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Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality

September 2, 2018 by David Herd

A unique dining experience.

Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality

Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality

Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality, add to this craft beers, excellent wines, creative cocktails with funky music & crazy staff, you wind up with a fabulous  and unique Pattaya restaurant venue that is rapidly gathering a cult following. 

The 56-year-old  started out as a young boy in his uncle’s New York restaurant and worked his way up to the kitchen of the three Michelin-starred La Francaise in Chicago, eventually coming to Asia as the executive chef at Shangri-La’s China World Hotel in Beijing. He is pictured here with Wayne & Sally Schmidt from Australia who are enjoying an extended world trip including several magic months in Thailand.

My friend Mark Yagalla

Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality Mark discovered this gem of a restaurant hidden away on a side street on Pratumnak Hill & has become a regular visitor. As you can see Mark loves Harlan’s Bloody Marys. 

Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality

The master in his kitchen

Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality Harlan seems to be forever on the move, either preparing his creations in the small open kitchen to circumnavigating the restaurant like a force of nature.  Constantly carrying his camera (phone) in one hand & usually a cold beer in the other. 🙂

He occasionally pauses to ring the bell

Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality

Thus signalling a round of tequila shots for everyone in the room including his friends drinking outside on the veranda.

Here they come……

Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality

You may get a little confused at this rather unique venue, I found myself wondering if I was at a restaurant or a private party.

Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality

Our table was having a birthday party

Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality Som celebrated her 23rd birthday in style.

Three gorgeous ladies from our table.

Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality Som, Sally & May.

Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality

The host is never out of sight. 🙂

Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality It seems more like a party to Harlan than a business. 🙂

Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality

What about the food you cry????

Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality Sorry it took me so long to mention the fine fare. 🙂 For our Sunday there was a set menu giving 5 choices of food from around the world. Cuban, Italian, Thai, Argentinian & Mexican ranging from B600 to B1000. Whichever one you chose included a variety of excellent entres & desert.

The sliders above were one of the entres & were absolutely delicious, thankfully Hamish has banned bread from his diet so I ate his as well as mine.

Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality

Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality

   Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality

   Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality      Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality

From the top right we have the Argentinian Steak at B998 which literally melted in your mouth, it was huge & I imaging they made zero on it. Next is the Mexican battered fish, sorry to say I was disappointed with it, not much fish & batter too thick, please forgive me Harlan. Next the Italian spaghetti with prawns, & finally the Cuban chicken. (I should have ordered this or the Cuban Chicken) 

Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality

Finally the magnificent desert.

Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality This was soooo bloody good. 🙂

Keep that booze coming baby…

Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality The food price is very reasonably given the quality & flare, the money maker for Harlan would certainly be the booze.

Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality

Here is Harlan relaxing with a friend.

Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality What a fabulous mural, try getting away with that in Australia or America, sad but true.

Here am I relaxing with a small cock.

Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality Or rooster, call it what you may. 🙂

Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality

Dare I say a rose between two thorns?

Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality Sorry, what a stupid thing to say. Both girls Som & May are young & beautiful. 

A great place for a party

Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality I honestly can’t think of a better place in Pattaya for a party, if you have enough friends (and I don’t) just book out the whole restaurant & have a night you will never forget.

A triple treat

Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality My great friend Hamish Elton (aka the selfie king) with two of his great friends Wayne & Sally Schmidt, clearly Wayne is punching way above his weight. 🙂

Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality

Eat me drink me

Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality Kind of sums up the theme & atmosphere of this wonderful addition to Pattaya’s restaurant scene. Thank you for visiting my Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality photo blog, & thanks also to the 2 million other people visiting my site each year.

Hamish & May returned for dinner November 8th 2018

Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality

They live in Vision condo just an 11 minute walk away. I’m betting they didn’t walk. 🙂

The cost including one cocktail & 3 glasses of white wine was B2,800, or $85 USD.

  Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality   Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality   Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality Prawn Paella, Fish Taco & Sliced Pork in Tuna Cream Sauce, all delicious according to Hamish. 🙂

Location

Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality

378/531 Moo 12, Kasetsin Soi 2, Pattaya, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand

Phone: +66 (0)80 937 3583

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 4pm – 11pm

Finally the last word is…….

Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality

Harlan Goldstein Food plus Personality

Use the links below to get great prices on hotel rooms in Thailand & all over the world.  Book now & pay later.

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1g Duck

Holiday Inn

bbc35e6d-80db-4e1c-8f51-83dd84f16520

Fabulous views, excellent restaurants & a very good room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

The building in the middle is the Holiday Inn, on the left is the Amari Hotel which is another very good five star hotel. Use THIS LINK to book for a very good room rate.

Sabai Wing North Pattaya

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The best Pattaya budget hotel, 3 pools & opposite Central Marina shopping mall. For a great room rate just book through THIS LINK.

Sutus Court is a great budget hotel right i the heart of one of Pattaya’s main bar areas, just use THIS LINK for a terrific room rate. 420/100 Moo 9 Soi Buakhao.

Pattaya Hilton

Pattaya hotels, Hilton & Holiday Inn

This is the view from Horizons the amazing rooftop bar. A great five star hotel located opposte the beach & above the Central Festival shopping mall. Just book through THIS LINK for an excellent room rate. 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Counter only started June 26 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Coffee Club Beach Road Pattaya

August 31, 2018 by David Herd

Opened September 1st 2018

Coffee Club Beach Road Pattaya

Coffee Club Beach Road Pattaya

Coffee Club Beach Road Pattaya has just opened at Markland which just happens to be where I live on the 20th floor. As you can see they have a perfect spot overlooking Pattaya Beach.

This business only lasted a year or a little less before closing permanently. It is now January 2022 & a new restaurant is about to open on this site. 

Perfect for solo diners like myself. 🙂

Coffee Club Beach Road Pattaya

The first store opened on 2 November 1989 at Eagle Street Pier in Brisbane then on 1 July 1994 The Coffee Club became a franchise.

More outdoor seating

Coffee Club Beach Road PattayaThe smokers are well catered for which is a good reason to sit inside & enjoy the air conditioning.

Coffee Club Beach Road Pattaya

Coffee Club Beach Road Pattaya A staff meeting the day before opening.

Here I am with the friendly staff at The Coffee Club.

Coffee Club Beach Road Pattaya I am going to enjoy a daily visit here. 🙂

My welcome coffee

Coffee Club Beach Road Pattaya

My first coffee here & the opening is not until tomorrow. 🙂

Very nice decor & friendly staff

Coffee Club Beach Road Pattaya Add excellent coffee & food & it adds up to a fabulous venue at Markland condo.

Where will we meet you?

Coffee Club Beach Road Pattaya The Coffee Club of course. 🙂

Let’s take a look at the food.

Coffee Club Beach Road Pattaya Their breakfast specialty is Eggs Benedict.

So what is the verdict you may well ask?

Coffee Club Beach Road Pattaya Here is my opinion after only one breakfast, I’ll revise it when I try some different dishes. Location 10/10, staff excellent 10/10, decor is very impressive, Eggs Benedict had a slight vinegar taste 7/10, coffee 8/10 & finally in my opinion far to expensive for Thailand.

Baht 476 or $20 AUD or $14.50 USD.

Coffee Club Beach Road Pattaya

Once again this is only my opinion, similar coffee at Starbucks is B31 cheaper at B115 with every 12th one free when using their debit card.  Their price of B146 or $6.20 AUD is way over the top. Even a medium flat white is B124 or $5.27 AUD as you can see above.

Let’s compare it to Bon Cafe

Best Pattaya breakfast coffee service

  Bon Cafe is a very good breakfast spot. Just under $8 AUD or 185 Baht you get this excellent meal including coffee & orange juice, 668/17-21 Pattaya-Naklua. As you can see there is a huge price difference, $8 or $20 AUD, the choice is yours.

Phad Thai & prawn

Coffee Club Beach Road Pattaya This dish was ok, & priced at B200 or $10 AUD. 

When it comes to coffee I prefer Starbucks or the Holiday Inn.

Thanks for visiting my Coffee Club Beach Road Pattaya photo blog. 

Holiday Inn

bbc35e6d-80db-4e1c-8f51-83dd84f16520

Fabulous views, excellent restaurants & a very good room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

The building in the middle is the Holiday Inn, on the left is the Amari Hotel which is another very good five star hotel. Use THIS LINK to book for a very good room rate.

Sabai Wing North Pattaya

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The best Pattaya budget hotel, 3 pools & opposite Central Marina shopping mall. For a great room rate just book through THIS LINK.

Sutus Court is a great budget hotel right i the heart of one of Pattaya’s main bar areas, just use THIS LINK for a terrific room rate. 420/100 Moo 9 Soi Buakhao.

Pattaya Hilton

Pattaya hotels, Hilton & Holiday Inn

This is the view from Horizons the amazing rooftop bar. A great five star hotel located opposte the beach & above the Central Festival shopping mall. Just book through THIS LINK for an excellent room rate. 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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  Please check out these fabulous posts
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Patrick’s Belgian Steakhouse Pattaya

July 18, 2018 by David Herd

Renovated May 2018

Patrick’s Belgian Steakhouse Pattaya

Patrick's Belgian Steakhouse Pattaya

Patrick’s Belgian Steakhouse Pattaya is certainly one of my favourite restaurants. TripAdvisor rating is #22 of 1,025 Restaurants in Pattaya, however in my opinion it is in the top 10.

Perhaps a salad to start with.

Patrick's Belgian Steakhouse Pattaya

Lots of choices at Patrick’s Belgian Steakhouse Pattaya.

The photo does not do it justice.

Patrick's Belgian Steakhouse Pattaya

The Oxtail soup is fantastic, I often drop in and have it for lunch, followed by a waffle of course. 🙂

Of course I sometime have the pancake instead of the waffle. 🙂

Patrick's Belgian Steakhouse Pattaya

They are both delicious.

Patrick’s Belgian Steakhouse Pattaya

Patrick's Belgian Steakhouse Pattaya

Dining with my friend Hamish & my brother Warren in May 2018 just after the renovation was completed.

The Tuesday night special.

Patrick's Belgian Steakhouse Pattaya

Without a doubt they serve the best lamb shank in Pattaya, perhaps even the northern hemisphere.

Patrick’s Belgian Steakhouse Pattaya

Patrick's Belgian Steakhouse Pattaya

The new decor is attractive & modern. This was at 6.30 pm & I was the only customer. 🙂

In case you were wondering, here’s Patrick.

Patrick's-Belgian-Steakhouse-Pattaya

 

 

 

He used to be a parachuter, now he is a biker. 🙂

Early May 2018 they gutted the restaurant.

Patrick's Belgian Steakhouse Pattaya

The finished product is excellent.

Here we are at the old restaurant.

Patrick's Belgian Steakhouse Pattaya

I’m with Greg Clee & Hamish Elton celebrating Hamish’s birthday in 2015. Notice the old fashioned decor?

Can you believe the size of this Tomahawk? 🙂

Patrick’s Belgian Steakhouse Pattaya

A whopping 1.5 kilo, I think Hamish could handle it. 🙂

A terrific dinner with friends.

Patrick’s Belgian Steakhouse Pattaya

August 31st 2018, 3 Aussies, a Belgium & a Yankee.

Good food & nice people.

Patrick’s Belgian Steakhouse Pattaya

 From the left we have Dan Escamilla, Hamish Elton, David Herd, Sally Schmidt & Wayne Schmidt.

Another Tuesday night dinner

Patrick's Belgian Steakhouse Pattaya

Half the table ordered the lamb shank. 🙂 From the right we have David Rose, Brendan Tate, Jessica, Hamish Elton, David Herd, Dan Escamilla & last but not least Possum. 🙂

That is a great looking slab of beef.

Patrick’s Belgian Steakhouse Pattaya

You would need a huge appetite to get through that. 🙂

Irish stew was exceptional on October 21 2020

Patrick’s Belgian Steakhouse Pattaya

Great value at B250 or $8 USD.

Location

Patrick’s Belgian Steakhouse Pattaya

Opposite Mike shopping mall in an arcade opposite the Beefeater.

One final look at the Tuesday special.

Patrick's Belgian Steakhouse Pattaya

Lamb shank (French style) & potato au gratin. I only have one criticism of this fine restaurant, the house wine is far too expensive. Everything else is excellent, many thanks for visiting my Patrick’s Belgian Steakhouse Pattaya photo blog.

July 31 st 2020

Patrick’s Belgian Steakhouse Pattaya

Belgian waffles & red wine.

For more Pattaya steak restaurants just CLICK HERE.

Patrick discovers El Mercado

Patrick discovers El Mercado

Here is what Patrick had to say about El Mercado; “Didn’t know where to eat tonight in Bangkok so I asked my good friend David Herd who is an expert in Bangkok restaurants. He suggested El Mercado. Wow, what a surprise. Never saw anything like that in Thailand. All those choices of cheeses, cold cuts, seafood and fish. Many wines as well, but a bit on the expensive side. I enjoyed a mixed platter with cheeses and cold cuts, my wife went for the oysters and seafood dish. All in all a success and very enjoyable. Book in advance, packed all the time. Worth a visit when in Bangkok.”😉😎

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             Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
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                         d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037              Patrick's Belgian Steakhouse Pattaya
 
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Surfers Paradise Party Animals
 
 
Patrick's Belgian Steakhouse Pattaya 
A-One hotel on Beach Road

Patrick's Belgian Steakhouse Pattaya

For a great room rate at the A-One hotel opposite the beach just book through THIS LINK.               

 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

 Patrick's Belgian Steakhouse Pattaya           e1274c0c-cf4d-4406-b5dc-d9e8071e382e            8993ef02-ccf3-46a7-8b6d-fc11af9d93ad

Check out these great food photo blogs.

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 4 photos

Overnight Narita Station APA Hotel

June 24, 2018 by David Herd

Farewell Japan after my 5th visit since 2007.

Overnight Narita Station APA Hotel

Overnight Narita Station

Overnight Narita Station APA Hotel before flying home to Thailand after another wonderful Japanese holiday. My six hour flight was scheduled to leave at 10.00 am so staying in Tokyo would have meant getting up very early.

There is a free shuttle bus from the APA hotel to the airport which takes about 30 minutes.

All you can eat restaurant.

Overnight Narita Station The Spiral Staircase is a small “hole in the wall” restaurant that offers unlimited food for a set price of around 2,200 Yen. They also included the largest glass of red wine that I have ever been served.

Desert included

Overnight Narita StationA pancake with ice cream, delicious.

Reminds me of an old song

Overnight Narita Station APA Hotel Smoke gets in your eyes, sung by the Platters way back in the 50s. 🙂

Overnight Narita Station APA Hotel

Overnight Narita Station Huge glass of red from Chile + a large salad.

My lucky day….

Overnight Narita Station I scored a window seat in am exit row.

Great view from the plane.

Overnight Narita Station A beautiful blue sky and ocean.

Another remote atoll

Overnight Narita Station APA Hotel About an hour out of Tokyo on the way to Bangkok. Thanks for visiting my Overnight Narita Station APA Hotel photo blog.

The APA hotel is located beside Narita station, if you book through THIS LINK you will get an excellent room rate of under $50 AUD, + you have a free cancellation option.
A-One hotel on Beach Road

Seven deadly Songkran days

For a great room rate at the A-One hotel opposite the beach just book through THIS LINK.               

 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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  Please check out these fabulous posts
       Gold Coast                              Pattaya                          Cinque Terre
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                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Asakusa Shibuya Tokyo Japan

June 23, 2018 by David Herd

Day & night Tokyo is fantastic.

Asakusa Shibuya Tokyo Japan

Asakusa Shibuya Tokyo Japan

Asakusa Shibuya Tokyo Japan come alive at night as does most of this great city. The lights, the restaurants, the bars, there is so much to do and see in Tokyo. Above is a busy arcade at Asakusa.

Early evening & the crowd is building.

Asakusa Shibuya Tokyo Japan A slow build up however the crowds will come.

A little hole in the wall for dinner.

Asakusa Shibuya Tokyo Japan A typical small Tokyo restaurant.

Delicious Yakitori

Asakusa Shibuya Tokyo Japan My favourite Japanese cuisine, as you probably know by now.

Asakusa Shibuya Tokyo Japan

Asakusa Shibuya Tokyo Japan Asakusa is fabulous at night as is most of Tokyo.

Wet night in Shibuya

Asakusa Shibuya Tokyo Japan My last night in Tokyo tomorrow I take the Shinkansen to Sendai.

Shibuya is about 45 minutes from Asakusa

Asakusa Shibuya Tokyo Japan A direct ride on the Ginza line.

Time for dinner.

Asakusa Shibuya Tokyo Japan So many restaurants to choose from, there must be 5,000 restaurants in Asakusa Shibuya Tokyo Japan.

Soup & dumplings.

Asakusa Shibuya Tokyo Japan Both delicious.

Starbucks in Shibuya overlooks the famous Shibuya scramble.

Asakusa Shibuya Tokyo Japan Check out THIS LINK for the scramble.

Ping pong club

Asakusa Shibuya Tokyo Japan Very different from those in Bangkok. 🙂

Tokyo Sky Tree

Asakusa Shibuya Tokyo Japan The view from Asakusa.

Creme cake in Asakusa

Asakusa Shibuya Tokyo Japan

You are never too old to enjoy a creme cake, I hope he is hungry. 🙂

Glass skyscraper in Asakusa.

Asakusa Shibuya Tokyo Japan A terrific building in Asakusa. Many thanks for visiting my Asakusa Shibuya Tokyo Japan photo blog. 

30 million visitors means it’s always busy here.

Asakusa Shibuya Tokyo JapanThis Buddhist Temple is the cities oldest temple. Senso-ji is the most widely visited spiritual site in the world with over 30 million visitors annually. The temple was completed in the year 645, making it Tokyo‘s oldest temple.

Tawaramachi Station

Ancient Buddhist Temple Asakusa Tokyo

I stayed at the Agora Place hotel which was a wonderful location close to 3 metro stations   Tawaramachi, Ueno & Asakusa. You can get an express train direct from Narita & you can catch the Shinkansen from Ueno. Book through THIS LINK for an excellent room rate

A-One hotel on Beach Road

Seven deadly Songkran days

For a great room rate at the A-One hotel opposite the beach just book through THIS LINK.               

 Brazil Hotels

 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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    Bangkok Bars                         Tokyo                      Cape Town Safari
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               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
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Gastronomical Japanese Adventure

June 20, 2018 by David Herd

Eat to live, or live to eat?

Gastronomical Japanese Adventure

 Gastronomical Japanese Adventure

Gastronomical Japanese Adventure in May 2018, started with the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Sendai, then I flew to Sapporo before another flight south to Nagoya. After a couple of overcast days I had a short trip on the Shinkansen to Kyoto. Four days later I rested in Hikone for 2 days before spending my final night in Narita.

The Yakitori chicken above was in Tokyo & absolutely mouth watering. 🙂

Sushizanmai is my favourite sushi chain of restaurants.

Gastronomical Japanese AdventureAlways fresh & delicious.

Grilled Avocado at the Cellar Grill Omotosando

Gastronomical Japanese Adventure Quite an amazing taste.

Gastronomical Japanese Adventure continues in Sendai

Gastronomical Japanese Adventure Sendai is famous for oysters, “a cold current that contains nutrient-rich water travels down the coast from north to south. The two currents collide at around the Sanriku area, which includes the coast of Miyagi Prefecture.” The mixing of these currents leads to plankton blooms, which attract migrating fish. “This same nutrient- and plankton-rich water makes Matsushima Bay oysters delicious,” these wild oysters were first discovered as a culinary delight and harvested from Matsushima Bay back in the 17th century.

Salmon & almonds was delicious.

Gastronomical Japanese AdventureAt the ANA Holiday Inn in Sendai.

Mongolian Lamb in Sapporo.

Gastronomical Japanese AdventureLunch at the Beer Garden should certainly be on your bucket list.

Rare roast beef salad at Bistro Masuya Sapporo

Gastronomical Japanese Adventure Something a little different for a change.

Sapporo seafood market

Gastronomical Japanese Adventure Hokkaido of course is famous for seafood.

While on the subject of seafood markets,

Gastronomical Japanese AdventureHere I am at Omicho market in Kanazawa in 2016.

Gastronomical Japanese Adventure includes some edible gold leaf  on top?

Gastronomical Japanese AdventureKanazawa’s history with gold leaf began 400 years ago. Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo) used to make gold leaf, Kanazawa now is the only remaining production hub of the coveted craft. 

Lunch at Nagoya

Gastronomical Japanese AdventureA chicken & salad wrap followed by a cream bun.

Yakitori for dinner in Nagoya

Gastronomical Japanese AdventureAsparagus wrapped in pork.

Yakitori for dinner in Osaka.

Gastronomical Japanese AdventureYou probably realise by now how much I love Yakitori. 🙂

I also found my fabulous grilled avocado again in Osaka.

Osaka 1st night (71) Talk about my Gastronomical Japanese Adventure, this creation ranks right up there with the best.

Succulent steak in Kyoto

Gion day one (22) Cooked to perfection.

Fabulous Ramen in Kagoshima.

Miami Ave good restaurant (3)This city is a long way off the beaten track but really worth a visit.

Dolphin Port sushi train

Dolphin Port sushi train (4)How good is this?

The happy guys at Dolphin Port.

Gastronomical Japanese AdventureThey all love a photo. 🙂

I’m still in Kagoshima 

Unagi (5) I really love Unagi (eel)

Gastronomical Japanese Adventure

Gorm's (1) Fabulous Pizza at Gorms, which hails from Copenhagen. I first ordered this in their Nagasaki branch, then I repeated the effort in Fukuoko. 🙂

More wonderful food in Kagoshima

Gastronomical Japanese AdventureYakitori to die for at the Kagomma Furusato Food Village.

Duck Confit in Hikkone

Apprenti (6) Absolutely mouth watering & cooked to perfection.

Giant Gyozo aat the Spiral Staircase in Narita.

Spiral Staircase restaurant (8)An excellent all you can eat restaurant 10 minutes walk from Narita station.

Here are some locals I met in Kyoto.

1 Had a few beers with these nice locals in a tiny beer bar in Gion.

Hamosh & I drinking ice cold Ashari in Osaka.

Dotonbori lights camera actionThanks for visiting my Gastronomical Japanese Adventure photo blog.

A-One hotel on Beach Road

Seven deadly Songkran days

For a great room rate at the A-One hotel opposite the beach just book through THIS LINK.               

 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
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Hikone Small City Near Kyoto Japan

June 19, 2018 by David Herd

A city between Tokyo & Kyoto

Hikone Small City Near Kyoto Japan

Hikone Small City Near Kyoto Japan

Hikone Small City Near Kyoto Japan sits by the shore of Lake Biwa the largest lake in Japan. In previous blogs I have been a little harsh when writing about Hikone, however the Castle was interesting & I dined at two very good restaurants. Above is Castle Road which as you can guess leads to the famous Castle.

Hikone Small City Near Kyoto Japan

Hikone Small City Near Kyoto JapanApparently the buildings along Castle road have been designed like town houses from the Edo Period with white walls.

It was a long walk to Starbucks

Hikone Small City Near Kyoto Japan Always worth the effort though. 🙂

My hotel to Starbucks

Hikone Small City Near Kyoto Japan I’m sure it took me longer than 31 minutes. 🙂 Hotel Sunroute Hikone is also only 4 minutes walk from the station, you can get a room for around $30 AUD if you book through THIS LINK.

I stopped for an ice cream on the way back to my hotel.

Hikone Small City Near Kyoto Japan I tend to walk as much as possible to help my fitness, plus you see more of the local environment. Most days I was walking more than 10,000 steps.

Cute coffee shop

Hikone Small City Near Kyoto Japan Also there are lots more photo opportunities when you walk.

A monster supermarket

Hikone Small City Near Kyoto Japan By far the biggest I have ever seen anywhere in the world.

The famous Castle

Hikone Small City Near Kyoto JapanFive castles in Japan are national treasures, this is one of them. Hikone Castle’s three storied castle keep is relatively small but displays a unique design that combines multiple different architecture styles. This is one reason why the castle keep has been designated a national treasure, the highest designation for cultural properties in Japan, held by only four other castle keeps, namely HimejijoMatsumotojoInuyamajo and Matsuejo. 

The other four.

Hikone Castle Japanese National Treasure Hikone Castle is a 15 minute walk along the straight main road from Hikone Station.

Entry to the castle

Hikone Small City Near Kyoto JapanAfter climbing about 800 steps the end is near. 🙂

The climb is worth it.

Hikone Small City Near Kyoto Japan I have seen so many castles in Japan yet the attraction is still there for me.

The city from the castle.

Hikone Small City Near Kyoto Japan As you can see it’s a very small city.

Spare a thought for this guy

Hikone Small City Near Kyoto Japan He is delivery goods to the shop, a long hard climb.

Take a boat ride on the moat.

Hikone Small City Near Kyoto Japan Everywhere you go in Japan there is a photo opportunity.

Apprenti restaurant

Hikone Small City Near Kyoto Japan Very good food & delightful owners.

Duck Confit for dinner

Hikone Small City Near Kyoto Japan Very French, here is the recipe. Pour the melted fat over the duck (the duck pieces should be covered by fat) and place the confit in the oven. Cook the confit slowly at a very slow simmer — just an occasional bubble — until the duck is tender and can be easily pulled from the bone, 2-3 hours. Remove the confit from the oven.

Followed by desert of course.

Hikone Small City Near Kyoto Japan I ate here two nights in a row. 🙂

Here I am with the owners of Apprenti restaurant.

Hikone Small City Near Kyoto Japan Masanori & his wife Hiromi are 2 delightful people who provide excellent French food & wine in their small French restaurant.

Uomaru

Hikone Small City Near Kyoto Japan So many restaurants as such little time.

Busy chef at Omaru

Hikone Small City Near Kyoto Japan Always great to watch the chef in action.

Avocado

Hikone Small City Near Kyoto Japan I’m always looking for this on the menu. 🙂

Thanks for visiting my Hikone Small City Near Kyoto Japan photo blog.

A-One hotel on Beach Road

Seven deadly Songkran days

For a great room rate at the A-One hotel opposite the beach just book through THIS LINK.               

 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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1g Duck

 

 

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Hikone Castle Japanese National Treasure

June 18, 2018 by David Herd

It was a long hot climb to the Castle.

Hikone Castle National Treasure

Hikone Castle National Treasure

Hikone Castle National Treasure is one of five in the whole country. It is regarded as one of Japan’s most beautiful and historic castles.

It was close to 1000 steps to get to the Castle.

Hikone Castle Japanese National TreasureExcellent views of the city once I got to the top.

Here is the entrance.

Hikone Castle Japanese National Treasure It was a very hot day & when I got to the top I really needed needed some liquid refreshment.

This is just what the doctor ordered. 🙂

Hikone Castle National Treasure

An ice cold Asahi is my favourite beer.

As you can see it’s a rather spectacular building.

Hikone Castle National Treasure Hikone Castle Japanese National Treasure was worth the effort to take on all those steps.

Good view of Hikone

Hikone Castle National TreasureThat’s Japan’s largest lake – Biwako – and is an easy day trip from Osaka, Kyoto or Nagoya.

Looking down on the city centre. 

Hikone Castle Japanese National TreasureIt was a 30 minute walk from my hotel near the station. Then you had to climb to the top. Hotel Sunroute Hikone is also only 4 minutes walk from the station, you can get a room for around $30 AUD if you book through THIS LINK.

Spare a thought for the poor delivery man. 🙂

Hikone Castle National Treasure Supplies for the shops etc have to be delivered the hard way. 

 Hikone Castle  National Treasure

Hikone Castle National TreasureThe castle is certainly impressive & the view of the surrounding city is worth seeing.

Here is a good example of the sloping stone walls.

Hikone Castle National TreasureAs you can see there are lots of photo opportunities.

Work in progress

Hikone Castle Japanese National TreasureI’m guessing work never stops on these ancient buildings.

Take a boat around the moat.

Hikone Castle National TreasureNot a bad idea.

You gotta love the coolie hats.

Hikone Castle National TreasureEqual opportunity exists in Hikone, a male & a female.

The gardeners are hard at work.

Hikone Castle National Treasure

As I said before work never stops at Hikone Castle  National Treasure.

Japanese treasures.

Hikone Castle National TreasureHere are the location of the five treasures.

A-One hotel on Beach Road

Seven deadly Songkran days

For a great room rate at the A-One hotel opposite the beach just book through THIS LINK.               

 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
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Nijo Seafood Market Sapporo

June 17, 2018 by David Herd

Was hardly worth a visit.

Nijo Seafood Market Sapporo

Nijo Seafood Market Sapporo

Nijo Seafood Market Sapporo Japan left me a little disappointed. After Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo & Kanazawa Omicho fish market I expected more.

Rows of shops opposite each other.

Nijo Seafood Market SapporoThis is obviously the retail section, the wholesale warehouses are 5 or 6 blocks away. Several restaurants are among the shops, including a collection of small bars and restaurants.

Lots of varieties here.

Nijo Seafood Market SapporoLive, fresh & frozen are all available here at Nijo Seafood Market Sapporo.

Here is a big guy swimming around.

Nijo Seafood Market Sapporo Reminds me of my home on Australia’s Gold Coast during the 90s, I used to catch large mud crabs from my jetty.

Looks like octopus to me.

Nijo Seafood Market SapporoNice & chewy for sure.

Flashback to the Gold Coast in Australia 1998.

Nijo Seafood Market SapporoMy secret was to steam them in sake. 🙂

Nijo Seafood Market Sapporo

Nijo Seafood Market SapporoI’m starting to get very hungry. 🙂

You gotta love fresh crab

Nijo Seafood Market SapporoMakes my mouth water just looking at it. 🙂

Time for lunch.

Nijo Seafood Market SapporoNothing fancy just a small hole in the wall.

Nijo Seafood Market Sapporo Japan

Nijo Seafood Market SapporoI settled for the house special which was excellent value at 2500 Yen or $30 AUD.

Farewell to Nijo market

Nijo Seafood Market Sapporo Not everywhere you visit lives up to your expectations, having said that I ticked the box & will move on to bigger & better things. Thanks for visiting my Nijo Seafood Market Sapporo Japan photo blog. 

Follow THIS LINK for more information.

APA Hotel Sapporo-Susukino-Ekimae was in a very good location next to the metro station. For a terrific room rate just book through THIS LINK & pay later, free cancellation if your plans change.

A-One hotel on Beach Road

Seven deadly Songkran days

For a great room rate at the A-One hotel opposite the beach just book through THIS LINK.               

 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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Here are some of my most popular posts.

Pattaya live webcam

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

Copacabana beautiful beach babes

Nana Plaza Bangkok sex sin sleaze

Sexy Cherry Bar babes Pattaya Thailand

Tim Bristow Iron-Bar Freddy Tropical Joe

Atlantic Bar North Pattaya

Sexy Soi Cowboy Bangkok 

Beautiful Budapest

Australian seafood

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Sapporo TV Tower Hokkaido

June 17, 2018 by David Herd

The observation deck is 90 meters high.

Sapporo TV Tower Hokkaido 

Sapporo TV Tower Hokkaido

Sapporo TV Tower Hokkaido Japan offers a great view of the city and surrounding mountains, the observation deck is 90 meters high & certainly worth a visit.

Observation deck.

Sapporo TV Tower HokkaidoNot many people here today.

Sapporo is Japan’s 5th largest city.

Sapporo TV Tower HokkaidoA population of almost 2 million people. 

Sapporo TV Tower Hokkaido

Sapporo TV Tower HokkaidoThe blue sky make such a difference when taking photos.

Leafy boulevard in the city center.

Sapporo TV Tower HokkaidoAlways nice to see some green breaking up the concrete jungle.

My hotel is in the bottom left hand corner.

Sapporo TV Tower Hokkaido APA Hotel Sapporo-Susukino-Ekimae was in a very good location next to the metro station. For a terrific room rate just book through THIS LINK & pay later, free cancellation if your plans change.

One of Sapporo’s modern buildings.

Hokkaido Island SapporoOther than shrines, temples & castles you don’t see many old buildings in Japan, they just knock them down & build a new one.

Photo opportunity 

Hokkaido Island Sapporo JapanA nice park surrounds the TV Tower with lots of colourful flowers.

Time for lunch

Hokkaido Island SapporoAfter leaving the TV tower I headed straight for Doutor, one of my favourite cafe’s for a ham & salad roll with a hot latte. 

Thanks for visiting my Sapporo TV Tower Hokkaido Japan photo blog. Take a look at the Beergarden & other restaurants before you leave.

A-One hotel on Beach Road

Seven deadly Songkran days

For a great room rate at the A-One hotel opposite the beach just book through THIS LINK.               

 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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1g Duck

 

Fukuoka Hiroshima Sapporo Sendai

Tokyo Kagoshima Kanazawa Nagoya

Nagasaki Yokohama Kyoto Kamakura

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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