ANTHONY BOURDAIN: NO RESERVATIONS TOKYO, GOTH VERSION! SHIBUYA PIANO BAR, ISHINOHANA, TSUKIJI CHEAP SUSHI.
If you watch my Twitter (for the sake of anthropological research… yikes!) then you’ll know I am a tiny bit obsessed with Anthony Bourdain’s food travel show, No Reservations. Tony did an especially kick-ass episode about Tokyo, so the J-Goths and I decided to visit the exact same places he hit on his show.
Since we’re all kind of cash-strapped, our alcohol usually comes in cans from the convenience store. But that night, we splurged on hand-crafted cocktails at Ishinohana, a woodsy bar in Shibuya. The wasabi, ginger, and award-winning Claudia (which Bourdain ordered, top left) were out of this world! Unless your goal is to get thoroughly trashed, it really is worth paying a bit more ($15-18 a drink) to have a cocktail properly made.
We were on our way to Sukiyabashi Jiro, rumored to have the best sushi in the world (Bourdain raved about it) when we realized it was in ritzy Ginza. How much was this going to set us back? A quick look at the website… $300 a head? We immediately switched to the train for Tsukiji.
There are many sushi restaurants surrounding the market (remember my video tour of Tsukiji?). As soon as he spotted us, this fellow ran up and gave us the used car salesman hard-sell: “One, two, three, let’s go!” 64 yen (64 cents) for market-fresh tuna nigiri? Sold!
The restaurant is a little coarse and spans several floors, but my meal of market-fresh fish and sake came to under $20. It may not have been Bourdain’s ritzy joint, but it was one of my best Tokyo sushi experiences so far.
Back to Shibuya for drinks at Piano Bar, one of the many cramped dive bars near the train tracks. Like Bourdain, we marveled at the red walls and gilded bric-a-brac. (The design is similar to Trump Room, which you may recall from Fashion Ramone’s “Horror Vacui” party.) I ordered the rosewater and wine cocktail. The stairs were so narrow that most of the American population could not get to the upper level.
Tank top: Black Peace Now, from Closet Child Shinjuku
Skirt: Westmend, a Chinese Lolita brand
We listened to the roar of the trains and pondered our fate if there were suddenly an earthquake. (Head bashed in by a gold chandelier and birdcage? Impaled by deer antlers?) Some Australians on the other bench made some rather ignorant comments. “Do you guys drink blood?” “You’re Goth so you aren’t supposed to smile in photos.” So we gave them this pose.
Thanks to Anthony Bourdain’s TV show, we discovered some new Tokyo gems and had ourselves a righteous adventure. Might any of you have food or shopping recommendations for me? There’s always something new to discover in this city!
Song of the Day #152: Gackt – Jesus (Also in my head after hearing Gackt perform this live at Saitama Arena… it was the opening number.)
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I've heard about that Tokyo episode a lot, but I've never actually caught it. I've only seen the Osaka one.
I love Bourdain's show! I like his sense of humor, and it's educational as well. :)
Hmm, food or shopping recommendations…Not really much I can say for shopping. If you haven't seen the chandeliers in Hanjiro (used clothes store in Urahara), you should. They're gorgeous!
As for eating…In Ikebukuro there was this bar/restaurant place called Los Cabos that we enjoyed (though we only visited the bar, which was in the basement). It's not very big, and was never crowded either. It seemed like a 'relaxed' place. There was also a fun little Italian restaurant near Sunshine City; I can't remember the name but they had this riceball thing with cheese and such in it that was delicious. In Shinjuku there was an English pub we had fun at, though it was a bit crowded. And again I don't remember the name. I'm not much help. -_-
I’ve heard about that Tokyo episode a lot, but I’ve never actually caught it. I’ve only seen the Osaka one.
I love Bourdain’s show! I like his sense of humor, and it’s educational as well. :)
Hmm, food or shopping recommendations…Not really much I can say for shopping. If you haven’t seen the chandeliers in Hanjiro (used clothes store in Urahara), you should. They’re gorgeous!
As for eating…In Ikebukuro there was this bar/restaurant place called Los Cabos that we enjoyed (though we only visited the bar, which was in the basement). It’s not very big, and was never crowded either. It seemed like a ‘relaxed’ place. There was also a fun little Italian restaurant near Sunshine City; I can’t remember the name but they had this riceball thing with cheese and such in it that was delicious. In Shinjuku there was an English pub we had fun at, though it was a bit crowded. And again I don’t remember the name. I’m not much help. -_-
Ooh, I haven’t been to Hanjiro – that’s a great suggestion. I’ll see if I can swing by!
I’m off to a neat little restaurant today… I’ll have a full report :P
omg the lacing on the back of her dress :O i love it!
love the red specs aswell ^^
and I just adore your outfit :)
omg the lacing on the back of her dress :O i love it!
love the red specs aswell ^^
and I just adore your outfit :)
:D
Oh that's so embarrassing… what those aussies said *facepalm* they must have been the rednecks we love to call bogans here. Would just like to let you know that not all aussies are as rude and idiotic as them
Anyway for sushi, tsukiji will definitely be my place to go. Can't afford Ginza anyway -__- And the interior for that bar looks amazing! A little steampunk… I love it! Reminds me of The Victoria Room here in Sydney.
Can't wait to read more!
Ditto what Ria said about the rude Aussies. Most certainly the “bogan” variety – how come they get to go overseas all the time and bring down the tone of the entire planet..?
Piano bar looks amazing – just how much stuff can be crammed onto the walls ?
Loving your travel adventures !
Oh that’s so embarrassing… what those aussies said *facepalm* they must have been the rednecks we love to call bogans here. Would just like to let you know that not all aussies are as rude and idiotic as them
Anyway for sushi, tsukiji will definitely be my place to go. Can’t afford Ginza anyway -__- And the interior for that bar looks amazing! A little steampunk… I love it! Reminds me of The Victoria Room here in Sydney.
Can’t wait to read more!
Ditto what Ria said about the rude Aussies. Most certainly the “bogan” variety – how come they get to go overseas all the time and bring down the tone of the entire planet..?
Piano bar looks amazing – just how much stuff can be crammed onto the walls ?
Loving your travel adventures !
Bogan – a new word for me!
I didn’t mention that one of them asked me out… I said no… and then he followed up by email. Sigh. NO.
when a lady says no, she really means no haha
Loved the decor. The Gothic Lolita cafe in Shinjuku, run by Kokusyoku Sumire, is also great; full of Victorian toys and trinkets. I photographed it for my Theme Restaurants book!
i LOVE this! makes me want to go galavanting with you…
lucky! i love the panda ring
Nice!! I love No Reservations (ooh its on right now~ xD), but Tony doesn't pay for anything! His producers do haha lucky guy >_>
Ooh even though I'm not a very huge fan of Andrew Zimmern(he's so annoying to me), you should do a bizarre foods J-Goth style omg :DD
I SERIOUSLY just watched this show yesterday. Anthony Bourdain is BADASS, and I love when he appears on Top Chef.
Way to give 'em all the finger!
Gackt… she faints. Lovely food and drinks!
them painting look like some thing i would draw as for the blood thing that just shows you the only good person is a dead one
I am going to rent the DVDs and have a marathon later on! His Korea episode is one of my favs.
There's so much cute yummyiness here… :D
Yeah, we would eat a $300 sushi meal if we didn't have to fork out the yen!
I'm not a fan of the Zimmerman show either. Maybe we could do a show where we DRINK different types of BLOOD??
Bogan – a new word for me!
I didn't mention that one of them asked me out… I said no… and then he followed up by email. Sigh. NO.
Loved the decor. The Gothic Lolita cafe in Shinjuku, run by Kokusyoku Sumire, is also great; full of Victorian toys and trinkets. I photographed it for my Theme Restaurants book!
:D
Ooh, I haven't been to Hanjiro – that's a great suggestion. I'll see if I can swing by!
I'm off to a neat little restaurant today… I'll have a full report :P
i LOVE this! makes me want to go galavanting with you…
lucky! i love the panda ring
Nice!! I love No Reservations (ooh its on right now~ xD), but Tony doesn’t pay for anything! His producers do haha lucky guy >_>
Ooh even though I’m not a very huge fan of Andrew Zimmern(he’s so annoying to me), you should do a bizarre foods J-Goth style omg :DD
Yeah, we would eat a $300 sushi meal if we didn’t have to fork out the yen!
I’m not a fan of the Zimmerman show either. Maybe we could do a show where we DRINK different types of BLOOD??
I SERIOUSLY just watched this show yesterday. Anthony Bourdain is BADASS, and I love when he appears on Top Chef.
Way to give ’em all the finger!
I am going to rent the DVDs and have a marathon later on! His Korea episode is one of my favs.
Gackt… she faints. Lovely food and drinks!
There’s so much cute yummyiness here… :D
them painting look like some thing i would draw as for the blood thing that just shows you the only good person is a dead one
No Reservations is definitely one of my top 2 favorite Tv shows.
No Reservations is definitely one of my top 2 favorite Tv shows.
<<======= cute ring… ^^ *love it…
<<======= cute ring… ^^ *love it…
when a lady says no, she really means no haha
I love the back of your friends dress!
I've watched Bourdain for quite some time and I never get tired of his show. I mean how can you not love a sarcastic, well traveled foodie who also happens to be a former Ramones listening to punk stoner :-p
Zimmern, in theory, has a show I'd like to watch. and I try sometimes (gedomono bars I really enjoyed. I prolly spelled that wrong lol). but he gets on my nerves, all I can hear is him chewing and smacking bleh.
one major difference for me between these two shows is that Bourdain seems to actually enjoy (for the most part lol) immersing himself into the place he's visiting. while Zimmern imho doesn't seem to get the cultures or even care about them. he's strictly there to exploit whatever tidbit he can put into his face.
I love the back of your friends dress!
I’ve watched Bourdain for quite some time and I never get tired of his show. I mean how can you not love a sarcastic, well traveled foodie who also happens to be a former Ramones listening to punk stoner :-p
Zimmern, in theory, has a show I’d like to watch. and I try sometimes (gedomono bars I really enjoyed. I prolly spelled that wrong lol). but he gets on my nerves, all I can hear is him chewing and smacking bleh.
one major difference for me between these two shows is that Bourdain seems to actually enjoy (for the most part lol) immersing himself into the place he’s visiting. while Zimmern imho doesn’t seem to get the cultures or even care about them. he’s strictly there to exploit whatever tidbit he can put into his face.
Very nice. ;) I want to go back to Tsukiji. Anthony Bourdain also goes to a Soba place and a yakitori. I don't think those will be as expensive as the sukiyabashi jiro
Very nice. ;) I want to go back to Tsukiji. Anthony Bourdain also goes to a Soba place and a yakitori. I don't think those will be as expensive as the sukiyabashi jiro
Very nice. ;) I want to go back to Tsukiji. Anthony Bourdain also goes to a Soba place and a yakitori. I don't think those will be as expensive as the sukiyabashi jiro
Very nice. ;) I want to go back to Tsukiji. Anthony Bourdain also goes to a Soba place and a yakitori. I don't think those will be as expensive as the sukiyabashi jiro
Very nice. ;) I want to go back to Tsukiji. Anthony Bourdain also goes to a Soba place and a yakitori. I don't think those will be as expensive as the sukiyabashi jiro
Very nice. ;) I want to go back to Tsukiji. Anthony Bourdain also goes to a Soba place and a yakitori. I don’t think those will be as expensive as the sukiyabashi jiro
Very nice. ;) I want to go back to Tsukiji. Anthony Bourdain also goes to a Soba place and a yakitori. I don’t think those will be as expensive as the sukiyabashi jiro
Very nice. ;) I want to go back to Tsukiji. Anthony Bourdain also goes to a Soba place and a yakitori. I don’t think those will be as expensive as the sukiyabashi jiro
Very nice. ;) I want to go back to Tsukiji. Anthony Bourdain also goes to a Soba place and a yakitori. I don’t think those will be as expensive as the sukiyabashi jiro
Very nice. ;) I want to go back to Tsukiji. Anthony Bourdain also goes to a Soba place and a yakitori. I don’t think those will be as expensive as the sukiyabashi jiro
Oh, Piano Bar! My favourite!
Very nice. ;) I want to go back to Tsukiji. Anthony Bourdain also goes to a Soba place and a yakitori. I don't think those will be as expensive as the sukiyabashi jiro
Very nice. ;) I want to go back to Tsukiji. Anthony Bourdain also goes to a Soba place and a yakitori. I don't think those will be as expensive as the sukiyabashi jiro
Very nice. ;) I want to go back to Tsukiji. Anthony Bourdain also goes to a Soba place and a yakitori. I don't think those will be as expensive as the sukiyabashi jiro
Very nice. ;) I want to go back to Tsukiji. Anthony Bourdain also goes to a Soba place and a yakitori. I don't think those will be as expensive as the sukiyabashi jiro
Very nice. ;) I want to go back to Tsukiji. Anthony Bourdain also goes to a Soba place and a yakitori. I don't think those will be as expensive as the sukiyabashi jiro
Oh, Piano Bar! My favourite!
Oh, Piano Bar! My favourite!