Casio

Here are a few shots at the casinos in Atlantic City.
A huge buffe which was reasonably priced.

A huge casino area with tons of machines. It does not excite us much but for someone.

On the way to Atlantic City

A short vacation to Atlantic City, which is a Las Vegas in the East Coast. This New York style deli serves outrageous size of everything . Our sandwitch was more than enough for two people.
Their deserts are as big as the sandwiches but not this time. As high as one FOOT tall.

Hair Cut in the City

Work is done this morning, and I am basically off from noon today.
A haircut was needed as it has been a while since last time. A quick lunch at a ramen shop in East Village. OK, not great. Am I spoiled as I was in Japan?

Pasta Dinner

Someone's favorite. Extra sauce will be in the freezer for next time. One of our go-to menus.
We will be off from tomorrow after I work in the morning thank to the Netherlands' holiday. How we will spend? Stay tuned to find out.

Bagel and the City

We spent the day in the city today. Even we live in Brooklyn or else, we don't go to the city every weekend (too many tourists to deal with).
A gogeeous sunshine invited us to go to the city this time.
You can't ignore Ess-a, if you come to the city. Still the best in our opinion.
The skyline from the park has been changed so much...

Memorial Weekend Started

Unofficial summer or at least BBQ season starts this weekend.
To celebrate it we went to a BBQ joint for lunch. We did not have a high expectation, but actually it was really good, or at least my kind of place.

Chicken Dinner

Even it is not Friday, we had a chicken dinner today. We mastered this cooking method perfectly. Can't wait to have leftovers.

Vegetable Curry

I was in the mood for curry but no meat in our apartment. Changed to vegetable curry using tomato instead of water, ending up with very summery curry.
Along with our favorite beans salad.

Kabocha Day

I think it is a summer vegetable but you can buy decent ones year around. Plus Kabocha is becoming popular kind in the US as well.

Home Cooking is BACK

After a long time out of country - Amsterdam, Japan, and Amsterdam - I am finally back in NYC. I totally missed the cherry blossoms this year again.
This was my second cooking today with the intension to make some leftovers. I will be in NYC for 2 weeks, so many more times to cook without no rush this time.

Last Night

Even us after so many good foods, we could not make it to dinner. Drinks at the lounge. Love this sparkling wine.

Bath on 51st Floor

We can easily get used to this - buthtab with window to stunning view. Release all the stress and tiredness we developed from the vacation...

Last Day in Japan

After visiting many places, today is our last full day here in Japan. It's called eat or die meaning you have to eat good food as much as you can. We followed the guidance by going to Kushi-Katsu, Okonomi-Yaki and Ramen. All snack size in my openipn, and we got back around 4 pm to be ready for dinner time meal.
My concern now is if I can fit in the cloths from Tuesday...

Day Trip to Kobe

One hour ride to Kobe to see something different. Enjoyed hilly walks and delicious food in between. Perfect day to be outside with ocean breeze.

Morning Activities

This hotel stay comes with exclusive access to the observatory before the public entry. No big difference from the view from our room but stunning view for sure.
Breakfast at the lounge. Can you see there are Tako-Yaki on the plate?

Final Stop...

Osaka is our final stop of this trip. We checked in the new hotel nested in the highest building in Japan. 51st floor corner suite is one of or simply the best room I have ever had.
Stunning views as we have two walls with floor to ceiling windows.
You have to go to the Tigers game if you are in the are. Fun experience especially when they celebrated the 7th inning.

Goh Restaurant in Fukuoka

My friend's husband owns this little French restaurant in Fukuoka. We found out that he is pretty famous in Fukuoka.
His dishes were as sophisticated as any restaurants in NYC, and we had one of the best meals in our lives.
We promised that we invite them to NYC in near future. A great day.

Miyajima

I did not know Miyajima was so closed to Hiroshima. 30 minutes train ride and 10 minutes ferry ride brought us this spiritual island. After GW, many but not crazy number of people were there. Against blue sky, young greens were so beautiful and breathtaking.

Chicken Dinner

After a visit to Miyajima in the morning, we came to Fukuoka. My friend brought us to this chicken specialized restaurant. Very tasty chicken dishes and we were fully satisfied. A great job my friend did for us.

Pressed Sushi

Sushi usually means Edo Mae sushi, but traditionally sushi was pressed to preserve the fish for long time (deliver it to kings hundred years ago). On the way to Hiroshima, we needed to change the trains at Okayama, where this pressed sushi was purchased.
We really tasted fresh yet nicelly marinated fish. Yummy.

Here comes room service

When you earn some sort of status with airline or hotel, it gives you some benefits, like upgrade to a better seat or room. On top, this hotel chain gives some welcome gift. I usually choose points, but this time I chose fruits, ice cream and wine. I did not expect this formal service, and it was well worth than points I could have gotten.

Chinese in Japan?

Chinese food sounds cheap and quick in US but there are many high-end Chinese restaurants in Japan.
I had a nice meal with two old friends I have known for more than 25 years. Old stuff and new stuff, 2 hours were not enough to catch up. Till next time.