Tokyo 9-14Apr09: Day 3
Day 3 gonna be all-dining day! Not that we planned it to be this way =p
Hubby wanted to show me all the food places he tried during his business trip last year (he confessed he missed the food!). Ok, he was my foodie tour guide for the day :D
Our destination was Nishi-Kasai (more of an industrial town); had to change a few trains before reaching. The very first stop was Cafe Danmark, right inside the train station (even before the exit). He told me he had breakfast at this cafe every morning during his 5-day work trip, because the bread and salad sold here were simply irresistable.
The moment we stepped into the cafe cum bakery, I was already drooling by the aroma from the freshly baked breads! There were many choices available; everything looked so good and I felt like eating all of them (was famished as we woke up late and went without breakfast).
But we were actually on the way to lunch and the restaurant was just 8 minutes away. So hubby stopped my gluttony thoughts and just bought 2 items to share -_-. Besides takeaway, there is a small dine-in area for about 10 to 12.
Hubby raved about this broccoli, egg and muki eki salad which I agreed was very nicely done! Personally I don't fancy broccoli very much even though I know it's very nutritious. This salad totally changed my perception and I'm hooked as well! I figure it's not difficult to make at home. Great, one more home-made food idea to add to my collection!
Of all the fancy breads available (some with delicious looking fillings, some interesting shapes and flavours and mini burgers which I was so tempted to eat!), hubby just picked this one. Well, he usually favoured plain and simple breads which are crusty on the outside, fluffy inside and slightly chewy. Oh yes this particular bread was very delicious and classic, not too hard and very soft and fluffy indeed.But the thing I couldn't understand, he ordered these 2 items everyday? I mean, yes they are nice but since there is so much variety, wouldn't it be a pity not to try all of them? Sometimes, men are just creatures of habit huh? If I were there, I would definitely try everything!
(by the way, we found out that there is a branch at Shibuya as well, no need to travel all the way to Nishi-Kasai).
After tempting me with the breads at the cafe, yet not allowing me to try more :(, he led me to our lunch location which was quite near the station. El Torito Mexican Restaurant. He was raving about the Fajita here, especially the tortilla which was very very very good!
Nishi-Kasai is more of an industrial town so it's quite quiet during the weekend. Quite surprised that the restaurant was crowded (proof that food is good!)
Complimentary nachos with homemade salsa. I love homemade salsa with chunks of diced tomatoes. This was really good, slightly tangy and spicy. Complimentary soups were also served, a clear broth which was very soothing.
We ordered a chicken salad and a fajita to share. The salad was nicely done with a tangy french dressing (a few choices available). I love the avocado and bits of sunflower seeds added. The grilled meats were well marinated and hubby was right. The tortilla wrap of grilled meat, caramelised onions, sour cream and salsa was yummy! The freshly made tortilla was soft and chewy, nice even on its own. Wonder if there are any nice Mexican Restaurants in SG, so that we don't have to go all the way to Japan if we crave for it.
After stuffing ourselves with the tortilla wraps, we were comtemplating whether to have dessert as we were supposed to go for Piere Herme Ispahan in the late afternoon. Then I saw a couple seated near us having this interesting ice-cream so I asked the waitress what it was. Turned out to be fried ice-cream which we never try before, curiosity got the better of me so I ordered one to share :dWell, the taste was peculiar indeed. The vanilla ice-cream (normal tasting) had this chocolaty crust which was slightly bitter. There were also bits of cornflakes at the bottom of the glass. Overall, nothing to scream about. We would stick to fajita anytime.
After lunch, we had wanted to go to a few parks (in Edogawa) recommended by hubby's Jap colleagues for some sakura viewing. Although Nishi-Kasai is in Edogawa ward, the local buses don't go to the particular station (Hirai) indicated by hubby's colleague. Ok, we had to change 2 trains and finally reached Hirai station. From there, got to figure out how to get to the park. Tried checking for buses but none of them go to the park we wanted to go. Ended up, we checked the buses at the wrong exit of the train station. Haha. There is a bus service to the particular park we wanted to go and there were even posters indicating the hanami season. By then, we were a little frustrated, flustered and hot and kind of no mood for any sakura viewing.
Forgot to mention that the weather is hot! Although it was 20 to 24 degree, the sun was like scorching hot! Which sort of spoilt the mood for our plan to go for a nice stroll and sakura viewing. Hubby was already wearing short-sleeves shirt. So much so for bringing all my nice scarves -_-. Too hot to use. But it was unthinkable that most of the Japs were still wearing layers and spotting scarves?! Hmm...
Ok, to cut all this crap, we didn't go sakura viewing and decided to head for my much anticipated Piere Herme Ispahan!
Location was at Patisserie Satsuki at The New Otani. There is a Pierre Herme counter, so patrons could order and have the desserts at the Patisserie itself. Actually Satsuki is more like a full service restaurant. Hubby had a meal there previously and for dessert, the waiter brought a tray of dessert for him to choose and he selected the Ispahan. At that time, he didn't even know what Ispahan was and who Pierre Herme is. Nevertheless, he was blown away with the macaron (probably coz he loves lychee?) and was telling me how good it was.
Tada! The Ispahan, many call it the LV of macaron. Rose macarons sandwiched with rose buttercream, rasberries and lychee. What a luxury! And as expected, the macaron was crunchy, moist and chewy.
Hubby also ordered the Mont Blanc. The chestnut cream/puree was smooth and not too sweet; with a crispy/airy vanilla meringue as innard and sweet shortcrust pastry as base. Not bad as well.
So this was my Pierre Herme experience. Later, I realised that there is actually a Pierre Herme boutique at Aoyama. If I had done my homework, I would have gone there instead!Anyways, after the dessert we headed to Omotesando area for window shopping (of all the luxury brands) before heading back to Ikebukuro area.
Decided to drop by the supermarket at Seibu Department Store (connected to Ikebukuro Station). Was still quite full and didn't feel like having dinner. But hubby was attracted to this sushi bar inside the supermarket even though he already had 2 meals of sushi on Day 2 when we separated for our individual itineraries. I oblidged.
Just ordered a simple kappa sushi for myself.
Whereas he went for his favourite sushi like ama-ebi, hotate, hamachi...
Couldn't recall what we did after the sushi. I think we went to the Uniqlo near to Ikebukuro Station for some apparel. I love the casual wear which comes in a variety of colours, very comfortable and affordable. (There is a branch in SG now! Yes!).Thereafter, more games at the UFO catcher arcades till late before going back to the hotel.
Passed by a small park with a few sakura trees in full blossom. Didn't have to go to the big parks such as Ueno specially to view sakura. In fact, it's quite pleasant to have quiet moments at such quaint little parks than big parks packed with Japanese families and company workers having traditional hanami parties.
Anyways, it was too early to check in when we reached the hotel, so we left our luggage with the concierge and headed to Kappabashi Dogugai かっぱ橋道具街, a street between Ueno and Asakusa that houses more than 170 shops devoted to every kitchen/restaurant equipment/hardware/houseware imagineable!
Quite a tiny shop that seats probably around 10 people. I guess most people order the bento takeaway at 500 yen.
Hey hey! This is the home-made version of my favourite Royce' Nama Chocolate! The plain-looking powdery squares may look nothing, but fans will describe the sensation as almost orgasmic with the chocolate's melt-in-the-mouth, creamy texture. Eaten cold (being highly perishable), the bitter taste of cocoa powder will first hit you and slowly the divine taste of rich and creamy chocolate will take over... leaving you wanting more. Hubby and I used to buy the Nama Chocolate very often and would devour squares after squares (one box never seemed enough).
The roasted chicken with lemon grass was served piping hot, direct from oven after baking. The meat was juicy and tender with slight aroma from the lemon grass. Really yummy! Can use chicken wings and drumsticks as well. I love this dish!
The deep-fried sun-dried pork is slightly more complicated since got to sun dry the pork. It tasted a little like bak kwa (chinese BBQ pork) but more chewy. A tad too saltish though, must pair with cucumber and carrot sticks. Probably a good snack to go with beer.
As usual, was offered cold towel and iced bael fruit tea while waiting.
Opted for the outdoor massage pavilion. The pavilion is perched just next to the beach and overlooking the ocean. Koh Phan Ngan is actually in the horizon.
Changing area. Guests may also make use of the steam sauna.
Lounge area inside the changing room.
After changing, was ushered back to the main lounge area for iced herbal tea. Snacks was also served to go along with the tea.
No, I didn't buy anything at all :p surprisingly. LOL.
One level below the infinity pool. Some deck chairs for guests to sunbath.
Different seating areas at Dining On The Hill, take your pick. We chose a table overlooking the ocean.
Complimentary breads and dips.
Me and my fried rice. Both very delicious.
Pandan chicken. Meat was a tad hard though. But I love the honey dipping sauce.
Happy Birthday to me!
Outdoor information at Samui on my birthday. Probably I can be here again next year?
Interesting spotting at the Samui airport. The restrooms are fitted with fish tanks.
The pool is surprisingly big and depth is 1.5m.
Sala overlooking the ocean. Great for lazing while enjoying the gentle breeze.
Reckon our pool villa offers one of the best view, without any block from buildings or trees.
We spared no time to change into our bathing suits and plunged into the cool waters! The convenience of a pool villa, no need to bring along barang barang to the main pool. Lots of privacy as well.
Free wi-fi service available here.
The cocktail hour is what the resort calls 'Meet the management session'. Guests would gather and some staff would be around to chat with the guests.
Simply love the colours of the stones, very resort-look.
The roti/pancake was thin and crispy, very good with nutella.
The most stunning and striking feature must be the pool with very bold red-tiled concept, creating a strong contrast with the surroundings and against the blue backdrop of the sky and ocean.
Can't recall whether I went back to sleep? LOL.
Anyways, we did manage to wake up in time for breakfast at Chef's Table. Breakfast was included in the package and best part, served from 6am to 11am!
Chef's Table is just next to the beach. Even so, due to the location of Sareeraya, the beach was fairly deserted with the occasional couple strolling past. Just what we were looking foward to, a slow and relaxed breakfast at a breezy beachfront restaurant overlooking the vast ocean and blue blue sky.
I absolutely liked the orange juice. Thai orange juice is just different, sweet and fragrant.
We could place orders with the kitchen directly. Here's hubby's order - 2 sunny side-ups with sauteed potatoes and grilled tomatoes.
Selection of breads and pastries. Different types of spreads and jams available in the wooden jars.
There was even selection for coffee or tea, instead of the usual 'house pour'. I ordered my fav, Earl Grey and hubby English Breakfast. We got our own pot of tea each.
The usual type of fruits. The rustic serveware used really sets the holiday tone.
Hubby asked if there was any local selection and the chef suggested fried noodle which was yummy! The flat rice noodle was fried to perfection with the ingredients. Great recommendation!
Bright and airy space with modern interior design.
Collaterals available for guests to browse and games to play.
Deck chairs immensed in the pool itself. Cool idea.
Beachfront deck chairs.
Powdery beach, clear blue waters, blue cloudless sky, sashaying coconut trees. Perfect settings for a beach holiday.
The property is not very big, probably more like a boutique hotel.
Spacious room with many nice touches of interior design and good use of colours in the furnishings like cushions, lights...
Both of us love the bed and pillows! The bed is firmed yet soft; quilt cover light yet provided warmth and the pillows are the extra long types which are so comfy for hugging!
Design of the bathroom is quite well-planned. Serves as a 'walk-in' wardrobe as well. In most hotels, the luggage rack is placed in the living/bedroom areas. Here, sufficient space is created for luggage rack and a 2-way wardrobe (opens to bathroom and bedroom). Thoughtfully segregating the bedroom and changing/bathroom.
Basic amenities are provided with aromatic scent from the essential oil.
I always like this type of 'overhead' shower head.
