Soup Curry SAMURAI スープカリイ

I AM SUPER HUNGRY NOW I CAN EAT A HORSE!!!!!

Occasion: Dinner on a Weekday

When: Whenever the craving calls for it..

Venue: Soup Curry SAMURAI

Address: North 19 West 4 (there are a few more outlets available. Click HERE)

If you've read my previous post on Cocoro soup curry, you know that I'm a big fan of soup curry. Just thinking of these 2 wonderful words out loud also can make me salivate!! *wipe saliva off chin*

Not going into details to explain what is soup curry all over again, but if you want a brief intro, click and read my previous post HERE. Instructions on how to order is available as well.

Anyway, back to this heavenly new place that Tah intro-ed to me not too long ago. To be honest, I read about its Susukino outlet before, but never got around to trying it out. But finally, the man himself took me there. The soup was amazing and best of all................ it was the サクサク ブロッコリpronounced 'sakusaku broccoli'. In Hokkaido, the fresh vegetables here are to die for. True story! And coat this fresh green awesomeness with garlic and deep fry it.......... need I say more??!!!!! *salivate*

Enough text!!! Here comes the pictures!!!

Vintage looking chopstick box.. nice!

You can locate the nearest SAMURAI place to you

We went about almost 9.30pm and the place was no longer
packed which is very rare to be honest.

Floor sitting area for larger group of customers

Here comes the yummy!!!! Tah ordered some 'natto' thingy.
It was an excellent choice cos we both love natto anyway.
Try it if you are feeling adventurous. hehe

My order!!!! I usually go for:
Main: チキン野菜 (chicken veggie) ¥1150
Soup: Regular (FOC), you can choose other soup for an extra fee
Spicy: No. 4 (perfect level of spiciness)
Topping: サクサクブロッコリadditional ¥150

Look at that!!!! Need i say more??!1

サクサクブロッコリ is da bomb aitelyu!!!

Finally, ending it with a pic of moi. Thousand apologies on the
tired looking me. It was a long day.

Anyway, I am absolutely head over heels in love with soup curry. Drop me a note if you think there are more to-die-for soup curry restaurants that i should go check it out. Mean time, I shall try not to get fat from all these indulgences. DAMN!! It's hard being a woman.. #firstworldpains

"I eat merely to put food out of my mind."  

~by N.F. Simpson~

Hara Donuts 安心おやつ。。はらドーナッツ

Occasion: 食べ歩き on a Sunday afternoon

When: One lazy January weekend

Venue: Hara Donuts, PASEO WEST, 1F 

Address: Kita 6 Nishi 2 

(located right next door to Starbucks Coffee, PASEO Sapporo JR Station)

You would be surprise to know that i'm writing this blogpost at 5:05am. Why do I choose to write this topic at this very point of time? and why is this my first post for the year 2012?!  in which, btw, 

Happy New Year 2012 everybodehhhhhh.....

The answer is very simple. I crave it!

YES!! I AM CRAVING FOR A HARA DONUTS RIGHT NOW AT 5:07AM!! 

(yes, 2 minutes have passed....)

This craving caught me by surprise cause to be honest, it didn't blow my mind away on the first bite and it was pretty alright for me in regards to the taste. But i guess hara donuts are one of those stuff in life that grows onto me. Something good to have but not remembering it off for awhile then suddenly BAM!! one freaking morning when no form of life has awaken to embrace the world yet (okay.. maybe the roadside cleaner... or the drunk people dragging their feet home.. or 'whosoevernot'... but you get my point! And worst of all..... you can do nothing about your cravings cos the mall is not open for another 5 hours or so!! So what now?! ):

Back to this special donuts that is trolling me right now. What is Hara Donuts? (website: HERE)

The CNN calls it 'Japanese Boutique Donuts' (click HERE for article)

From some articles I've read, it is also called the friendly, healthy and HAPPY donuts. 

(Read more)

Some calls it 'Tofu Donuts".

Some DON'T EVEN call it a donut, cause it is made with 'tofu' 豆腐。Okay, more accurately it is made from 'okara', a by-product produced during the making of soy milk and tofu. Well known to be highly rich in fibre and very nutritious. 

It is really popular healthy snack take-out store that has branches all over Japan and one will always find a queue at its store front especially in Tokyo. Originally started from Kobe, its' latest addition smacked right at our door step at the newly renovated PASEO. If I am not mistaken, there is another outlet located somewhere between Odori and Susukino. 

If you are expecting Krispy Kreme and Mister Donut kind of donuts, boy, are you wrong?! It is definitely not and far fetched from tasting the same. In fact, on my first bite, it sort of reminded me one of the version of 'you tiao' or 'you zhao gui' 油炸鬼 back home in KL. If you can read Chinese/ Kanji, you would find that the characters I just typed is literrally translated to 'Oil Fried Ghost'. LOL. As for why it is call that, go wikipedia it or something k. BUT not today cos wikipedia shuts down today in protest for SOPA. If you do not know what SOPA is, go wikipedia that also on the following day! And by now, you would have made me very curious on what do you actually know?!!! Do you even read??!! *baffles* Anyway, back to the main topic, hara donuts reminded me of one of the doughy version of the 'you tiao' but not the same thing.

So, pictures of the day to tell the story as below:

Love the simplicity of the signboard and store concept.

There's a sitting area that fits probably 10 pax at most for those
that would like to order drinks to go with their hara donuts.

The famous Hara Donuts!! Yumms!! *salivate*

Little merchandises that is being offered for sale.
Think some proceeds go to the 'Dogs for the Blinds' Charity.

Friendly staffs and open- styled kitchen area possibly to promote
compliance and cleanliness. I like this kind of display. It makes
me feel as if they have nothing to hide. No dirty processes in
making my food that is to be consumed into my mouth! Silly much? hehe
And besides, it is always fun to watch how the food is created. (:

More hara donuts!!!!! Look at them so fresh and yummilicious looking!
They are quite a number of flavors to choose from!

Flavors you can find in Hara Donuts are such as listed on their website.

but I noticed that some of the offerings are new as one of the donuts we saw that day, tomato トマト flavored donuts, was not shown on the website. Apparently they have 日がわり (special offer of the day- ¥130~). Guess you need to go to the store to find out what is the special donut of the day. Some of the permanent flavors worth mentioning are such as コウチャ (black tea), ほうれん草 (spinach), にんじん (carrot), さくら (sakura). I find these flavors so different as compared to other donuts stores. Not only that, these flavors are so good too. Hara Donuts also offer the usual flavors of fruits (strawberries, lemon) as well as sweet flavors such as chocolates, white chocolates, coffee and etc. Prices range from ¥120- ¥160 per piece. 

'Food wikipedia' Tah with はらドーナッツ

My turn!! (:

By the time i took this pic, we've already started nomming. Hence
there's already 3 left in the bag.
Chose the original はらドーナッツ、丹波黒豆きなこ、コウチャ、チョコ
and i forgot what else. LOL.

As mentioned earlier, I didn't find it mind blowing at first. It wasn't love at first bite at all. I found it rather subtle and just a good snack at that time. BUT how the devil it crept up to me at this point of time!! At when I would have to sit around thinking about it non-stop while awaiting for the mall to open!!!! 

YOU SNEAKY DONUTS!!!!!!!!!! 

*waiving fist in the air*

Check out the queue formed. That happens regularly but it doesn't take too long.

Moi posing at the store front. what's new? hehe

Okay. That is all folks. I should continue sitting and waiting around like a mad woman until the time  can rush to the mall and get my fix of this little devils. Happy donuts... HAH!! They're right about it being called happy. I'm sure it has to do with being a healthy snack but as for my definition... I will feel happier once i get to sink my teeth onto these devils. Just as Homer would have said....

"DONUTS. Is there anything they can't do?" 

~Homer Simpson~

Summer Weekend Flea Market- Ario Sapporo

Occasion: 'Treasure' hunting

When: One fine summer Sunday morning 10am- 2pm

Venue: Ario Sapporo Shopping Mall, Outdoor Arena

Address: Sapporo- Shi, Higashi-ku, Kita 7 Higashi 9

Sapporo during summer time brings you quite a number of weekend flea markets that are organised at several designated places. I visited one a few weekends ago with Lan. If you are interested to find out where is the next flea market going to be, you can download the "What's on in Sapporo" monthly English newsletter (PDF format) published by the Hokkaido's International Women Association (HIWA) by clicking here.

The one we visited that day was located at Ario Sapporo Shopping Mall (the next flea market is to be held on September 10). We weren't looking for anything in particular and was just browsing around to see what's offered there. It can be really fun when you find something of a 'gem' or 'treasure' in flea markets such as these where the price for the item you fancy costs only a fraction of the original price.

Here was how the flea market we went to that day looked like. 

It was a hot summer day but it didn't deterred the crowd flocking by
to check out the sale items and great bargains

Ario Sapporo is a new shopping mall located at the former site of Sapporo Breweries. Hence, once you are there, you can see gorgeous red brick buildings that used to be the grand brewery hall of the famous Sapporo Beer. 

The background depicts the gorgeous brewery chimney during
it's good old glory days

The 'stores' are all situated on the ground 

People bargaining and treasure hunting 

Some of the pre-loved toys being offered on site

Someone else's rubbish may be another one's treasure (:

Loving the poplar trees at the back (:

Some of the items are new and unused and some are used but
still in good condition. Note the mini portable sewing machine
in pink at the top centre of this pic.. i wanted to get it for myself but
decided against it in the end.. sigh..

Children's clothes on sale.. this what they call 'hand- me-down' clothes?!
Except that, you need to pay a minimal amount for these clothes

House hold appliances are also being sold here

I took a slow stroll along the market and just stopped over at stalls that have items that attracted my eyes. At that moment, I wasn't looking for anything in particular. This makes my experience even more fun when I discovered hidden treasures amidst all the items in the market. (:

Some of the 'gems' that made moi a very happy girl that day were as below:

these zipper bracelet was a brand new item from Claire's
I found it with its' plastic and price tag still intact!! (:
Retail price: ¥800
Got it for: ¥50 *jumping around the room in joy*

Yellow fun mini 'iPod' inspired pouch
Retail price: Unknown
Got it for: ¥10 (are you freaking kidding me?!!)

This pouch is too cute to resist!!
Also got it for ¥10!! ( I KNOW!! I can't believe it either!)

NOW...... this is the ultimate 'treasure' i found that day...
CDs!!!!!! I love music so imagine how happy I was to find these babies!!
Retail price: ¥1500- ¥2000
Got these for: ¥200 for all 3 CDs (can i faint now? hehe)

So yes... please go visit an upcoming flea market in Sapporo and start hunting for hidden 'treasures'. It can be real fun cos I truly believe one man's rubbish can be another's treasure. So do give all these pre loved or new unused item a home where the new owner will show it much love than its previous owner. Everyone needs to be appreciated so this goes the same for toys, accessories, CDs, electrical appliances or even books. (:

It also can be identified as a way of recycling what you do not need and pass it on to others that may find better usage in these items. So, by shopping in a flea market, you are doing your part in making the world a better place through your effort in recycling... LOL.. okay.. I slightly exaggerated on that part but I still think it is a plausible reason (:

So go and have fun and enjoy your lil 'treasure' hunting while at it!!

"What is your best price? It's the treasure hunt that makes it fun." 

~Shelia Strong~

MISS AUGUST 26th~ festa di compleanno a dal segno

Occasion: Moi's birthday celebration

When: August 26, 2011

Venue: Dal Segno 1988 (Ristorante Pizzeria) URL: Click HERE

Address: Sapporo-Shi, Higashi-ku, Kita 22 Higashi 1

Once again, it was that time of the year where i celebrated another year of getting older maturity and wisdom.. *cough cough*

But all in all, it marked another birthday event which was well celebrated. On the eventful evening, I was whisked away in a cab to the 'place of mystery'... it just took less than 10 mins cab ride to get to the restaurant from my place.. but i guess all in all... to make it special for me, i was chauffeured there.. In which I shall not be complaining as i was dressed to the nines for the occasion and my nine west and gucci does not complement my 2-wheeled ride very well.. LOL

My face lit up upon reaching the destination because i've heard a lot of good stuff about this ristorante and was very much excited to try it soon.. and it was good to know that I can do it on my birthday.. credits given to Tah and Lex for picking the dinner venue. Excellent choice! (: moi likey!!

Reservation is encouraged to be made

I'll let the photos below to do all the show and tell of this place..

Obligatory pic of moi in front of the ristorante

Loving the Italian felt ambience of the place

Small dining room to fit a cosy private function affair

Another private function room to fit a medium sized crowd
Loving the old-styled lamp at left corner

A framed-up newspaper article featuring the place

Dining area located downstairs for the guests

We stayed until closing time and I took this opportunity to take all the photos of this place without causing discomfort to other dining guests. 

The reception area

Entry to kitchen and bar

Stairs leading up to the private rooms area

Entrance to the biggest private room

Artistic looking deco to add up to the mood of the evening

Mind you, if you're there, please do take notice of the wall is embedded with corks from bottles of wines. It was a real cool deal. I can't seem to find any pictures of it in my camera but let's just say, you just gotta be there to check it out then. (:

I couldn't take pictures of all the food we had that night but almost everyone sang praises on their food and the bottles of wine chosen wasn't bad at all. However, the price range of the items offered in the menu was slightly on the steeper side. The price of food was on the average side, however, the wine list was priced slightly higher than other establishments. Offered on the menu are as seen below:

Spaghetti alle vongole bianco o vongole rosso

¥ 950

Tomato Cheese Ravioli (specialty of the day), price unknown

Pollo ruspante alla griglia

¥ 1,470

Spaghetti con melanzane e salsiccia al pomodoro

¥ 1,100

Pizza margherita

¥ 1,470

Apparently the pizza margherita was such delish that the group ordered seconds of it. 

Tagliatelle alla bolognese

¥ 1,050

Guancia di bue al Vino Rosso

¥ 1,680

I was craving for some red succulent steak that day and was presented with the dish above. The tender beef was braised in red wine sauce and served with potatoes at the side. It was actually pretty decent main however, it didn't satisfied my craving for some good old beef tenderloin steak- medium rare s'il vous plait..... *salivating*


Anyway, don't worry if you can't make up your mind on the extensive food and wine list. Like every good restaurant, you would be offered the 'Specialty of the Day' menu as seen being 'advertised' below:

Please don't ask why the total randomness with the menu board *__*|||

Thank you to all my lovely friends for celebrating my special day with me. BIG HUGS to ALL!! (:

super hearts all of you (:

I will definitely recommend this restaurant to those looking for a romantic dining place for 2 or a perfect location for a wonderful celebration affair with close friends and family. 

The birthday girl (:

It has been a great year and many more greatness to come.. What's my birthday wish? Nothing more than just being happy (: