Thank goodness for this decent Mexican-style restaurant in central Yokohama! Aztecas is actually one of the few Mexican restaurants we know of in the greater Yokohama region, which is unfortunate for such a large city. Beyond the appetizing food in a comfortable, subdued environment, the restaurant’s extensive drink menu alone makes it worthwhile to visit. Fairly typical appetizers will whet your palate, most of them less than ¥1000. Salsa, guacamole, quesadillas and ceviche all make for some light snacking, while larger, traditional “Burrito Azteca” and some other selections closer to light meals are available as well. Main dishes offer plenty of…
Author: Seasider
The annual Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show is one of those g events that bring international attention to Yokohama while also delighting local crowds. Even if you think you aren’t that much interested in cars and motorcycles, we bet this event may change your mind. It’s an absolute spectacle of the senses. Custom vehicles aren’t only about high-performance machinery. Part of the philosophy behind this cultural movement that has deep roots in California is that machines can be art. When you see the hundreds of cars and bikes on display, you’ll probably agree. Sometimes the beauty is in the bright,…
Its affordable rental space aims to ignite the creative spirit in the local community and tie people together. Nestled off the busy streets of Ishikawa-cho, this cosy little space allows you to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of modern life. A renovated former Showa-era candy shop, Art Space {to} originated as a picture book cafe, but has evolved into a multifaceted, cultural spot that hosts local artist exhibits, workshops and events. Its affordable rental space aims to ignite the creative spirit in the local community and tie people together. With its cafe hours starting from 12pm,…
An American grill just ten seconds from Sakuragicho Station? We’re talking about Wine Hall Motomachi Club, which opened in July in the new station shopping mall CIAL Sakuragicho. For appetizers we ordered the day’s fresh carpaccio (¥890) whose coarse salt paired well with sparkling wine. We also got some special Western-style stewed beef tendon (¥680), which was simmered to an almost melting softness with scrumptious texture. Orthodox selections of Parmesan Cesar salad (¥680) and garden-vegetable bagna couda (¥1080) are available, but we felt adventurous, going with the coriander-laden Thai salad (¥800) instead. Coriander tempered the sharp spiciness for flavor to…
You know that satisfaction you feel when you find a really good café for lunch? That’s what we’re feeling with Clever Café. This comfortable little joint with a feel-good vibe in Noge-cho serves filling international dishes for prices that are fairly typical for lunch at area cafes. The friendly service and high-quality taste, though, make it seem like a deal to us. The midday menu features plenty enough selection to suit an array of personal tastes and moods. It seems to lean a little toward spicy and hearty food, though—which we like. Definitely check the day’s specials, in addition to…
Konohana translates as “flowering trees” and there is probably no better metaphor for the delicacies you’ll find on the menu at this traditional Japanese restaurant. Konohana overlooks a beautiful Japanese garden and, when you visit, you’ll feel like a VIP who has been escorted to some ancient temple in Kyoto. The garden and the presentation of the food complement the fresh and delicate seasonal ingredients you’ll find in each dish. The restaurant naturally offers a delectable range of authentic, Japanese cuisine. The name of the course we had the pleasure of trying was “Saizen,” meaning “colorful dishes.” It was…
Sparta is Japan’s first and oldest Greek restaurant—it’s also probably one of its best. Founded by Elias Skantos in 1953, it’s now run by his disciple Akutsu Yasuyuki (the chef) and his wife Yoko (a wine sommelier). Together, the two travel to Greece yearly to update their knowledge of the cuisine. Sparta may seem casual, but the range of food, the quality, the wine and the price make it quite a winning restaurant. There are three dinner course options that hungry patrons will want to consider: the Olympia (¥3400), Athens (¥4000) and Sparta (¥6000). They all include hors d’oeuvres, salad/bread/soup,…
Birthplace: Shin-Yamashita Born: 1958 “The same year as Tokyo Tower, the same day as Donald Duck” Father is American, but went to Japanese schools all his life—”I prefer speaking Japanese.” Currently in his third year as owner of the pub-restaurant Miracle Shôkai. Before that, worked for ten years as a carpenter. 30 years ago, was the first manager of “bar bar bar” in Kannai. “That’s where I learned this line of work.” Plusses of the job: I get to talk to all kinds of people Best item on the menu: whatever uses our fresh vegetables of the day Hobbies: Aikido…