IkkaTei Tabiji

by Wen Hokkaido Japan

IkkaTei Tabiji 一花亭たびじ

9-15 Wakamatsucho, Hakodate-shi, Donburi Yokocho Market, Hakodate, Hokkaido
+81 138-27-6171

Lunch

Have you ever heard of Odorigui? (踊り食い , literally “dancing eating”) Eating fresh seafood while it’s moving seem very scary. We were frightened by the squid went mad when we poured soy sauce on it.

Ike Ika-Don

Dancing Squid Rice Bowl
The most popular dish is squid Odorigui bowl of rice. When you pour soy source squid starts dancing.

Sashimi Style Hokkaido Scallop

Uni and Ikura Don うにいくら丼

Tempura Kondo

by Wen Japan Michelin Star Tokyo

Tempura Kondo てんぷら近藤

東京都中央区銀座5-5-13坂口ビル9Ｆ
5-5-13 Ginza, Sakaguchi Bldg 9F, Chuo 104-0061, Tokyo, Japan
+81 3-5568-0923

Kaede Dinner Course

This place is a Michelin 2 starred restaurant. Chef Kondo has 2 pans filled with oil. He would batter the food, then place it in the first pot for a very short amount of time, then transfer it to the second pot. The tempura was lighter on batter than what you find at most places and literally from pot to plate a piece at a time. If you’re a die hard sweet potato fan, don’t forget to order their signature sweet potato tempura, which has to be ordered at the start of your meal as it requires about 30 mins to prepare.

Appetizer

Prawn Heads

The head of the prawn was so crispy, like potato chips!

Prawn

Soft and juicy with a very thin layer of batter.

Asparagus

Kisu

The fish was in perfect texture, crispy on the skin but juicy and tender inside!

Shiitake Mushroom

Eggplant

White Fish

This is my favorite among all 3 different kinds of white fish.

Baby Corn

The taste of baby corn was so mild and sweet, love it!

Sea eel

Onion

Kakiage

a mixture of bits of scallop. prawn fried in batter

Fruits

Monaco

by Wen Monaco

A Day Trip to the Medieval Village of Eze

by Wen France

Things to Do & See in Eze

Eze is located between Nice and Monaco. It is a 1000+ years old village on a high cliff (1,401 feet above sea level). Looks like we will have some uphill walking/climbing today.

We rent a car and drive from Toulon and it takes about 2 hours. We arrive almost around noon. The tourist information office is excellent providing assistance in many languages, maps and time tables of the buses and trains. Hence, we book a walking tour from the tourist information center. I’d suggest that you arrive early because you cannot drive up with your own car and parking in the tourist parking lot is limited. It takes us quite a while to find the parking space.

Lunch at Le Pinocchio
We have lunch at “Le Pinocchio” at the base of the old village. Afterwards we take a leisurely climb up the winding street to the old village.

Upon entering I feel transported back to the Medieval period while walking up the uneven stone streets through narrow passages. Beautiful old town hanging on a cliff side overlooking the Mediterranean Sea with fabulous views.

1. VIEUX EZE

The village is very well preserved and chic. It’s full of winding medieval cobblestone streets with quaint little shops and cafes. Many of the old residences have been converted into jewelry shops, art galleries, souvenir shops, and boutiques.

Church of the Penitents of the White Brotherhood
The construction of the chapel dates from the year 1306.

2. LE JARDIN EXOTIQUE D’EZE

The garden has an interesting collection of exotic cactus. Quite a climb but worth it for the views. Go there and be wowed!

Panoramic view over the coast!

A breathtaking view!

3. Eglise Notre Dame de l’Assomption

Located at the foot of the Village. The inside is an explosion of Baroque colors and dramatic design.

Easy Day Trips in Toulon

by Wen France

Toulon is located in the southern of France between Marseille and Nice. It is not a major tourist destination like other cities in France. We are visiting Toulon mostly because our friend’s mother-in-law lives here and she is on a vacation to somewhere else. We are lucky to stay at her place and have our friend Zoe tour us around Toulon.

Things to Do & See

1. COURS LAFAYETTE

Typical french market with huge selection of fruits, cheese, vegetables, and various merchandise. It’s the heart of the old town near the harbor. The market stretches for many blocks. We bought some food and went home made our own lunch. Closed around 1pm.

Breakfast at La Cade
Our friend Zoe said she must get the baked chickpea pancake each time she visits Toulon. It tastes really good and unique!

Lunch
We bought fruits, olives, cheeses, veggies, meats, and breads from the market. Made ourselves a great meal!

2. TELEPHERIQUE DU MONT FARON

Fun gondola ride to the top of Mt. Faron. You will need to take the bus to the lift. We purchased the ticket at the tourism office near the Cours Lafayette market. The top of Mt. Faron is a pleasant stroll for an hour or so.

3. RADE DE TOULON

The Rade de Toulon is the largest French naval port in the south of France and the Mediterranean. If you want to get on the water there are various tourist boat tours. We took the boat to Porquerolles. It’s very enjoyable!

4. PORQUEROLLES

Porquerolles is the largest and most westerly of the 3 islands in the Îles d’Hyères. Day trip to Porquerolles was a lot of fun. Rent a bike when you arrive. It’s the best way to visit different beaches, shores and vineyards.