MOUNTAINING.

November 3, 2011

There’s been so much happenin’ recently that I haven’t had as much time I would like to update the blog. There’s still stuff from my San Francisco trip a few months ago that I didn’t get to post yet…

MOUNTAINING. Sounds fun!

No, really, it was one of the rare “life-changing” experiences I have done. Lots of good mountaining can be had in Okutama which is about 2 hrs train ride outside of Tokyo. So make a day trip, and then venture out for a day of mountaining and you can be back in Tokyo by 4pm! Some photos:










































It’s pretty amazing…2 hour west of Tokyo in a small placecalled Ikusabata and you are in the BOONIES.




We had zero form of communications for the entire time. It was an autam wonderland for sure.




Anyway, I did enjoy myself nevertheless.




If you want the fresh stuff, you have to earn it. Much more climbing than hiking...


And it was bloody steep.
























All in all, an AMAZING experience. Mo-ri- and Hitomi would agree I think. Thank you guys, for having me.

SF 6.

July 20, 2011




















Sonoma State University

近くまで来たので、母校を訪問。



建物が増え、かなり変わった印象。





















Los Angels Dodgers vs. San Francisco Giants

AT&Tパークでベースボール観戦。

ジャイアンツとLAドジャースの試合。ライバル対決ということで球場は超満員の大盛り上がり！日本でいう阪神巨人戦です。


Kershaw was one pitch better than Tim Lincecum in a matchup of All-Star aces,
leading the Los Angeles Dodgers past the Giants 1-0 Wednesday









Kershaw (11-4) allowed three hits in eight innings to help the Dodgers snap a four-game losing streak and six overall to the Giants. He struck out 12 to improve his major league lead to 167 this season.


Lincecum allowed five hits in seven-plus innings in another solid start with little run support. He struck out seven and walked four.

San Francisco's shaggy-haired righty seemed in control on a day he had to be at his dominating best.








でもメジャーリーグの試合は球場全体がエンターテイメントって感じでイイ。ファンと選手との距離も近いですし、これは毎日野球を見に行きたくなります。






















ホットドッグもデカイ!




































Spruce

Try to make a reservation at Spruce and you’ll quickly find out that’s not something easy to get. Try for several weeks ahead and you may score a bookend slot, 5:30 or 9:30pm. Sorry, nothing in between.

サンフランシスコのLaurel Heightsにある高級住宅街の中にひっそりと店を構えている高級レストランSpruce。

cozyな感じで。San Francisco誌の「Best New Restaurant」に選ばれていて、Exective ChefのMark Sullivanは、Food & WineでAmerica's best new chefs 2002に選ばれています。

The menu

Above all, Spruce’s claim to fame lies on the food. Chef/Partner Mark Sullivan’s interpretation of contemporary American cuisine is appetizing and inventive. The menu is created around fresh organic ingredients carefully managed by the chef. There are about 20 options to choose from between appetizers and entrées. Most of the restaurant’s produce comes from their own private farm.


In my first visit to Spruce I had the opportunity to try a few different things.






このレストラン、Yelpを見ても評価は非常に高くて間違いはないと思ってたのですが、その分、値段レベルもかなりハイレベル。また、なかなか予約も取れなくて有名なのですが、何とか滑り込めました。




























Once again, I had the chance to try many different things. Overall, all desserts were creatively conceived and beautifully presented.






In short

With less than a year, Spruce is already one the best restaurants in the bay area. The tastefully designed interior is a much-needed addition to the city’s dining scene. The food is respectful to the ingredients yet infused with great flavor. An orgy for your palate. No wonder is so hard to get in.