasizes awesome ingredients, using kuroge wagyu for its patties, Maison Keyser...
New grails for me
I have in my hands evidence that certain Meisaku chogokin were made at least in prototype form. I already have a bosborot meisaku back at home in NY, and I heard about the momotaro and gachapin, but now I see...
Happy New Year
Happy New Year to any of those reading this. Just a new FYI: Cohiba is introducing a master wrapper verison of the SigloVI, I will probablt smoke one, but the cost is 14,000 JPY a pop!
My Mecha Godzilla
I got the R/C Mecha Godzilla about 6 months ago, and I finally got around to open it up. It is the best mecha godzilla ever.... EVER! It is pretty awesome and it has so many functions, it is overwhelming....
little lima
Little Lima is a small teppanyaki place on Kotto-dori. It used to be in Nishi-Azabu and it moved to Kotto-dori a number of years ago. It is a small place, run by a family with the father and son running...
Bourbon Street
Since my last post was about a restaurant run by a friend I will continue bu introducing those of you who don't know to Bourbon Street- probably the only and if not only still the best Cajun food in Tokyo....
Mario Frittoli i Sentieri
Based in Nishi Azabu, Mario Frittoli i Sentieri is celebrity chef Mario Frittoli's new restaurant. He used to work at Il Forno, Il Pinolo and then at Luxor, so he has been around and knows his food. I have been...
Canned coffee
Canned coffee in Japan is not a new concept. It has been around as long as I can remember, with UCC (Ueshima coffee Company) being the first on I tried, growing up as a kid. The first time I had...
Cougars in Japanese media
I am watching a stupid program that is introducing the term cougar to Japan. They are saying that the term is popular in the States now.... maybe about 3~4 years ago, yes but now it isn't a popular term, as...
My smallest Zoid
Went to the local FamilyMart today and picked up a coke. Attached was a small Zoid figure- cool! My smallest Zoid. I think it is supposed to be a keitai strap.
Keyakizaka and some catching up
So I have been quite busy with work lately, so I haven't been really going out much. But I did get to Keyakizaka (teppan at the Grand Hyatt GH) in Roppongi Hills. It got one stat from Michelin. As is...
New openings Two Rooms
On March 26th, I went to a restaurant/bar in the new Ao building close to home. Two Rooms, the grill and bar that serves as the main restaurant for the building opened that day. The following Sunday was the official...
It's been a while
It has been a while since I have last written any updates to the Modern Tokyo Man. Much has happened so I wil fill you in on some of the more eventful things. I recently went to the Grand Central...
Prime Minister Aso
While the US has a new President that, while some people may not like, the populace thinks will bring change, Japan has a veritable clown as their Prime Minister Let's look at a quick comaprison between the two leaders. Obama-...
Feel Craptacular
Oh man, I feel like one of those bugs that enter the brain in the Wrath of Khan is doing jumping jacks in my head. Bukowski would be proud. Bukowski would die from my heinous hangover... Hangovers are proof that...
Out last night Roti - 57 - Amrta
Was out last night and went to Roti in Roppongi Midtown. I don;t like the Roti in the Pyramide Bldg closer to Nishi Azabu, but the one in Midtown is pretty good. The food is about the same, but the...
The price of Cigars has gone up
As of August 1, the price of cigars in Tokyo (Japan) has gone up about 10%. Now my beloved Cohiba Robustos cost 3300 JPY! I actually find myself bargain hunting for cigars. While it is only 10%, If I buy...
Tateru Yoshino
Was at Tateru Yoshino a couple of weeks ago. As always an excellent meal. Tateru Yoshino is a fine chef who holds stars in both his Tokyo restaurant and Stella Maris in France. He actually jets from country to country...
Another night in the big Mikan
So I went to the Hancock premiere last week. As premieres go I kind of looked forward to this one (Charlize Theron!!!!!). I was able to steal a few minutes of her time, and she was quite cool about it....
New club opening
Well, went to another opejning last night. This makes about 5 in the past week.... Is Japan really in an economic pickle, because I can't see it.... Anyway went to the Century Court opening party last night. Thanks to a...
101 and counting
Well, I haven't updated this thing for a while. Been busy. Having an active life prevents one from actually being able to put down in words what's going on often. It also prevents you from being as introspective as you...
100th article
And still no one is reading my blog. I don't care (maybe really a little). It is more fun to read back my old articles from a coupl e of months ago and laugh that to be read by other...
L'embellir
Went to L'embellir the other night. I have been meaning to check it out, but was not able to until last week. It is very close to my home (Walking distance) and the restaurant took 1 star on MIchelin (not...
In the process of Spring Cleaning
I am cleaning up my toy collection again. I dare not allow my maid to touch the collection if fear she might break something. I ahve too much stuff and my house is not big enough to store everything, so...
Dazzle
Went back to Dazzle in Ginza recently. I am not a fan of the place, but it was a work function. Dazzle is one of those Citabria/Casita cloes when it comes to food. International with a hint of Asian. It...
Zeal for toy collecting
As one of my vices collecting toys has been more of the innocuous (to my health) hobbies that I have. However, recently I just don't have the zeal that I once did for the stuff. I still want a few...
Il Mulino Revisited
They changed the beef carpaccio! Ugh. What a disaster! I liked the old carpaccio they did- veggies wrapped in raw beef. It was good. This new carpaccio is OK, but it is the same old carpaccio you could get anywhere.......
2-chan
Is 2-chan a venue for just anonymous, mean-spirited bashing? I thinkit is a good thing for 2-chan to exist, but a lot of the crap that comes out of there come from cowardly losers who hide behind the veil of...
Random toy image
I don't have the room to display my toys, not that I really want to, but that is another story. So the toys just pile up. I figured someone might be interested in seeing toys just piled up, so here...
New Toy
Picked up the Yamato Bryger. I have to say, I am quite happy with it. It was bigger than I thought and it is quite nice. One day I will post pics of the old Takatoku one next to this...
Michelin Guide
Well, the first Michelin guide for an Asian city (Tokyo) is out. I am unimpressed with the choices they made. I have eaten at most of these places and obviously a whole lot more, but their rankings are not wise...
EX Gokin
Finally completed the set of Getter Ex Gokins. The three robots and the black Ryome Getter I. They are quite hefty and cool looking, but lack the funkiness of old chogokins. They don't feel like toys for kids. They are...
Peninsula
I almost wrote Penis-ula, yikes. Anyway, went on Friday for a pre-open festivity. I have only stayed at the Peninsula in HK and NYC, so I can't compare to many of its sister hotels, but the Peninsula in Marunouchi is...
NY B&G
Went to the New York Bar and Grill for the first time in a while. The food hasn't really changed since last time. The menu is the same, the gazpacho was OK, but I like the gazpacho better at Cicada,...
New Toys
Not really a toy, but picked up a new Dell desk top with a 22inch monitor. I am quite happy with it, even though there were problems at the start. I am using it to surf the web, play games...
Recent Party
So, I went to the Summer Disco thing at the Grand Hyatt earlier this month. They actually did a pretty good job setting thing up and getting people to come. I went with a co-worker and he was amazed at...
Back from my long trip
Hello! Was in the motherland (US) for a few weeks, and just got back. NYC was vibrant and energetic, as always, but as I get older, the appeal starts to fade. Lotsa new restaurants (will write about them later) but...
Golden Week
It is Goldwen Week in Japan, and I am more relaxed than usual. I bought a new toy. A HoneyBee remote control helicopter. I haven't opened her up yet, but I aim to next weekend when I have more time....
Keyakizaka
Went to the new teppanyaki at the Grand Hyatt in Ropppongi Hills on Thursday. In a word- "meh." The food was good, not outstanding but good. I was most disappointed with the steak, which should not be the case, as...
Catch up
Haven't written in a while. I will try to catch up on some events that I attended. This week is the opening of Roppongi Midtown. Another complex of restaurants, shops and condos in the middle of Roppongi, where the self...
Michelin Guide in Tokyo
Michelin announced recently that they will be doing a restaurant and hotel guide for Tokyo this year. This is their first foray into Asia. Tokyo is obvioulsy a good place to start. However, foodies in the hood are already commenting...
Dinner with De Niro
Went to the new Nobu again last night. Had dinner with Robert De Niro (sory for name dropping but I do it so infrequently). Talked about the restaurant situation in Tokyo, good food and the world food scene in general....
Louis Vuitton
Went to the Japan CEO's birthday party on Saturday. No swag, unfortunately. Lotsa cute models though. Got a few digits, but nothing special. My friend was ecstatic though. He had a good time. Went to an interesting ramen shop over...
Feria
Another party at Feria tonight. I erally don;t like the place. For those of you who don't know it is in the Grace Bldg. across the street from where Velfarre used to be in Roppongi. There are too many people...
Cohiba Pyramides 2006
Recently I had the fortune of trying the 2006 Limitada Cohiba Pyramides. A beautiful cigar. Nice aftertaste. Strong and flavorful. It was at my local cigar shop in Aoyama but it costs a bit 4500 yen per. I bought ten...
Church's shoes
I have to say that Churchs' shoes is one of my favorite shoes. They are not as stylish as Lobb's but they are workhorses. They look nice and are very comfortable. I broke in a pair yesterday. Shiny new penny...
Yamato model
As readers are aware, I have recently acquired the Yamato model from Bandai. It is impressive. My one regret so far is that the turrents are brass and NOT painted already. You have to paint it yourself! This is an...
Beacon Brunch
Beacon started brunch last weekend (28th). It's pretty good, reminiscent of the old days when it was Lunchan. The portions are huge. It is a carbohydrate attack. I seem to gain weight every time I go. Get the French toast...
Poker set
One of the things I got at my company's Christmas party was a poker set. I also got a Wii, but that is another story. My question is, why do you need dice for poker? I can't think of a...
Cufflinks
Men don't have a lot of opportunities to be individualistic in their fashion. OF course you can be crazy and dress like Elton John, but he can get away with it becuse he is Elton John, eccentric and rich. So...
British Embassy
Went to the British Embassy last night for a party. Drank and ate too much. Hung out with the ambassador. As opposed to the US embassy, the British embassy is quite nice. The US embassy is basically a fortress. The...
Cohiba Atmosphere
The bar Rhapsody remodelled and changed its name to Cohiba Atmosphere. There is no restauarant ont he second floor anymore and the first floor has a bit of a tropical feel to it now. The loss fo the restaurant is...
Bar Sophia
I went to Bar Sophia in Nishi Azabu for a friend's going away party. I don't see the why people are fascinated with this bar. It does not seem special in any way. The links to Sophia Loren are superficial...
Fugu
Had fugu again over the weekend, but it was the first time this year (2007)! I don't know what the fascination is with fugu. The meat is tender and has a little umami, but after you put some ponzu on...
Well rounded
I was looking over the past entries in this old blog o' mine and I realized that all I talk about is food and toys. That was the original point, but I figured that the blog should better represent the...
Beacon new menu
Went to the Beacon last week (Friday). Matsubara-san from Cicada ihas moved over to Beacon. I have known him for a long time, ever since he was at Mike Amrta. It is always nice to know that someone you know...
General Update
I haven't written here in a while. Life has been too busy to update this old thing. I am thinking of updating the thing altogether and making it more than just a blog, but that will have to wait until...
Kamahachi
So went to Kamahachi for the first time in a couple of years last night. It's a small Japanese place along Rt. 246 in Omotesando. I happen to like the Oyster nabe there, but did not get that last night....
Layzner model
Wow, it's been a while since I have posted anything. I've been busy with work and parties so I haven't bothered with the blog. I am not diligent enough to keep writing, especially when I spend a lot of time...
Mechanic File Yamato
In my continuing bid to reduce the area that my collection takes up, I have been foreced to open more and more toys and discard the boxes. One such victim is the Mechanic File Yamato. As mentioned before in this...
Morimoto
Chef Morimoto is popular in the US as an Iron Chef and priprietor of a few restuarants bearing his name, especially in Philadelphia and New York. The Morimoto in Tokyo, in a nook of Roppongi is his foray into Japan....
God Marz
Well, went to Beacon Urban Chop House again for another big dinner. Hung with a friend in the private room in the back, loaded the table with a party of 12. As is usual had the BBQ Cajun Shrimp. Excellent....
Magiking alternate colors
In my quest to eliminate boxes, I have opened up the limited edition Magiking with the better paint job. It is the same toy as the original, but with more detailed paint. All the gimmicks are the same. I am...
Day in the life
I have actually received some feedback asking me what sort of life I lead. My blog here is mostly toys or restaurants, with an ocassional sidetrack into cigars or something else. I guess some have thought it a strange dichotomy...
RAH Stormtrooper
If you have the Darth Vader. You need to get a couple of these bad boys. I have always been a bit skeptical of the RAH line, as the figures are hit or miss. Clearly the older ones are crap....
