Animal Cruelty

Last night I went out with a couple guys to try out this seafood joint, best possible description, in Azabu Juban. I think the video pretty much says it all, but the food was great and relatively cheap and I will definitely be going back.

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Confessions Of An Expat

Recently people have been asking me if I miss NYC. To be completely honest I hardly think of NYC. Maybe it's because I've only been gone for about 2 months, maybe it's because I'm too busy absorbing Tokyo, or maybe it's because I know I'll be back eventually. Whatever the reason, the city itself rarely crosses my mind nor do I miss it. What I miss are the people, the friends, family, and coworkers that I've known for years. Many of my memories of these people were made in NYC, but the city itself doesn't hold a direct sentimental connection to me. Sometimes I get flashbacks of things I used to do in NYC like driving on the FDR or the belt with my music turned up and just enjoying the ride, or of hanging out with friends at a favorite spot, but those are few and far between.

NYC is great in many ways, but if you stay there long enough the grind will begin to get to you. I have to thank the big apple for all the memories it has provided over the years, for the prosperity that I was able to enjoy, and for the endless events and venues that made my life interesting. For now, though, I'll continue to admire NYC from a distance.

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Tenku No Tsuki

Tonight I rolled the restaurant die and ended up at Tenku No Tsuki in Shibuya, Tokyo. The food was good, though overpriced, and the service was great. The decor was a solid attempt at a traditional Japanese setting although the execution wasn't stellar. Overall the restaurant wasn't a bad experience although I came away feeling underwhelmed.

I selected this restaurant out of a dining guide that was sitting in my temporary apartment in Roppongi. In the guide Tenku No Tsuki was billed as offering "creative Japanese cuisine in a tranquil and sophisticated setting. The decor is tasteful, simple, and elegant". With a description like this it's worth a try. I wasn't sure exactly where the restaurant was located so I took a cab there. As it turned out it was only a short 15 minute walk from my apartment in Shibuya.

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When I arrived at Tenku No Tsuki I was greeted with the usual Japanese hospitality then direct to one of the private boots along the sides of the restaurant. I am sure there is a

special Japanese name for these rooms, I'll have to research that. I like the idea of a private boot except this room looked and felt like a prison cell. Even the door had a certain prison feel to it. The space must have been 6' x 6' max and, while cozy, was devoid of any charm. In the middle of the restaurant was a tranquil looking open-air dining area (pictured above) which was a significant contrast to the rooms themselves. I did take a peak at some of the other rooms in the restaurant and noticed that some had large windows which probably makes the dining experience a lot different.

As I sat down I asked the waitress what dishes the restaurant was known for and she said, wait for it.... sushi. Hmm, that's a bold statement to make in Japan but I went with it anyway. I asked the waitress to order for me and she picked a mixed sushi bowl along with some grilled pork, a folded omelet, and edamame. The food was good, but not memorable and at the price point it wasn't great value either. The rolled omelet was interesting even though it was just egg and cheese with something that gave it a sweet taste. The sushi really wasn't worth

talking about, except for the fact that it was priced about 30% above what I would pay at my favorite sushi eatery. The grilled pork was tasty and worth having a second time.

For what it's trying to be, Tenku No Tsuki isn't exactly there yet although it makes a solid effort. I could imagine having lots of fun here with a large group even though it wouldn't be a cheap night out. The cost of a full meal will probably be 5,000 to 7,000 Japanese Yen.

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