Time Machine

As a travel lover, it is mandatory for me to go around Japan when I am here. So, I'm going to take everyone of you sweet cupcakes through my little trips around Japan.. Well, more to the "FOOD" parts though. First, we explore the great KYUUSHUUUU

wohoooo

Nagasaki :)

Famous Nagasaki Chanpon and Sara Udon
Well, I like Sara Udon better, it tasted like (ifumie) chinese crispy noodles, but with Japanese take on it.
It wasn't bad.

FAMOUS Hakata Rameeen! There are alot of different types of ramen in Japan. But seriously, Hakata Ramen is def
my favorite Ramen ! even the gyouza is freakin good.

Mochi strawberry mochi.
There is something special with Japanese strawberries, its just so sweet
I loveeee it !

THE NATIONAL's BEST KASUTERA. Its the BEST kasutera cake everrrr.

It seems that I've only had several pictures, but Kyuushu is def a good place to visit if you come to Japan. Don't forget visit Huis Ten Bousch when you are there ! Kyuushu rocks.

XOXO,

Graciaaaaa

 THE SUSHI TIMES

GOOD MORNINGG cupcakes !

Today I'm bringing you around to the heart of SUSHI, also known as Tsukiji Fish Market.

I've been to Tsukiji for about three times now, and each time with different sushi adventure.

Well, to begin with.. one thing done in my have to-do list. YES ! I went to the famous Tuna Auction! Staying up all night, just to be there by 4 in the morning to see dead tuna fish being auctioned. To be honest, I was expecting more. 

But, Oh well....

This is basically how it looks like

One of this babies can cost up to $2000! Yikes!

So, Leaving the tuna behind...

Lets explore the wonderful world of SUSHIIII

First stop is the FAMOUS SUSHI DAI !

To get in the shop, you basically have to stand in line with the rest of the tourists or customers there for hours. Depending on your luck, the waiting time can go up to 4 hours.

When I was there, I've waited for 1.5 hours. Lucky thing is that the weather is great, and I met some interesting people during the queue. Ended up talking for the whole waiting time. But, to be honest, 1.5 hours was pretty short for Sushi Dai, and is def worth the wait!

So they have a choice between 8 sushi or 10 sushi, if I remember correctly, and for 10 pieces of sushi, you'll get one for free, and it costs 4000JPY ( around 40 USD). Anyway, Sushi Dai is the BEST sushi you can ever find in Tsukiji. Not comparing with Michelin stars sushi restaurant of course, this is BY FAR the best sushi I've ever tasted.

Starting from the simple tamagoyaki (egg) and miso soup that they provided for the appetizer, to their wasabi and tea, everything is oh-so-delicious. Not to mention, the tuna is super fresh and the UNI IS SOO AMAZING. I love the unagi too.

You simply cannot miss this one, if you are one truly sushi lover!

Next stop is, the second most popular sushi shop in Tsukiji....

DAIWA SUSHI!!

Located just next to Sushi Dai. (approximate waiting time 1 hour)

Honestly, when you are not that patient enough to wait that long for a slice of raw fish,

Daiwa Sushi is not a bad choice either. The owner of Daiwa sushi is actually the son of the owner of Sushi Dai, every morning this father and son duo will go fishing together. However, they have a different way of dealing with their sushi, hence... Daiwa Sushi is created.

Fortunately, Daiwa Sushi's waiting line is not as crazy as Sushi Dai. Well, Honestly I do prefer Sushi Dai for its taste. But, again, time is money.
Both the chef in Sushi Dai and Sushi Daiwa is super friendly, makes you that much happier when you swallow this wonderfully fresh sushi!
simply.amazing.

Their Tuna is SO GOOD. Its not as thick as sushi dai's but is just as good :)

And the Last.....

There are so many other sushi shops in Tsukiji. Not as famous as Sushi Dai or Sushi Daiwa though, BUT they  don't have any waiting time. AT ALL. Ofcourse, cheaper in price as well.. But no waiting time, does not mean that it is not good. Everyone who comes to Tsukiji will want to get their hands on the legendary Sushi Dai or Sushi Daiwa. But these unnamed sushi shops deserve some appreciation as well.

So I decided why not try one unnamed sushi shop for a change.

Well, of course, Sushi Dai and Sushi Daiwa tasted better.

However, if you are dying out of hunger, the other sushi shop aren't that bad either :)

I do recommend trying to go for Sushi Dai, its really a sushi to DAI for hahha *get it?;)*

lol anyway,

Enjoy your day, and thank you!

Much love,

Gracious

SEE DISNEY SEA

............hahahhaaa so not funny

Hello Sunshines :D

First of all, I'm a BIGGG! HUGEE! DISNEY FAN

Not to brag, But I'm proud to say that IM a DISNEY MANIA. I watched all Disney Classics, and have been to ALL the world's Disney Land. 

Yes; that is World Disney in Florida (Epcot, MGM, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kindom), Disneyland LA, California Adventure, Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo Disneysea, Hongkong Disneyland.. I'm def coming to Shanghai Disneyland too once they open!

  My favorite of all is Florida's World's Disney though. Epcot and Animal Kingdom is def in my fav list! But I do LOVE DISNEYSea too!

So.... I'm here to introduce youu~ TOKYO DISNEY SEA!

This was actually a Sandwich I got from... (forgot the name, I'm super sorry!) But, its very near to the Tower of Terror, right next to the Broadway place. :)

It was good, considering I was STARVINGG

Sandwich yay

Gondola ride :) me (right) and one of my beautiful friend !

Then My friends and I decided to go and visit this fancier restaurant to try their roasted beef Sandwich.
Normal taste, Good Interior, Superb Service, and EXPENSIVE.

Another Sandwich

GUESS WHAT this little green aliens are?

IT IS MOCHI ! THE CUTEST LITTLE THING! It costs $3.5, and they have chocolate fillings, yogurt, and custard. Chocolate and custard made me smile :)

OK! This is one LEGIT turkey leg. Honestly, I couldn't find a better turkey leg around Tokyo that tasted THIS good.

Just a japanese girl carrying a normal bag with normal amount of bears

The cheese appetizer. the cheese was just okay. nuff said

So... Here goes my short descriptions of my trip. DisneySea do offer different experiences than any other Disneys in the world. Although some of the food and drinks are pricy. Well... It is Disney after all. But, the mochi alien thing, and Turkey Leg is my BIG recommendation for their food :)

HERE COMES
DORAEMOON !

Who doesn't know Doraemon. The companion of every child's imagination!
So there is this place called the Fujiko. F Fujio Museum, located in Tokyo, Japan.
Basically a museum of the works and arts of Fujio F Fujio (creator of Doraemon)

But, since Photos are not allowed inside the museum, I'm going to tell you guys about the cafe in the museum instead.
Honestly, the food is just okay. And is a little over priced. HOWEVER, what is great about it, is as usual.. THE CUTENESS.

The famous Doraemon's DORAYAKI (a traditional Japanese sweets with red bean fillings)

Deep fried potato (menchi katsu) with Doraemon's face

The memory bread LOL

(Didn't get to try this one) but, Suneo's chocolate cake

Doraemon shaped cake with red bean fillings and match ice cream

CUTE CUTE star shaped OMURICE

Kosuke san RAMEN

HOT CHOCOOOO

DORAEMON's DORAYAKI

Overall, it was a great day! Museum was great too. For those who have been to Ghibli Museum.. the good news is that this Museum is bigger! Tickets are not that pricy, however getting to this museum is rather far if you are coming from the city (Centre Tokyo) that is.
But definitely worth a visit! And when you do visit, a VISIT  to the CAFE IS A MUST ! 
The food is so-so, BUT, the appearance of the food will make your eyes happy for sure. (I'm not sure about your wallets though) hahha

Anyway, Have fun !

Japanese Style Cafe

SAY HAII TO FOOOOOOD !

This post is long overdue. But, I just couldn't bear the thought of not mentioning this one place..

 So the other day, I went to this super cute cafe located in Koenji, (the vintage village of Tokyo). And! they have this cafe with the cutest interior!  But I guess it'll appeals more to girls, since the place is super tiny, and the toilet is even tinier. probably not the best place for claustrophobic people out there.

                                                 So here goes. Hattifnatt Cafe !!

The look from outside (get ready to step into another world of imagination)

Cute interior (FYI its all hand painted, and they have a cozy attic too!)

The Menu :)

Taco Rice (Healthy and YUM !)

The tomato chicken curry with brown rice :D

OMG THE BEST raspberry with Belgian chocolate. So thick! with amazing creamy combination. They actually have a dash of raspberry flavor to add to the chocolate which makes it that muchhh more DELISH. 

The amazing Stawberry Shortcake. All the right combination in the right place.  The amazingly soft cake, super smooth cream, sweet strawberry with a hint of sourness, crunchy crisps, a dash of mint leaves and chocolate. ALL AMAZING!

I got myself this super cute donut on my way home. Its super cute and nice!
Didn't get to eat it sadly cos it exploded in the microwave when I tried to heat it up TT TT sob*

Well, as you can see..


picture speaks a thousand words



But, I do favor their dessert more that their main course. But what I like about this place is that the portion is not the typical "little japanesy portion", it is JUST RIGHT, and it is affordable too. Main course is basically healthy (that is amazing), and dessert is heavenly.

They have a nice atmosphere, and def worth a visit if you are looking for a place to relax or have a little chat;)

CAFE-ING AROUND

hello my sugar coated love:

Living in Tokyo, known as the land of themed cafes and cute cafes, one will be too ignorant not to visit any
So here goes my short journey to Tokyo's cafes

So, here goes..

GUCCI CAFE 

Lasagna, lunch menu

Fish

gucci cafe, Tokyo, Ginza

Interior of Gucci Cafe

Okay, It might seem fancy to begin with, for its brand name and the quality of service in this cafe. However, it is a reasonable price for lunch! The fish was scrumptious! I didn't actually eat the lasagna, but according to my friend it was good. And all that for 3500yen. Which is around 35 USD. Not a bad price, for its brand. Well, everyone who ate there had some sot of gucci handbag, gucci scarf, gucci this, and gucci that. Well what I had was an empty stomach, and I was satisfied.

There is only two gucci cafes in the world apparently, one in New York and the other one is here in TOKYO. Woohooo.

Definitely worth a visit :)

Next tour for the day is..

HERMES CAFE

UH-OH amazing chocolate Gateau

Not exactly a good self portrait but, this was taken inside the tiny Hermes Cafe

Interior of Hermes Cafe

This cafe is hidden on the second floor of Maison Hermes Ginza. In the tiny corner behind the walls where they hid the birkin and kelly bags, lies this gorgeous cafe.
They didn't have a vast selection of menu. Just some simple salad, toast, desert, and champagne.
So.. I went with desert instead
What i chose is a gateau chocolate with raspberry sauce. It was the thick and chocolatey kind of chocolate, and I instantly fell in love with the richness in taste.
I expect nothing less than Hermes.
Enough said.


Last trip for the day..

ALICE IN WONDERLAND CAFE

ENTRANCE

Interior of Alice in Wonderland Cafe

Party, anyone? ;)

Interior of Alice Cafe

Everything looks so cute and dreamy, as if you've stepped into a different world.

Again, for lunch, the prices aren't as bad..

The foods were actually below 1000 yen (equivalent to 10USD). The portion was just right as well. However, the food wasn't really what is special in this place. The decoration and the atmosphere is basically what we paid for.

On the other hand, the food wasn't that bad! It was pretty good. I like how chewy the spaghetti noodles were. tehee

Desserts! Top: Gelato, Bottom left: Chocolate Brownie, Bottom right: Heart CheeseCake

Shrimp Spagetti 

In the end of the day, it is still worth listed in #placesworthgoinginTokyo

My adventure for good food, and out of ordinary experiences will still continue.

Stay tuned ;)

Cheers,

Gracious Gracia
LOL