TimeOut

Hello All!

I know that many of you PuristS are music fans and appreciate musical instruments.  In the Asakusa area of Tokyo is a fantastic restaurant called Waentei Kikko.  The chef/owner Mr. Fukui Kodai not only serves up a delicious gastronomical Keiseki meal but also plays and teaches a traditional Japanese instrument called the ' Tsugaru-Shamisen'.



The Tsugaru Shamisen is a 3-string instrument sort of a mix between a guitar and banjo.

Here's the video of Mr. Kodai's impressive talent:





-MW



This message has been edited by DRMW on 2009-07-22 22:23:34 This message has been edited by DRMW on 2009-07-25 00:56:41

Tokyo never ceases to amaze me.

Very impressive performance. How's the food? Is it as good as the music?

Thanks for sharing DRMW! You've got a sixth sense for finding these unique places.

A keiseki meal is a must do on everyone's list when visiting Tokyo and Waentei Kikko was a great place to experience it.  Pics of the food shortly. 

-MW

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Hello Stephen?

It's in your neck of the woods, have you been there yet? 

-MW

Unfortunately I havent been there yet! Don't really go to "touristy" places like Asakusa much, but i'D like to go one day!

Thanks for the introduction, and of course the beautiful food photos!

Stephen

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Thanks for sharing this DRMW.  That's a really cool video.  How did you find all of the cool places in Tokyo? You must had done a lot of research or had the world most awesome-ous activities director ever

I'm looking forward to your food pics.

Regards,

ATM

Hello ATM,

When I travel my 'Activities Director' sometimes does a outstanding job of finding these things.  But I do recall the time we had to kayak to the Mokulua Islands and my arms nearly fell off from all that paddling. =(

-MW

Hi DRMW,

I hope you do reward your Activities Director well *hint: AP PC* . I had to temporarily 'terminate' my Oahu Activities Director Assistant when my itinerary included "rock climbing", LOL.

Still waiting PATIENTLY for the food pictures...

Regards,

ATM

Videos are fun.  Music videos are even better.  This is my favorite post of the day!  *squirming with excitement*

I really enjoy learning about the indigenous music and instruments of different areas.  The sound of these Tsugaru Shamisen remind me of frailing techniques played on a plectrum banjo.  You get that same percussive effect on certain downstrokes.  Very cool!  Thanks for sharing.

Cheers,
Daos

I knew you would appreciate this instrument!  Thanks for the compliment!  Hopefully you could play your guitar for the local L.A. PuristS one day! 

-MW

they look simple, but i think Daos will agree that the less strings the harder it is. they are both very talented people. now for the food.

Graham

Hey Graham,

The words 'Deuling Banjos' reminds me of the movie Deliverance! 

-MW

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Restaurant Waentei Kikko in Asakusa Tokyo, Japan:



A KEISEKI meal is a must try while visiting Japan.  We chose the 9 course Musubi menu.

A nice hot Japanese Roasted Tea to begin the feast:




One of the best of the first course is the Sea Urchin in a Gelee.  The fresh Uni was so smooth that it tasted like it was infused into the Uni.







The Mochi Citrus palate cleanser

Each intricate course is served on custom hand made porcelain dishes and bowls. 


A rich and aromatic Kurabota Pork broth

Assorted fresh sashimi

-MW
This message has been edited by DRMW on 2009-07-23 00:19:54

A fish cake asparagus and corn tempura.  IMO, one of the best dishes served.











Definitely a memorable meal!  Hope you enjoyed the pics! 

-MW
This message has been edited by DRMW on 2009-07-23 00:21:04

Looks fabulous (Except for the melon at the end -- only because I don't care for melons, but that's just me!)!  Seems like a memorable trip.  Uni is one of my favorite food items.  There's nothing better than fresh uni, and very few things worse than bad uni. 

Cheers,
Daos

I usually don't care for uni but the ones we had in Asakusa,Ginza, and Tsukiji were incredible!  The taste and texture were so much better than anything I had here in the U.S.  Daos, Where do you go locally for uni?

-MW

Hi MW,

Just this week I ate at Sushi Dokoro Kirala on a recommendation from Thomas, and their uni was superb and served perfectly to my taste (the uni was chilled just a touch, the sushi rice was ever so slightly warm, pressed compactly, but still loose, and the nori was stil aromatic and not soggy).  Otherwise, the only other place I tend to eat uni in LA is Sushi Nozawa (Studio City).  Fresh uni is so delicious.  It's like ocean-flavored ice cream.  Thinking about the uni from the other night is making the eyes roll back in my head, it was that good -- plus the uni was really heaped onto the rice (no skimping!).

*salivating*
Daos

Thanks for reminding me as It's been two years since I ate at Sushi Dokoro ( It took over Tommy Hirase's Nouveux Cafe Blanc).  Here's ED209 recent pic and review on the WFED forum: www.network54.com and it still looks delicious!  I guess I need to pay a visit soon!

-MW

Hello PinkPanther!

The dinner was excellent!  Are you into Japanese food?

-MW

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been to Japan yet, so I am only familiar with the western version of the japanese cuisine

Only exception was a japanese restaurant that I was taken to by a japanese friend of mine in Washington DC and according to him it was very original.

Sashimi and sushi and soups

Cheers

I cannot remember the name of the place- it was off Dupont Circle.

Cheers

Thanks for the pics!