Another unremarkable beer.

Last night I was heading home from the Karate Dojo passing through the South Exit in Shinjuku station on my way to the Keio Line when I heard my name being called. At first I ignored it thinking there really couldn’t be anybody calling my name here. But when I heard it a second time I looked up to see Scott flagging me down. He was standing with Goro (from the Koenji crowd) and his friend Camila visiting from NY while waiting for his wife Mia. I couldn’t turn down the offer to join them for a few beers and I’m glad I didn’t. We  went to a Izakaya that Goro knows just on the edge of Kabukichou which happens to be in the same building as our lame drinking spot The Hub. I knew it would be good when we were grreted at the door by Astro Boy. But what really made this a great place was getting our beer in a Tea Kettle.

Sadly I didn’t learn until after that his sign says Lets take a picture with me. Damn you Kanji!

Had a really fun trip to Niseko in Hokkaido with Todd and Jessica for a little snowboarding. I was little worried how the trip was going to work out because of a small mishap at Haneda airport on the way to our flights gate. While walking down one of the flat people movers my ticket fell out of my hand directly into the little crack between the moving floor and the frame holding the whole thing together.

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Found a foreign import store in Hiroo that actually has my favorite beer Brooklyn Lager. Sadly at over $4 a bottle it is a bit pricey so I guess I will have to save it for special occasions.

Tried two Kirin premium beers which was a nice change from the typical light brews you find with most Japanese beers.

Kirin Premium Muroka

Kirin Chocolate Stout

I have been seeing the commercials for this beer on TV for a while now and I finally had the chance to pick up a six pack. Its pretty good, basically like a regular Kirin only a little stronger as the name says. As well the whole 7 thing is because it contains 7% alcohol as opposed to the usual 5% most Beers have. I think that extra 2% is just dandy. This Beer has one little detail that really puts it over the top in my opinion… A tiny bit of Engrish ont he front of the can which reads: THIS HARD AND CLEAR TASTE BRINGS YOU THE GREAT FEELING. Not exactly the worst Engrish offender but it feels off just enough to entertain me.

Took a Monjya boat ride to celebrate Todd’s 30th birthday. All you can eat all you can drink for 2 hours.

Hit Koenji again with the guys for another fun night with maybe one too many drinks.

Great little Yakitori place with rare outdoor seating in Tokyo

Rented a little private studio where Grant and Scott Spun some Tunes
(Scott Spinning with Katsuo in the background)

Some of the guys were actually drinking Zima
(I guess the Zima makes the male description questionable)

After the Ramen museum Todd and I hit Kirin City for some beers in Machida. Japan seems to have a love affair with Beer and a lot of foam, but Kirin City brings it to a whole other level. So much so I had to go home and learn how to ask for no foam with my beer. So the next time you are out and a little worried about too much foam be sure to say Awa Nashi De Onegaishimasu (あわなしでおねがいします).

It got pretty dead after the table of Obaachan (Grannies) behind us left…
Not a very happening night in Machida.