Tokyu Hands Cafe

I wish I had more time to check out Tokyo's new restaurants. Theme restaurants are still popular there with new ones opening all the time. It's common for regular restaurants to set up a theme menu and more to promote merchandise for companies. One new place for this is the Hand's Cafe inside Tokyu Hands Ikebukuro.

Just opened on June 28th, they collaborated with Howacoloclub. I am not familiar with Howacoloclub. It is a Japanese illustrated comic series. They have chibi pastel colored dogs and other cute cartoon animals. Some of the diners seemed familiar with Howacoloclub. I noticed a few taking selfies with the plush animals.

Me, I settled for taking a few photos with mini acrylic Mana and Kirin beer. I felt it was appropriate after the Moi-même-Moitié Online Salon event talk.

The reason I wanted to go here was this. Hawakoro-chan's Flower Curry. Could this be a beer flower garden now?

This was a nice dish. I found it interesting to eat lettuce with curry, but then I've had curry spiced salad dressings before, which were good. This was a Japanese styled curry. Overall my meal was decent. I think because the restaurant is new, the staff were still trying to figure out what to do. So service was a little slow but with time I'm sure it has improved. What was nice is to have a place to sit, eat and drink inside Tokyu Hands. I hope their cafe succeeds. 

The themes appear to change monthly. Here is the link to the Hands Cafe with the current theme https://www.handscafe.jp/ikebukuro/

Unagi and Ikebukuro at Night

Of course I went back to Manmaru. Because when something is good, it's worth enjoying.

And again I asked for their recommendation for sake. This time, I can translate the label.

It's the Unchecked Main Brew Sake from Ichinokura in Miyagi.

Nice and balanced, this dry sake had just the right amount of sweetness. Very refreshing.

While I like to try new foods, I come here for the unagi.

Because it is delicious. And there is something about sansho pepper...the smell is so enticing.

This time I noticed the little eel in the bottom of the dish.

Did I mention it rained most of the time I was in Tokyo in July?

Not heavy rain, just enough to make everything wet, including anyone out in it. Rain so light it blew everywhere.

But it did help with getting decent photos at night. I wish I had taken more. 

It did add to the atmosphere of Ikebukuro's Sunshine Dori area. Yes, it is this busy every night.

Second Visit and Impact at Evangelion Bar

Since the Evangelion Bar in Ikebukuro will be closing soon as they change to another theme, I had to visit it one more time. 

It was the time when they served lunch. I decided to go with the Second Impact Curry.

 In case you are wondering, that is Misato Katsuragi during the Second Impact.

The Mark.06 wine was really refreshing in the hot weather. It's a white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc. The lemon added just the right bit of tartness.

Time for Second Impact. 

I have no idea how they got that blacked edge around the curry. Perhaps they put it under a broiler before topping it with that egg. The way the curry was constructed was that the rice was molded in a ring and the curry placed inside that.

Nice little bit of salad. The soup was basic, like it came from a dry soup mix.

However the chicken curry was really good. Time to break that egg yolk. There was some heat to this dish, in a good way. I really enjoyed this.

Proof I ate all of it. And the grown up Misato, some time after the Second Impact.

Manmaru Ikebukuro Unagi Deuxième Visit

Just having a little fun with the French there. One of the things I was really looking forward to this trip was returning to Manmaru Ikebukuro Unagi. Which was a perfect way to wrap up my third day in Tokyo. 

Like my first visit there, I asked for whatever sake they recommended. The selected sake was this limited summer slightly effervescent sake. I'm not very good with handwritten stylized kanji, so I don't know the brand.

Cute little colorful yokai on the label. 

I love the part where they pour the sake into the glass and it overflows into the saucer. I really need a cup and saucer set like this. 

This was a great choice for this hot day. 

After sipping on my sake for a little time, my dinner arrived. 

Steaming smoky unagi don with miso soup and tsukemono pickles. One of the challenges in this place is it is a little smoky from the grills in the kitchen. So I still don't have a clear photo of the unagi. Guess I need to go back and try again? 

Something to add a little more to the dish, sansho pepper. 

Yes I did and I don't know if I don't put enough but it really doesn't taste hot to me. It smells good, so I like using it. As for the unagi, it was just as good as the first time I ate it. 

I decided to try something different. Since I wasn't driving and I didn't have far to walk. 

When in Japan...thought I would try a chilled glass of umeshu. 

This glass of sweetness was just right. I don't usually drink like this but I felt a little bit like enjoying my time there. 

Outside on the streets of Ikebukuro the sun was setting. 

I decided to walk a little as the night took over. 

It's always fun to find little spots like this amid the lighted signs and concrete. Maybe a place to check out next time? Ikebukuro does have interesting places to eat at.

Back to Hamamatsucho in Tokyo

Six years had passed since I spent time in Hamamatsucho in Tokyo. I was curious what changed. The Furukawa was still the same with the restaurant boats and more.

New was Devil Craft Chicago Pizza and Craft Beer, a very American style place that offers beer they create at their brewery. I had hoped to get in to try their "White Face Devil" brew.

The Jizo statue was still there and still getting attention.

There are a lot more bars and restaurants in the Hamamatsucho area just south of Hamamatsucho Station. I can't remember if Warayakiya Izakaya was here six years ago. With the striking dark facade I would have noticed it. Checking online it looks like it's only been here for a couple years.

 Meishu Center Tokyo Sake Tasting Bar is definitely new and a place I was tempted to visit. If I get back I will try to stop in when it's not crowded.

 Nippon Maguro Gyogyodan is also new. So new it doesn't show on Google Maps. I actually figured out the name from their signage. And yes this place is known for it's tuna.

Further from Hamamatsucho Station on the other side of Daiichi-Keihin National Route I found a few interesting things. Like this window full of clowns and noise makers.

Another window reminded me why I had Tomad shops marked on my map. I was walking by when the colorful Kracie's Tabino Yado hot springs milky assortment pack came into view. A bath favorite at a really good price compared to what they are sold for in the US.

Another kind of window back by Hamamatsucho Station where a very large building is being constructed. I have never seen a public decibel level meter at construction sites in the US. Definitely something good to have.

Last window, this time looking out at Hamamatsucho from a place in Shibadaimon. A place that was still there amongst all the refurbished buildings in the area. A place I remember fondly for serving the first hot meal I was able to enjoy back in March, 2011.

MOS Burger where I enjoyed another shrimp burger. I think I even sat in the same seat that I sat in six years ago.

Also enjoyed their delicious onion rings. Wishing I could have some right now.

Hamamatsucho has changed. I noticed a lot more people on the side streets at night enjoying the places to eat and drink. During the day everyone is busy walking to and from work but at night it's a different feeling. There is a definite night life happening in Hamamatsucho now.