by : Reiko Eating Out, Reviews, Uncategorized

Obento-Ya お寿司とラーメン

26

We were planning a little celebratory dinner at a newly opened sushi restaurant in our neighborhood.

We got there and there were several tables open, but we were told that they could not seat us because we didn’t have a reservation.

We were so disappointed and left feeling defeated and HUNGRY.

We had our mind set on sushi, and we decided to call Obento-Ya to see if they had any tables open.

They said they did.

29

We’ve been to this restaurant before and I remembered that their food was very good.

23

24

We got a table in the back patio.

It was pretty and private.

When we got there there was another couple, but they were just about to leave.

So we had the whole patio to ourselves the whole evening!

22

21

You probably guessed.

Yep, Terry likes Asahi beer.

28

I had nigiri sushi, salmon and squid.

The fish pieces were generous and great quality.

They were both absolutely DELICIOUS!!

They do not have individual nigiri sushi on the menu, but they will make them for you if you ask.

25
Terry and I both had Chanpon Ramen, which I had had last time, too.

It comes with a lot of vegetables along with squid and pork.

The broth is so flavorful!

27

We liked their thicker type of noodles, too.

30

A wonderful place!

I was almost glad that we couldn’t get in the other restaurant.

I will definitely come back to Obento-Ya, hopefully soon, and order the same exact things as they were so good!

I’m on Instagram.

by : Reiko Eating Out, Reviews

Tofu House トーフハウス

51

This is one and only Korean spicy tofu soup restaurant in the Twin Cities.

48

We can drive there, too, but we like to take the light rail train to get there, because it takes us right to the U of M campus where the restaurant is located, and finding a parking spot can be difficult.

53

The main reason of going to this restaurant is certainly the tofu soup, but this set of small vegetable dishes that are served before the soup is another thing I look forward to as well.

50

This is my tofu soup with vegetables.

As you can see it’s so hot (temperature) and comes bubbling like crazy (lol).

I strongly recommend NOT wearing anything white to this restaurant!

54

It comes with white rice and an egg.

You add the egg to the soup when it’s still bubbling hot. Then, the egg curdles and makes this spicy soup a bit milder.

52

Terry had curry soup this time.

He liked it.

56

I attended the University of Minnesota a long time ago and got my bachelor’s degree.

It always feels nice to come back to your alma mater.

This time we decided to walk around the campus a little bit after the dinner, and I was amazed by how much things have changed…

57

I’m on Instagram.

by : Reiko Eating Out, Reviews

Ramen Kazama ラーメンかざま

52

RAMEN KAZAMA was on my list for a long time.

I’m happy to announce that we finally got to try it.

53

You order at the counter first.

A display of Japanese sake is found at the counter.

55

And of course, ramen is the star on their menu.

54

It was 8 p.m. on Thursday.

I was surprised that the place was not packed because I’ve heard that it is often hard to find a table.

57

It was a beautiful evening, and we decide to eat outside.

56

Terry’s beer.

Asahi. Kuronama.

I’m not a beer drinker, but Asahi is one of Terry’s favorite Japanese beer brands.

58

59

Terry’s ramen, Tonkotsu (rich pork based soup).

Their tonkotsu soup is on the lighter side.

60

61

My ramen, Shoyu (soy based).

64 62

Action shots!

Look, how beautifully Terry uses chopsticks.

65

Both ramen were very good.

I will definitely come back.

73

I like white pepper in my ramen.

74

It’s always nice to be able to dine outside.

The lights were so pretty.

68

A beautiful view of Minneapolis downtown from our car on our way home.

I’m on Instagram.

by : Reiko Eating Out, Outing, Reviews

JW Marriott MOA 近場バケーション

108

We had this week off and we were entertaining the idea of taking a trip to maybe Kansas City.

But at the last minute we changed our mind and decided to check out the new addition to the Mall of America, JW Marriott Hotel.

The Mall of America is 15 minutes from our house.

A 15 minute drive or a 6 hour drive… Hmmmm.

We decided to go for the easy trip this time.

Well, the Mall of America is the most popular destination in the US after all.

105

110

109

It’s a beautiful hotel.

Newly opened only a few months ago.

The service was wonderful, too.

106

107

A couple of pictures from our room.

The bed was comfortable.

I was happy to see a comfortable bathtub in our bathroom; we were told that all the guestrooms have a bathtub.

113

111

For dinner we were planning to dress up a little bit.

But after a long walk in the mall, we wanted something fresh, plant-based, and casual. So we decided to go to one of our favorite places in the mall, Freshii.

We both had customized bowls and they were delicious.

112

There was an error in our receipt, and the manager got us two smoothies plus a few coupons!

This smoothie was absolutely delicious!!

And we thought the customer service was great.

We’ll definitely go back.

115

This was the place we picked for the next day’s lunch. Masu Sushi & Robata.

114

This is another favorite of ours at the mall. Their rolls are so tasty!

We don’t go to the Mall of America often.

Actually we usually stay out of the place because it’s so crowded on the weekend.

But I would like to make an overnight trip like this maybe once a year or so, to enjoy the comfortable stay at the hotel, and good food and shopping at the mall.

117

I’m on Instagram.

by : Reiko Breakfast, Eating Out, Reviews, St. Paul

The Buttered Tin ブランチはここ。

90

This is one of the hidden gems in our neighborhood. The Buttered Tin.

I probably shouldn’t say it’s “hidden”, because it always has a long line of people waiting to get in every weekend. It seems that everybody know about this place!

92

They have lots of great looking baked goods on the counter.

Tempting…

91

But today we were focusing on hearty breakfast.

So we checked their menu on the board.

93

It’s almost unreal to see empty tables at this restaurant because it’s always so packed! Love coming here on a weekday.

95

I actually changed my mind at the last minute and went for their tomato basil soup and Israeli couscous salad instead of a breakfast plate. These were good, but not great unfortunately. I would have liked their salad with more vegetables and less cousous, and I would have liked less cheese and more basil in the soup.

94

Terry’s Crab Cake Benedict, which I was initially thinking of ordering myself, was awesome!!

Terry loved it. I had a bite, and it was delicious!!

96

If you are interested in this restaurant, I strongly recommend going on a weekday. Expect a long wait on weekends.

89

I’m on Instagram.

by : Reiko Eating Out, Reviews, St. Paul

Burgers this time. 今度はハンバーガー。

62

Dark Horse.

We were at this restaurant not too long ago, but we decided to go back for an early dinner.

58

59

60

Love their decor.

They were just recently chosen as The Best New Bar by City Pages.

Congrats!

61

This is Terry’s beer.

I don’t drink, but their cocktail menu does look good.

64

This time we both knew we wanted to try their burger.

Here is Terry’s Dark Horse Burger.

He liked it.

Check out this page to see what we had last time we were here.

63

This was my Lamb Burger.

Very good.

The lamb was flavorful, and I liked the pretzel bun.

65

The burgers come with leafy salad.

So we ordered Yukon Jojos.

These were tasty!

66

Next time I think I’ll try their bowl.

Yes, we’ll be back.

I’m on Instagram.