Sushi and Gyu-nabe

This morning I headed for Tsukiji fish market at 5:00 AM, arriving at 6:15. I took a new walking route so the market seemed different. The sushi shop I like didn't open until 6:30 AM. Still, I was the 4th person in line. By the time they opened there was a long line. Everyone piled into this traditional shop and placed their order when called. I yelled, "Maguro-don!" (Tuna over rice) This is called a Nemo Roll.

The market is getting more popular with the Japanese. I noticed several with guide books and maps. Here I am from a prior visit.

At lunch we ended up going to the same sushi shop that I went to last night. My coworkers found out when the hostess welcomed me back. Sushi for breakfast and now sushi again for lunch.

The office went out to dinner for winning a huge deal. The restaurant is called "Hon-wa-noren" and they specialize in gyu-nabe, the precursor to sukiyaki. It originated in Yokohama in 1872 using chunks of beef and miso to make a stew.

There were several small dishes that led up to this dish, gyu-nabe. It alone was three courses as items were added and the sauce matured.

A coworker commented that he'd like to go to Tsukiji. I suggested we take the 5:09 AM train. He replied, "I'd like to go doesn't mean I want to go. It sounds very interesting but there is no way I am going anywhere that early."

My coworkers tease me about my gaijin suica card but I like it. It sure makes getting around easy. No more having to figure out which ticket I need and missing the next train in the process. Just need to recharge it from time to time.

(Special Suica design only for foreigners)