Daikanyama Henry's Burger review

Every once in a while you will find something and it turns out to be good... and that was what happened to me this week. I was walking around Daikanyama (代官山) and came across this burger shop. The smell of their burgers just filled the streets so I was intrigued. I was also aware this was Daikanyama, so it might be slightly pricey.

To my surprise, it was not! in fact... it was quite reasonable... it was comparable to most burger shops in Tokyo. I suggest getting a set. I decided on Combo A for ¥1188 (tax included). The set includes a drink, a hamburger and fries.

While waiting for my burger, I couldn't help but do a quick google search, I saw a Japan Times article feature them a few years ago. It turns out they serve 100% Japanese Wagyu (Japanese beef) burgers with no fillers, extenders or binding agents! I was excited!

seating area

It took them around 10 minutes to get my order. The seating area is extremely small. I was lucky I got to sit down as the people were leaving.

only 4 seats!!

They only have 4 seats. I suggest getting take out and eat outside on the bench. I do not suggest waiting... because there is no guarantee how long it will take.

so my food arrived!

impressions:

• fries were fresh
• ingredients were fresh
• fries were super thin
• burger was really juicy and tasty
• burger melted in my mouth
• burger was small

served on a cute diner type tray

My order came on a cute looking tray. It had a very diner type of feel to it.

close up of burger

look at how fresh the lettuce is and how juicy the burger looks.

the burger!

the burger felt slightly thin. The combination of ingredients was good.

another look at the burger

the burger is tiny...

I finished!

it wasn't hard to finish this burger. It was small... (you can tell from my closeups).

Overall

I was quite satisfied. The ingredients were fresh and the taste was good.

score: 8/10
website: http://www.henrysburger.com/

Haagen-Dazs Specialite 抹茶のオペラ review

Haagen-Dazs Specialite Matcha Opera

As Christmas approaches, there is bound to be some seasonal limited food items available. And of all products available, Haagen-Daz's was the one that caught my eye!

After dinner, I found this Haagen-Dazs Specialite 抹茶のオペラ (Matcha Opera) at my local convenient store. My friend told me that this is heavily advertised around Tokyo: trains, subways or even random posters. After indulging in this, I started seeing this everywhere, too.

layers

This ice cream consists of 4 layers:

• gold and chocolate
• matcha ice cream
• almond sauce and cookies
• blond chocolate ice cream

impressions:

• slightly pricy (¥450)
• the chocolate layer was very richly chocolate
• there was gold dust to justify the price (?)
• the vanilla ice cream cookie crumble layer was really delicious!
• each layer was very well defined bringing out their characteristic
• the layers tasted good together and apart

Haagen-Dazs Matcha Opera

was it worth it?

despite the pricey price tag, I would say yes, it was worth it. This was probably one of the best desserts I have had this year! It was extremely well made, like a very expensive ice cream cake in a small container (the kind of cake you would find in patisseries which cost ¥500+). The combination of flavours was impeccable. While the chocolate and matcha layer were on the bitter side, the almond sauce and blond chocolate layer were sweet, creating a perfect balance between the layers and producing a delicious result.

score: 9.5/10

website: http://www.haagen-dazs.co.jp/matcha_opera/

(press release) http://www.haagen-dazs.co.jp/company/newsrelease/2017/_specialite_1121.html

Pokka Sapporo Soyafarm - Soy Milk Yogurt review

SoyaFarm's SoyMilk Yogurt

豆乳ヨーグルト (Soy milk Yogurt) 豆乳で作ったヨーグルト
I was just at my local grocery store (here in Tokyo) and the words caught my eye "Soy Milk" (豆乳). It was very appealing so I bought one to try.

benefits of Soy yogurt:

• lower cholesterol
• non dairy - for those who are allergic
• vegan

product

ソヤファーム 豆乳で作ったヨーグルト プレーン（110g）

豆乳を乳酸菌で発酵させて作った植物性のヨーグルトなので、4種の生きた乳酸菌と豆乳由来の大豆イソフラボン、大豆たんぱく質を一度に摂取できます。さらに血清コレステロールを低下させるはたらきがある大豆たんぱく質を含んだ特定保健用食品です。やさしい甘さのまろやかで食べやすいヨーグルトです。

乳製品を使用しておりませんので乳アレルギーの方にも安心してお求めいただけます。

A vegan yoghurt made by fermenting soy milk with lactic acid bacteria, so you can ingest 4 live lactic acid bacteria, soy milk derived soy isoflavone and soy protein at the same time. 

In addition, it is a food for specified health use containing soybean protein which has serum cholesterol lowering function. It is mellow and easy to eat yogurt with sweet sweetness.

We do not use dairy products so you can purchase it with confidence for those who are allergic to milk.

nutrition facts

for one container (110 g)

エネルギー 76kcal

たんぱく質 4.4g

脂質 2.7g

炭水化物 8.5g

ナトリウム 44mg

カリウム 101mg

リン 48mg

コレステロール 0mg

Energy 76 kcal

Protein 4.4 g

Lipid 2.7 g

Carbohydrate 8.5 g

Sodium 44 mg

Potassium 101 mg

Phosphorus 48 mg

Cholesterol 0 mg

list of ingredients

豆乳、糖類（砂糖、ぶどう糖）、食物繊維、ゼラチン、レモン果汁、香料、増粘剤（寒天、増粘多糖類）、塩化マグネシウム含有物、酸味料、甘味料（スクラロース）

in English:
Soybean milk, sugar (sugar, glucose), dietary fiber, gelatin, lemon juice, fragrance, thickener (agar, polysaccharide thickener), magnesium chloride containing, acidulant, sweetener (sucralose)

the goodness

impressions:

• very soft and melts in your mouth
• watery
• very strong soy taste
• there is no vanilla but has a subtle vanilla taste
• similar to cream brûlée consistency

close up

It doesn't look very attractive in this picture... but it is good... I would compare it to the consistency of creme brûlée .

I have a slight allergy to soy, whenever I eat a lot of soy, my throat gets itchy... and after eating this, I can confirm there is a lot of soy... my throat is so itchy >____<.

score: 8.8/10

website: https://www.pokkasapporo-fb.jp/soy/yogurt/?_ga=2.89897629.729749129.1512658061-823735011.1512658061

website of actual product: https://www.pokkasapporo-fb.jp/products/soymilk/soyafarm_yogurt/HM93.html

てけてけ 居酒屋 (teke teke izakaya) review

photo credits: http://www.teke-teke.com/

TekeTeke is an izakaya chain which can be found at most, if not, all train/subway stations around Tokyo. It is notorious for its cheap ¥79 (tax not included) Yakitori (焼き鳥) chicken part skewers.

Unlike the picture above, TekeTeke bars are usually located in the basements of buildings. They do this to keep their expenses low.

Keep in mind that it can get quite loud in these izakayas and do not expect there to be good service.

(all prices do not include taxes. Consumption taxes are 8% in Japan)

Deep Fried Cheese sticks with Semolina Flakes (クリームチーズのセモリナ粉揚げ) ¥390 + tax

fried cheese sticks ¥390

I loved these fried cheese sticks! They were served hot and fresh! The insides were filled with cream cheese. 

inside of the cheese sticks :9 ¥360

 it was filled with goodness inside! the cheese was really hot... so be careful if you plan to order this.
I highly recommend this for any cheese lovers who come across this Izakaya.

Famous! Tepanyaki Chicken Gyoza (な物!鉄板鶏餃子) ¥490+ tax

Chicken dumplings ¥490

The chicken dumplings were actually a chicken stuffed with dumpling / Gyoza (餃子) filling. This was one of the best dishes we ordered. The taste was made right and paired with a delicious vinegar. I highly recommend this item.

Yakitori (焼き鶏) ¥474+tax/5 pieces (quail, chicken bum, chicken skin, chicken liver, chicken glizzard) ¥79/skewer

yakitori! ¥79/each or ¥450/set of 5 pieces

 The quail eggs were the best (I guess you can't exactly go wrong with them XD).  The others were slightly burnt... and dry... overcooked. The flavour wasn't bad... I didn't find the need to put in an extra amount of salt. Was it worth it? at another location, yes... at this... only the quail eggs.

Chicken Broth Congee/Porridge ¥490

Chicken broth Congee/Porridge ¥490

 This was a so-so item. It was slightly small for the price (you can see how big the spoon looks -____-) but it was quite well made. I liked the amount of black pepper they added into the congee/porridge. The main ingredients were: 5 pieces of chicken, an egg, broth, black pepper, green onion and some onions. The combination was quite good.

Otooshi (お通し) ¥300/person

otooshi ¥300/person

This otoushi (お通し) was by far the biggest ripoff. For those who are not familiar with what is Otoushi, it is a sort of service fee (or seating fee/cover charge) paid to the bar if you order drinks (especially alcohol drinks).

Most Otoushi are small but very well made... they are usually unique to that bar/restaurant, it usually very delicious... this was just cabbage -______-|| The cabbage was paired with a sesame tasting dipping sauce. The sauce was quite flavourful... still... this is NOT otoushi quality.... 

Another problem was this came almost at the end of the meal... and we only got one per table... ONE! :(

Location: Ebisu (I was a bit disappointed at this one... I have been to others which were much better)

score: 6.5/10 (for Ebisu location)

website: http://www.teke-teke.com/

Gruesome looking nails tutorial

Halloween I scare you nails

How do 2 innocent colour looking nail polishes end up looking so gruesome?

I have no idea... I wished I knew... But if I had to make a mistake... I'm glad I made it near Halloween... I think this nail look will be perfect for your Halloween parties... Scare people with them!!

What you will need

• Base coat
• A dark colour
• A frosted light colour
• Top coat

how it looks alone

how it looks alone

results

I was very disappointed when I saw the results... but trial and error is key I guess :D

Daiso's Nail Polish remover review

Daiso's nail polish remover

While shopping at Daiso, I came across this nail polish remover. I have heard good things about these types of nail polish removers (where you dip your nail in and turn it a few times and the polish is completely off)


​
Pros:

• Doesn't irritate skin (no stinging)
• Works! (Even for glitter nails)
• Nice scent
• Vitamin C
• environmentally friendly- 
• cheap (only ¥100)

instructions

Cons:

• No hard surface to rub
• Left a weird sticky residue on fingers/skin

inside- soft sponge

score: 10/10

no website

Neutrogena anti residue shampoo review

The bottle is big... it's just that my hands got used to holding my Nexus 6

Recently, I started to feel my hair acting up... no matter how many times I use shampoo... my hair just seems so "dead", "oily" and "dry" I even tried to use hair serum and hair mist... but the results were the same. While shopping at Costco, I came across this "Anti-Residue" Shampoo by Neutrogena. 

What it does/claims:

• Removes residue from shampoos, conditioners and styling products
• cleans hair thoroughly, easily rinses clean.
• mild formula won't cause irritation
• suitable for all hair types

information

I just use this once a week... If you use it more, it will be too overwhelming for your hair. It would do more damage than good...

impressions:

• hate the smell (smells like Nizoral shampoo, medicated smell)
• very thick
• gives you a squeaky clean feeling both on scalp and hair
• Works the way it claims
• affordable (this product lasts a long time and only costs around $20)

This is affordable... Don't let my hand deceive you (I own a Nexus 6 phablet and I play the piano so I am used to holding wide things with one hand and stretching my hands) there is a lot of product (946ml) and if you use this once a week... It will last you a very long time (mine's has lasted me for more than a year :O).

I really hate the smell... it smells medicated... but luckily the smell doesn't linger in your hair. I recommend using a conditioner or hair mist if you are bothered by the smell.

This stuff is thick, keep that in mind when you are using it, don't use too much.

I love the squeaky clean feeling it gives... (which is why I don't recommend using it for more than one a week... as recommended). It strips away everything in your hair and scalp including the necessary oil used to protect your hair and scalp. Once, I used this two times a week and I noticed dandruff forming as well as pimples >____<.

Conclusion

I really like this product... it does what it claims... I just don't like the smell... but other than that, I really like this product, it clears my hair from residue and gives my hair a refresh feeling.

Score: 9.8/10

Website: http://www.neutrogena.com/product/anti-residue+shampoo.do

Ippudo Ramen (一風堂ラーメン) review

Let's start this month out right with another ramen review :D

Ippudo has been highly praised and ranked as #2 best ramen shop (chain) in Japan this year. It even beat ramen giant Ichiran which ranked at #5 this year. Unlike Ichiran, which strives to displays its Chinese/Japanese roots, Ippudo goes for a contemporary, simplicity theme (it is very evident in their logos. Ichiran's logo, as well as their shops have a red and green while Ippudo's is modern, simple and white).

Ippudo's lights

The Atmosphere

When I first walked into a nearby Ippudo I wasn't quite sure whether I was in the right place or not. The moment I walked into the shop, I was surrounded by American Pop/Jazz music. Unlike most Ramen shops, Ippudo was very clean, spacious, modern and simple. The staff were very attentive and I was quite impressed by the servie.

Toppings/seasoning

Loving the toppings. My favourite was the sprouts... and I clearly wasn't the only one. As soon as customers left, I saw the servers taking their sprouts containers for refills... they were so tasty! The other two were sweet ginger and a special preserved vegetable from Hakata. I highly recommend their sprouts, it is well marinated and goes perfectly with their ramen.

I found the shape of the bowl fascinating

Tonkotsu Ramen

I opted for their most popular, recommended Pork Bone Soup Ramen. To my surprise soup base really reminded me of Fu Ryu Ramen's soup base/broth. They were literally almost identical with the exception that Ippudo's is slightly more richer than Fu Ryu's. Ippudo also has a bigger meat portion. I felt Fu Ryu's is much cheaper and worth every yen because we can get 2 free noodle refills, while Ippudo does not provide such an option. Fu Ryu is also cheaper as well.

I finished!

Regardless of the price, I think both are very identical. From the thin noodles to the broth. But in terms of topping choices, I prefer Ippudo's. Compared to Fu Ryu's Tonkotsu Ramen, Ippudo's Green Onion (nagi) and Fungus ratio was more balanced.

The ramen had big portion... it took some effort but I managed to finish my bowl! :D It was delicious! :D

Dumplings

I also decided to get some dumplings... they were nicely fried and were crispy but the inside was too sweet and bland. I didn't like them. For those who prefer sweet meat dumplings, you might enjoy them.

the table... honestly it doesn't feel like a ramen shop

conclusion

Not that it was a bad thing, I just found it strange that they didn't have the same feel as other ramen shops in Tokyo. It felt very contemporary. I feel their aim is to attract a younger crowd (younger = young career). This is great for those of you who prefer a quieter, cleaner, modern place to enjoy your ramen.

I really liked the ramen. It was delicious! It was really identical to Fu Ryu's, so if you are looking to save a few bucks (or yen, in this case), or you aren't sure whether you like Hakata style Tonkotsu ramen, I would suggest you start with Fu Ryu.

and... so... I saw this...

7 Eleven, Nissin and Ippudo

So... this is something that is slightly off topic... but... WHAT!?!?!? Ippudo is from New York?? That would probably explain it's contemporary style... but still... is it really from New York!?!?!? If anyone can tell me what is going on... much appreciated...

score: 8.5/10
website: http://www.ippudo.com/ (find one near you :D)

Tokyo Ebisu Shake Shack review

photo credits: Shake Shack

People have been raving over Shake Shack for... for a long time, it seems to be the pride of New York among New Yorkers especially when they talk to Californians about In and Out. There are numerous Shake Shack vs In and Out on Youtube. Even in Tokyo, there is a rave over Shake Shack, there are 3 in Tokyo. My friends told me there was a 1-2 hour wait during their first few months in Tokyo.

After hearing so much about Shake Shack and finding it in Tokyo, I couldn't help but go and give it a try. I went on a Sunday night, around 8:00pm, to my surprise, there was no line.

menu

A quick glance at the menu suggests that this place isn't cheap. While burger prices are reasonable, shakes and drinks are extremely overpriced. 

receipt and buzzer to notify you when your food is ready to pick up

restaurant atmosphere:

simple, quiet and food court style. I wasn't impressed with the service here. Unlike most places in Tokyo, their service was extremely minimal. Other than doing what they were supposed to (e.g. finding you a seat, giving you your order and taking your order at the cashier, etc) they did not make any extra effort (e.g. smile) to make your dining experience more enjoyable. 

Other than that, the place was clean, well lit, and enjoyable to hang out with friends and doing work. 

Shack Burger ¥680 (tax not included)

After contemplating I decided on the Shack Burger.

Here is the description: CheeseBurger with lettuce, tomato and ShackSauce

Shack Burger ¥680 (tax not included)

(waiting time: 10 mins)

first impressions:

• very small... 
• cheese /shack sauce is really delicious
• patty was a bit dry
• it was very considerate of them to provide a cup of water for each customer

I had mixed feelings about this Shack Burger. Honestly, other than the Cheese / Shack sauce element I wasn't impressed with the burger. One, it is really small... for ¥680, it was far from being close to filling. Two, the patty was dry, for a 10 minute waiting time, I would have expected the burger to fresh... but it didn't feel fresh, just normal... it was hot but not fresh (like out of the pan fresh).

I appreciated their cup of water, it was necessary... the burger was dry. The patty was so dry that none of the tomato "water" leaked... but was soaked by the patty.

I tried my friend's sesame shake (price: ¥480 for Small size). It was extremely thick and filling. The black sesame taste was really strong.

conclusion

While Shake Shack's Shack sauce (try saying that 10 times XD) was extremely tasty (it was the highlight of the burger), I thought that the burger was overpriced. It was on the expensive side yet it did not deliver the quality. I would probably not return for more burgers... unless if they change the quantity and quality. I was not impressed with their service either.

score: 6/10
website: https://www.shakeshack.com/


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