La Vie Boh...mmm TOKYO Part 5 "The Fans"

The last of the LAVBM Tokyo episodes is dedicated to the fans! Thank you for welcoming us so warmly to your country. Our stay in Japan is an experience we will never forget. THANK YOU! WE LOVE YOU!

Loui's -Providence, Rhode Island

I'm sure I don't need to tell you that I'm a Food Network junkie. Yes, it is my channel of choice, and it's usually my background noise in my hotel room...I love falling asleep to the soothing sounds of Alton Brown's voice while watching Good Eats. My other guilty pleasure is Diners, Drive In's and Dives. I sit there salivating and taking notes on all the places I must one day visit. During our run in Providence, RI. I made sure to visit Loui's Restaurant, a Providence favorite recently featured on Diners, Drive In's and Dives.Loui's was definitely more of a dive than a diner. I must say that it looked a lot better on television. I ordered a very simple breakfast with a side of pancakes. The restaurant was full of Brown University students who had their heads in their books as they chugged away their morning coffee. I guess what made this place an institution was that it was reliable. A great place to go and feul up for the day...no frills and thrills...just good, simple food. Ahhh... sometimes theres nothing like breakfast at a"greasy spoon" to start your day!

Fong's Pizza Des Moines, Iowa

Chinese food and pizza? I love them both, but together? While in Des Moines, Iowa, we came across Fong's Pizza. Yes, Chinese Pizza. I wish I can say it was delicious. All I can say is that it wasn't bad. I love the idea of it, but maybe my love for NY pizza has made my taste buds a little narrow minded.
I think its the whole idea of Chinese food and cheese. Both very good things individually but not so great together. An old relationship of mine suffered the same problem. Both of us were great people separately, but not your ideal couple. Everyone around us questioned us constantly because they couldn't see why we were together. Did we? Yeah, for a while. We had such deep admiration for each other, although we knew deep down something wasn't right. We didn't bring out the best in each other...like french fries and ketchup. I think the main reason I stayed in it as long as I did was because I kept saying to myself "this is an amazing person. It has to work!" But the relationship, just like the pizza, wasn't as delicious as I wanted it to be. It just left a funny taste in my mouth.
So we ended our "Chinese Pizza" relationship and are now good friends. And, I learned something valuable... just because something is great, it doesn't mean that its great for you. Which is probably why you won't find cheese in the Chinese diet!

La Vie Boh...mmm TOKYO Part 4 "Kyoto"

Love At First Sight at Aritsugu Knives Kyoto, Japan

One of the things I knew I must buy myself in Japan was a Japanese Chef's Knife. In preparation for my travels I watched Anthony Bourdain's "No Reservations" Japan which inspired the hunt for a great knife! But which one would I pick? How would I know which knife would be the right one? Knowing I'd have to live with my choice, the idea of picking a knife quickly became reminiscent of choosing a new lover.
While strolling through the Nishiki Market I came across Aritsugu, the most popular knife shop in Kyoto. As soon as I walked in it felt like the knife Mecca! All the beautiful gleaming knives showcased on the walls made me feel like they were flirting with their sharp smiles. It was like being fresh meat walking into a bar!
Like my grandfather was, I want to be a master in the kitchen. Nothing excites me more than the idea of not only loving food, but being able to prepare it for others with creativity and grace. I know that part of that would entail mastering my knife skills. I wanted to find a knife that was approachable, and felt like an extension of who I am. This is probably part of me finding my own identity in the kitchen. From tools to ingredients, I know that I want to be one with all the elements. I wanted the perfect companion.

My experience of picking a knife was very much like speed dating. I picked out a bunch from the showcase and then spent some time with each of them. "This one has a good handle...this one's is too intimidating...this one is too high maintenance" I thought as I made my way through all of them. And then there it was sitting there, the perfect knife! My new Japanese lover! It was the perfect size, it was durable, classic and inspiring! And I could engrave my name on it as well! SOLD!They engraved my name, and wrapped up my new companion which even came with instructions on how to care for it. Ahh...If only dating were that easy. Wouldn't it be amazing!? And the staff at Aritsugu were so patient, accommodating and helpful with me making my choice. I was so excited!
My new knife is waiting for me at home until I'm done touring. In the meantime I fantasize about the day I get to unwrap it and master my skills with my new relationship. :)

Nishiki Market 錦市場商店街 Kyoto, Japan

I told you I had a lot to share from Japan! This time were heading over to Kyoto and taking a stroll through the Nishiki Market, also known as the "kitchen" of Kyoto. Located in the center Kyoto, The Nishiki Market is a covered arcade 6 blocks long where you can find just about anything!

Expedition Eats: Climbing Mt. Fuji

I attempted to climb Mt Fuji all the way to the top.... I didn't make it. Here, you'll find no heroic story about a long and arduous journey that turns out victorious in the end. You will not find pictures of me celebrating at the summit of Mt. Fuji watching the sunrise with the wash of accomplishment over my face. I cannot report about all the goodies you may find to eat at the top should you one day decide to climb for yourself. In fact, I hear there is a great curry up there awaiting those who make it to the top! This is a story about what failure and giving up tastes like.

On one of our days off in Tokyo, myself and 4 members from the RENT technical crew: Timmy, Hector, T.J. and Jeff, decided to head to the great Fuji San and do an evening climb that would have us arrive at the the Summit just before sunrise. I know...crazy, considering that it was on my day off after performing 8 shows that week and I was already exhausted. But it was something that seemed like such a great idea and I had to do it.

Disney Sea, Tokyo, Japan

This is by far my favorite theme park ever! If you love theme parks and are in Tokyo you must spend a day at Disney Sea. Not only is the park absolutely beautiful (you can tell there was a lot of money spent) but the atmosphere and genuine customer service the Japanese provide makes the experience extra special. There is such care and detail taken, there are no parents yelling at their kids, and everyone is decked out in Disney memorabilia from head to toe! The rides are also so much fun...my favorite was Journey To The Center of the earth...oh what I would give to ride that again right now. The whole park is nautical themed and lies right by the water in Tokyo. Here are some fun videos of our day at the park!

Yes..Yes...The food! The food was my favorite part! I have never seen so many different and interesting types of food at a theme park. They had your typical hot dogs, fries and burgers, but also had gyoza sausage buns, spiced chicken legs, apricot fritters, meat pies, churros, delicious mexican food and of course, sushi!Also, scattered throughout the park were different flavors of popcorn..caramel, black pepper. curry, sea salt and our favorite, strawberry! It made the whole experience incredibly adventurous and satisfying. You never knew what was around the next corner!