2016 Japan - Notable Mentions... (Breakfast)

Even though we were only in Tokyo for 4 days, there were eateries that were very memorable to me. In this segment of "Notable Mentions", I will highlight such place(s) for the breakfast category.

On our first morning, W and I left breakfast up to fate. We randomly walked around inside the Ikebukuro subway station and chanced upon Ooedo Soba. This was a tiny shop serving plain soba and udon noodles in soup. This was one of those quintessential shops that salarymen stop by for breakfast before heading down to the subway and off to work! 

Mixed tempura and raw egg with soba in soup かき揚げ天玉そば (450 Yen)

Before finding a place to sit (or stand!), we had to order from the ticket machine. Perusing the menu, both W and I decided to have soba noodles with fried shredded veggies and a raw egg in soup. This was simple and affordable. Not only was it yummy but we experienced a typical breakfast time of the local working class.

On another morning, our group of 10 headed to R-Beckers, a quick-serve eatery located near a ground level entrance to the Ikebukuro subway station. This placed served Western-style breakfast plates.

Morning Plate Set (450 Yen) - Buttered toast, bacon, scrambled eggs, coffee

I had the Morning Plate Set. The portion was just right for me for a quick breakfast. The thick slices of toast had a buttery, crispy exterior and a pillowy soft center! Yum!

Special Morning Set (560 Yen) - Croissant, lettuce salad, sausages, scrambled eggs, coffee

For an additional 110 yen, W had the Special Morning Set which came with a croissant and a side "salad" of iceberg lettuce. W opted for sausages instead of bacon. 

Although the food was really nothing that incredible, we thought the value was there and the atmosphere of the eatery was relaxing and quiet. The coffee was not bad either!

I wish there were more of these places back at home. Whether Asian or Western, this is my kind of "fast-food"!

2016 Japan & HK - All Nippon Airways (YVR-HND-HKG)

The biggest highlight of the year 2016 was our family trip to Japan and Hong Kong. Can you imagine coordinating 10 family members for a 4 day trip in Tokyo and then another 7 days in Hong Kong?! For some of us, it was our very first time to Japan (*cough* me *cough*), so it was natural to jam-pack EVERYTHING that we wanted to see, eat, buy and do all within those 4 short days. 

For me, the eating part was the most important aspect of the trip. Sure, sightseeing and shopping was something a first-time tourist like me would want to do too, but I was excited to experience their cuisine, their culture, and the Japanese's dedication towards excelling their food.

Even their airline food is one-step above other airline carriers. We flew on All Nippon Airways (ANA) which I was very excited about. Not because of their great service, but because many years ago I watched a Japanese drama, "Good Luck" starring Kimura Takuya, with the storyline about ANA's flight personnel and its premises taking place at ANA's facilities. I just sort of developed an affinity with this airline LOL... Anyway, I digress...

During our flight to Tokyo, we were served one hot meal and one breakfast box. In between, we were also provided with liquid refreshments and rice crackers.

Miso-grilled Spanish Mackerel with Rice

Beef Hamburger Steak with Onion Sauce and Potatoes

Left: Macaroni salad with a slice of smoked salmon, olive, and lemon wedge

Right: Pickled veggies (carrot, cauliflower, celery) and gherkin

Japanese omelet, simmered daikon radish in soy-based sauce, edamame

After our hot meal, we were served Mario's vanilla gelato cup for dessert!

Beef pastrami sandwich with cheese and tomato, vanilla yogurt, apple slices

On our flight to Hong Kong, we had one hot meal for dinner.

Appetizers: Noodles with minced meat and miso sauce, mixed leaves with creamy red French dressing

Entree: Beef short ribs and beef tongue over steamed rice, Japanese omelet, mixed veggies

Dessert: Mango Mousse over Chocolate Cake

Even in economy class, I thought the hot meals were delicious. Aside from the cold breakfast box, all meals displayed homey and warm Japanese flavours. It definitely made the long flight a lot more comfortable!

Basho Cafe

2007 East Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC

On a dreary autumn day, what's better than treating oneself to a hearty, homemade meal? It was pouring rain outside but W agreed to make the drive out to Basho Cafe.

Teri Pulled Pork Rice Bowl ($10 + $3 Lunch Set) - with cup of pumpkin soup and mini sweets

We ordered a lunch set to share and I also hand picked a couple of baked treats on the side (not pictured because we ate them all before I remembered to photograph them!).

Just looking at this tray made me feel all warm and cozy! The smooth and creamy pumpkin soup came in a cute vintage mug. The colour and flavour was just right for a grey and wet day. The teriyaki pulled pork could have used more sauce but it was yummy and the portion was just right.

Mini Sweets - Matcha Mochi Mochi Brownie, Honey Lemon Madeleine, Black Sesame Miso Shortbread

The lunch set came with a trio of mini sweet treats. This time the plate had a matcha mochi brownie, a glazed madeleine, and a miso shortbread cookie dotted with black sesame. They were all delicious and I would eat a dozen of them if I could!

Café Latte ($4.00) and Houji-cha Fog ($4.00)

For drinks, W ordered a latte which was served in a traditional Japanese matcha mug. I decided to try their Houji-cha Fog.

This was their take on the London Fog. The roasted green tea was steeped, blended with a light syrup and then steamed milk poured on top. Houji-cha is one of my favourite teas, so this drink was right up my alley. It's perfect for a chilly day like this one!

Not long after we visited Basho Cafe, we found out that the owners were going to retire and close shop at the end of 2016! W and I were shocked and saddened to hear the news. Well, mainly it was me who was said because I just love love love their little sweet baked goodies.

Earlier this year, one of Basho's former employees took over the space and re-opened under the name of Yama Cafe with a similar menu and operating style. Maybe I'll make a visit and check it out!