Paint It Black with Burger King Japan's Kuro Burger!!

It is fall in Japan.  The leaves are slowly changing color.  The nights are getting longer and cooler.  Also, this is the time in which Burger King Japan unleashes their kuro (黒 black) burger onto the masses.  This is the second year in which this style of burger has been offered to the masses.  Last year's burger looked like this.
 
 It was called the "kuro ninja".  It showcased a ham-like bacon with grill marks on it, a crisp hash brown patty, and a beef patty.  It was a unique burger to say the least. 

This year, Burger King Japan decided to release two new black burgers onto the market.  The Kuro Pearl is  your regular sized cheeseburger that Burger King offers, while, the Kuro Diamond is the black version of the Whopper. 

The burger's bun is made with bamboo charcoal, while, the black cheese is made with black pepper and squid ink.  The sauce is also black.   The sauce is a garlicky onion mix.

Recently, these kuro burgers have been appearing in the Western media like Britain's The Independent and The Daily Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-2763334/Even-cheese-black-Would-eat-Burger-King-s-Kuro-creation-squid-ink-bamboo-charcoal.html).  Also, they are various videos on YouTube showcasing the burger.

Dining Dojo decided to try out the burger to see if the burger could live up to its to hype.  So, I went to my local Burger King that is near my house (BTW...the only in Nagoya).  When I arrived at the Burger King, I noticed their big sign advertising the kuro burger. 

 There were a number of patrons at the Burger King.  Most people were eating from the regular menu, while, a select few foreigners were trying the black burger.  I found that rather intriguing.  Maybe, they also wanted to decide what was the hype with this burger.

I ordered the Kuro Diamond, the Whopper version of a black burger.  Now, Burger King is offering the burger for 680 yen with a free Coke Zero.  If you wanted to have a fries on the side, they would cost you an extra 280 yen.  Then, I took my seat and then waited for my burger to arrive.

 The Kuro Diamond arrived at my table.  I took some pictures of the meal for Dining Dojo.  Then, I sank my teeth into the burger.  The burger tasted exactly like a Whopper with some pepper garlicky sauce thrown in the mix.  You can hardly notice the taste of the bamboo charcoal and squid ink that they used to make the burger black.  To me, it tasted exactly like a Whopper. 

Visually speaking, it is somewhat disturbing and maybe off putting for those people who like a classic hamburger or cheeseburger with the sesame bun.  However with this burger, do not let the look of the burger to fool you.  It is a decent burger that was built for a marketing campaign. 

These burgers are nothing special in my opinion.  I wish that the Burger King Japan would bring back the Kuro Ninja.  At least, that burger was unique in its look and taste.  The new Kuro Pearl and Kuro Diamond offerings are just a cheeseburger and a Whopper cheeseburger with a black paint job.

Venture Up Kissa Mountain For An Unique Dining Experience! (updated)

Are you looking for an interesting eating experience to your friends and your family when you go back home?  Looking for a place that does not skimp out on its portions?  Then, you should climb up to Kissa Mountain in Nagoya.  Kissa Mountain stands out from the rest of the cafes and coffee shops that you find throughout Nagoya.

Kissa Mountain has been a favorite restaurant for the university students who live and go to school in the Yagoto neighborhood due to its "mountain" sized portions of spaghetti and rice pilaf dishes.  In addition to the large portions of food, diners are treated to some bizarre combinations.  This place is infamously known for "sweet tasting" pasta which are plates of spaghetti topped with different kinds of fruits, whipping cream, and even chocolate sauce.  Fear not, they also serve a multitude of different flavor combinations from savory to spicy.  The average pasta or rice pilaf dish costs around ¥700 to ¥900.
               

                                                  The Maestro!

                                      Mexican Rice Pilaf

                                            Spaghetti Carbonara

                                    Chocolate and Banana Spaghetti

If you happen to visit Kissa Mountain on one of Nagoya's hot and humid summer days, you may want to try one of the tower sized shaved iced dishes.  Shaved ice comes in many different flavors ranging from fruit flavors to even a hot spicy mango flavor.  Shaved ice ranges in price from ¥300 to ¥700.  Other desserts include ice cream, parfaits, and cakes.  Even Nagoya's famous kogura toast (小倉トースト), toast topped butter and red bean paste, gets the Kissa Mountain treatment.  To drink, Kissa Mountain offers a variety of different beverages ranging from coffee, soft drinks, and even cocktails.  For all of you soda and squash fans out there, this café offers many different flavors including squid ink and turmeric flavors

                                             The Mayan Pyramid

                                             Kogura Toast!

                                               Nagoya Cider!

Kissa Mountain is located about 8 minutes from Yagoto Nisseki station.  The address is 愛知県 名古屋市 昭和区 滝川町 47-86 (Aichi-ken Nagoya-shi Showa-ku Takikawa-cho 47-48).  They are open from 08:00 to 22:00.  Their website is http://kissamountain.blog61.fc2.com/

Bier Markt: Nagoya's Premier Craft Beer Store!!

Are you a craft beer drinker that is longing to try some new beers from around the world?  Looking to broaden your beer drinking experience?  Then, you should definitely head over to Motoyama in Nagoya's Chikusa Ward to check out Beir Markt.  Bier Markt is one of Nagoya's craft beer stores.  Bier Markt is brought to you by the beer fanatics over at 23 Craft Beerz and Cafe Lembeek, which is conveniently located about 5 minutes from this store.  Actually, most of the beers that you can find at those establishments can be bought at Bier Markt.

Bier Markt predominately stocks beers craft beer from around the world.  You will find a wide selection of American and European craft beers with some Japanese beers thrown in for good measure.  If you are Belgian of a USA west coast beer fan, this place will be perfect.  Most of their beers are found in 355 ml bottles.  They also carry some larger format beers.

When you hear the words like "IPA", "Imperial Stout", or "Saison", do you think someone is speaking gibberish to you?  If that is the case, then you need a primer on the difference of beer styles.  The staff of Bier Markt are very knowledgeable in pointing out the differences between the beers and their styles.  If you are a craft beer novice, it can be a daunting task in trying to find a style of beer that you may like.  The staff at Bier Markt will ask you some questions in order to find out what beers do you drink and, also, what flavors do you like in your beers.  For all the craft beer lovers out there, the staff is, also, accommodating in helping you find new beer or style for you to try.

It should be pointed out that drinking craft beer can be an expensive proposition for some.  Craft beers can range from 350 yen to 1500 yen for beers in 355 ml bottles.  The larger format beers range from 1000 yen and upwards.  The larger format beers are best shared amongst friends, while, the smaller bottles are great when you want to relax at home after a long day of work.  Besides selling craft beers, Bier Markt also stocks a variety of beer glasses for your newly selected beers to go in.  Plus, they have selected some international food items that would match perfectly with the beer.

Bier Markt is conveniently on the Nagoya Higashiyama Line.  To get to Bier Markt, get off at Motoyama and exit from Exit No. 1 and walk west for about 5 minutes.  the store is located on the right hand side of the street.  Also, you can check their website at http://biermarkt.jp/.  Their address is 愛知県名古屋市千種区末盛通4-14.  Be forewarned that Bier Markt is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Y. Market Brewing: Crafting Local Beer in the Heart of Nagoya's Market District!!

  


   Are you a beer drinker?  Have you been looking for a place that gives back to the community?  Looking for a true local Nagoya beer?  Then, you are in luck.  From the people that brought you Japan Beer and Wine Grillman (グリルマン) and 名古屋クラフトビール専門ビアーKEG NAGOYA (ケグ・ナゴヤ), Okadaya Liquors brings you Y. Market Brewing.

     Y. Market Brewing is Nagoya's first craft brewpub.  What makes Y. Market brewing different from the rest of craft beer bars in Nagoya is that the beer that they serve here is made on premises.  When you approach the restaurant/ brewery, you can view the brewery that is located on the first floor.  In the passageway leading to the restaurant, there is a mural depicting the beer brewing process.

     The restaurant is located in the Yanagibashi Market district (hence the catchy Y. Market).  Also, the restaurant is located close by to the flagship Okadaya liquor store.  When walking in the area, it is hard to miss Y. Market Brewing due to the huge yellow beer sign that signing on the side of the building.  As I mentioned earlier, the brewery is located on the first floor, while, the Kitchen (bar/restaurant) is on the second floor.  The brewery not only produces beer for Y. Market Brewing but also the other Okadaya establishments.

    The Kitchen has a cool modern design.  The kitchen and bar is heavily accented earth tones.  The counter and the tables are made with the same material.  The atmosphere makes you feel that you are seating in a brewery.

  
The beer is the main attraction at Y. Market Brewing.  Currently, there are five beers on offering.  However, new beers are constantly being crafted in the first floor brewery.  When I went there, they had two lagers and three IPAs to drink.   Many tropical flavors come forward in the nosing and tasting of the beer due to the wide range of hops that the brew masters are using when they are constructing their beers.  There are no bottled beers, and the restaurant has no plans to offer any in the future.  The beer menu has lengthy descriptions of the beers from tasting notes to the specific strains of hop that present in the beer.

                            The Maruhachi IPA:  a fruity hoppy forward beer!!
 
      If you are not a beer drinker, do not worry because on the menu they wide selection of cocktails and other beverages to quench your thirst.  Also, on the menu is the listing of dishes that you can try.  The food served at Y. Market Brewing is made to accompany the beer.  There are a lot of finger foods like spicy chicken wings to small tapas styled dishes.  Plus, they have a few bigger plates for those who heartier appetites.

                                           Garlic Mashed Potatoes

                  Spicy Chicken Wings and French Fries cooked in Chicken Fat

                                              Roasted Pork Steak

       Can't speak or read Japanese?  Not to worry because Y. Market Brewing is foreigner friendly.  The menus have English descriptions on them.  However, the beer menu is only in Japanese.  The servers, also, can understand and speak limited English.  Speak slowly and you will have a fun time.

        Y. Market Brewing is conveinetly located two minutes from the Nagoya International Center and ten minutes from Nagoya Station.  Be forewarned though, this restaurant was recently showcased on local TV, so the restaurant tends to be full on Friday nights and the weekends.

        You can follow Y. Market Brewing on Twitter and Facebook.  Here is a link to their blog Y. MARKET BREWING. Here is the address:
Ｙ・ＭＡＲＫＥＴ　ＢＲＥＷＩＮＧ　ＫＩＴＣＨＥＮ
ワイマーケット・ブルーイング・キッチン名古屋市中村区名駅４－１７－６          Nagoya City Nakamura-ku Meieki 4-17-6
０５２－５３３－５１５１
地下鉄　国際センター４番出口　徒歩２分

From the Nagoya International Center station (Sakuradori Line (RED LINE)), exit from EXIT NO. 4.  It's about 2 minutes from the station.


View Larger Map

Dining Dojo has been on a sabbatical!! But now we are back!!

Hey everyone,

Long time, no see!  Dining Dojo has been on a sabbatical.  I have been updating Dining Dojo on Facebook and Twitter though.  To those people who have been following me there, Thank You for your support.

Dining Dojo will be blogging again more regularly.  I have been doing lots of research on drinks, food, and the martial arts. 

With the martial arts three months ago, I have started going to a new gym.  The gym is called TS Gym (www.ts-gym.com) in Sakae, Nagoya.  TS Gym was started by Thomas Stanley, a fighter who competed in K-1, and Danilo Zanolini, a Brazilian kickboxing superstar who is always competing and teaching his craft.  At the gym, they teach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, MMA, boxing, and even aerobics.  This is probably one of the only gyms to have a boxing ring and a MMA cage on its premises.  The instructors are friendly, and they really help you in honing your fighting skills.  If you are living in the Nagoya area and are looking for a new gym, give TS Gym a try, and you will not be disappointed.

With the food and drinks, Dining Dojo has been active in promoting the Nagoya Supper Club.  Nagoya Supper Club is a Facebook group whose primarily focus on going out and trying out different eating and drink establishments in the Nagoya area.  Also, the Nagoya Supper Club has teamed up with another Facebook group, the Nagoya Adventure Club, in promoting different events around the Nagoya area.  The Nagoya Adventure Club is a group who goes out and tries to find new adventures and have fun doing it.  If you are on Facebook, check out these groups.

If you have been checking out Dining Dojo on Facebook and Twitter (thank you for checking us out), you are probably aware that I have been actively making different cocktails.  In the coming weeks, Dining Dojo will be launching a new series called the Dining Dojo Speakeasy (the name is tentative).  The Speakeasy will be showcasing different cocktails and showing you how to construct them.  I will be focusing mostly on classic cocktails with some new creations as well.

Stay tuned for more info.  Dining Dojo is evolving!