LE PETIT TONNEAU, a sensational Bistro on the 1st floor of the Shousen Mitsui Building in Toranomon

Dinner at Le Petit Tonneau will bring back memories of your Paris dining experiences. 

The atmosphere is exciting and comfortable with the option to dine outdoors when the weather cooperates. It’s a venue attractive to groups on business or for social events.

The food is exquisite, the service is friendly, and deliveries to the table are timed well. Prices are reasonable, and your final bill is dependent on your choices from the restaurant’s well-stocked wine cellar.

We asked Chef Phillipe Batton to serve a course of his favorite dishes and pair them with his wine recommendations. The results were remarkable and somewhat artistic.

Our favorites from the evening were the Tuna Tartare, Foie Gras Chaud, and the house specialty Joue Boeuf. The evening finished well with desserts and an impressive cheese plate.

You won’t be disappointed by lunch or evening dinner at Le Petit Tonneau. We look forward to our next visit.

One Night Spent as a Typhoon Refugee at Narita Airport

While lying inside a donated sleeping bag on the floor of Narita Airport last night, I was caused to reflect on the similarities between two tragedies. The feeling of uncertainty and helplessness were evident after both the March 11, 2011 earthquake, its subsequent tsunami, and Tokyo’s recent reaction to the direct hit of Typhoon fifteen. The atmosphere was eerily nostalgic.

In both cases, transportation and communication systems were disrupted, causing immediate confusion, panic, and frustration. Highways were closed forcing jams and trapping people in their cars for hours, flights were canceled and rerouted, and phone lines and internet were diminished by over demand.

Taxis traveled all night to receive exorbitant fares on routes typically requiring less than two hours to complete. Available trains and buses were packed full while thousands lined up uncertain of future availability nor aware of how to actually book tickets. 

(Japanese customers accessed reservations online and used prepaid passes called Suica to board trains and buses. Tourists had to purchase tickets.)

Let’s consider the reactions of the Japanese Airport Authorities who faced the problems at Narita Airport. How did the airport authorities deal with the thirteen thousand stranded passengers whose communication options were limited with minimal choices to travel into Tokyo?  

(Please note, Narita International Airport is also known as the New Tokyo International Airport but is located in Chiba Prefecture approximately 60 kilometers east of Central Tokyo.)

The typhoon refugees at Narita Airport were provided sleeping bags, water, and some snacks. This was impressive as the items appeared to materialize out of thin air. Just as inspiring was the civil conduct of the vast majority of the people facing a night on the public facility’s floor while surrounded by thousands of strangers. 

People kindly shared available information about transportation and places where one might secure food. Conversations were mostly upbeat, and polite action seemed to be the default. People disposed of their trash and left washrooms as neat and clean as possible.

The problem at Narita was simply the lack of available data for foreign travelers who were not privy to Japanese announcements, signage, and online reports.

The essential direction regarding bus and train departures and the available taxi services was sadly lacking. Few tourists knew about the luggage courier services available at reasonable rates at the airport. The definition of disruption is "change without preparation," and it was actualized at Narita Airport.

I’m home and comfortable after riding overcrowded trains in the company of exhausted travelers and business commuters inconvenienced by our unexpected appearance. I’ve completed a much-needed shave and shower and am feeling gratified to have the opportunity to experience life as an expatriate in Kawasaki.

The Japanese often listen to criticism and make necessary adjustments over time. I’m sure the next time a typhoon requires thousands to sleep overnight at Narita Airport the essential announcements with key data will be shared in multiple languages.

Two other takeaways: I need to check weather reports before flying, and I’m not the only one who snores.

Birch Bay on a sunny day is a must-visit when traveling through Northern Washington

There are some hidden gems available for discovery in Northern Washington. On a sunny day in Birch Bay, we enjoyed a walk on the beach and went for dinner at the Bay Breeze Restaurant and Bar. It was time well spent.

We asked for a table by one of the big windows to enjoy views of the beach, the Pacific Ocean and distant mountains and islands.  The picture is especially spectacular in the evening when you can watch the sun slowly descend, and the horizon develops gorgeous shades of red, orange, and some purple hues.

We liked most of the seafood served including shrimp cocktails, an oyster shooter, calamari, and deep-fried shrimp. The steak sandwich, steak and shrimp combination, and shrimp and chips were delicious. 

The service was friendly and delivery well-timed. Be sure to make a reservation as the Bay Breeze was almost full by 6:00 p.m. and the tables by the windows are a premium.

Five Things I Learned while Writing THE COURIER

My first novel will be published in early September. We’ll be sharing it as a Kindle e-book, paperback, and eventually an audible presentation. This first-time author has high expectations for the project, and I look forward to feedback from people who enjoy the Thriller genre.

Anyone attempting to write and offer a book to the world might want to glance over the following five points discovered while hammering out The Courier:

-1-Writing is hard, and there are thousands of great authors working to sell their art. Literary agents rejected my novel because it wasn't ready to be shared. I consider the dismissals by the agents a positive. They assessed the manuscript as needing further rewrites and pointed me in the direction of the self-publishing industry.  TAKE AWAY: Prepare the best possible draft before sharing it with the agents and publishing companies.

  

-2-There are incredible resources available to assist writers with their craft. I found the grammar checking software Grammarly useful. It’s also worth listening to your draft while you review it and Natural Reader’s realistic sounding software is affordable and proved to be a powerful instrument to assist rewrites. The online talent agency called Reedsy will assist in finding editors, cover designers, website technicians, and other useful services. TAKE AWAY: Tools, instruments, and professional support are available to anyone capable of searching the Web.

-3- People judge a book by the cover. You can create your Novel Cover if you're a talented graphic artist or enjoy working with available templates. You can also shop around and might be surprised at the availability of Excellent cover designers offering professional work at reasonable prices. TAKE AWAY: Invest time or money in creating an excellent cover for your novel.

-4-Marketing is the second half of the battle. The Indie Novelist’s work only begins after the last draft is complete. Exposing your book to the correct audience is essential to successful marketing. I found books by Mark Dawson, David Gaughran, and the free booklets found on the Bookbub website extremely helpful.

When you sign up for Gordon J. Campbell's list, you receive a Top Secret Document based on the protagonist Gregg Westwood. (www.gordonjcampbell.com) 

TAKE AWAY: Build a mailing list by offering something interesting to people. Do your homework and run a systematic marketing campaign based on the tracks laid down by proven experts.

-5-Writing contests offer Excellent opportunities for feedback and possible exposure. There are several legitimate writing contests, and some provide a professional critique for an additional fee. Winners gain exposure and prize money. TAKE AWAY: You can test your product by entering first novel competitions.

Here’s a little bit about THE COURIER

An expatriate businessman, Gregg Westwood, leaves the Officers’ Club at an American Air Base in Japan unaware about the impression he’s made on two intelligence agents. They sized him up as someone with potential for strategic deployment, and more importantly, he's under the radar. 

​

Gregg's exploits start with what he thinks is a one-off assignment as a courier, and the straightforward task spirals out of control. He's forced to rise to the occasion and use every resource available to survive. Even his family is jeopardized, which forces him to return to Japan to settle scores.

​

The Courier is one man’s struggle to fight for survival in a world that he's not been trained for and where violence and retribution are the names of the game.

​

Yakitori Matsumoto in Ebisu, the Master, and his charcoal deliver

The Ebisu district is famous for restaurants and bars and are exceptionally well known for Excellent yakitori. 

The Yakitori Matsumoto is a notch above most of the restaurants in the area and it's worth a visit.

The first challenge is locating the restaurant. Hint, it is found next to an establishment 

serving French food. Your google navigator will take you within a few meters, but you'll 

need a minute to check signs around the destination point.

The restaurant is popular with local Japanese customers who appreciate the Chef's craft, and we found it full upon arrival with people lined up and waiting seats when we departed.

(We recommend making a reservation and sitting at the bar with a view of the Chef at work.  You might need to ask your concierge or a Japanese capable friend to make the call.)

The menu is displayed in Japanese, but the waitresses are helpful, and fresh foods are lined up in front of the grill for review and selection. We started with sweet corn shaved from the cob, eggplant, cabbage with miso sauce, and fresh sliced tomatoes.

The yakitori selections were numerous and all salted or spiced to perfection. We especially enjoyed the thigh with peppered skin and breast with salted skin. The tsukune minced chicken served with a raw egg was Excellent.

The Yakitori Matsumoto charges a premium for the dishes and beverages, but we feel the venue delivers value. It’s become our new "go-to" Japanese restaurant when clients or friends come in from out of town.

The Yakitori Matsumoto opens at 1700 and is a five-minute walk from the West Exit of JR Ebisu Station. (2-11-8 Ebisu-Nishi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo,  Telephone 03-3462-5009)

Another visit to the charming Port City of Hakodate in Southern Hokkaido

Hakodate City in Southern Hokkaido is a charming place to visit during the summer with plenty of historical sites to check out, several restaurant options, and one lovely hot spring hotel.



The Port City is an 85-minute flight from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport and a four-hour drive from Sapporo. It's a quality destination for those seeking something different.




The city once thrived as the gateway to Hokkaido and served as the premier ferry terminal for visitors from mainland Japan.

Its economy struggled since 1988 when the Japanese Government completed the Seikan Tunnel and bullet trains full of passengers started arriving from Japan’s main island of Honshu.

We want to share a few discoveries from our trip enjoyed over the last weekend of June.

The people of Hokkaido love soup curries and we found The Soup Curry Café Charlie’s Spice (2-11-15 Kamiyama,041-0832, Phone: 0138-51-0610) to be a notch above the competition.





The Wooden tables and chairs, novel knick-knacks, and great music made for a homey atmosphere and a relaxed lunch. The mutton, seafood, and chicken curry soups combined with fresh vegetables and seasoned based on ones preferences were delicious.

The prices were reasonable, and the menu offered a nice compliment of smoothies, soft drinks, and several kinds of beer.

The consensus restaurant favorite amongst local foodies and wine lovers who travel to Hakodate is an impressive Spanish restaurant called La Concha. https://www.vascu.com/laconcha/




The Tapas served are delicious, and a well-priced wine list combines for an exciting evening.



We especially enjoyed the fresh scallops, seafood carpaccio, tiny broiled squid, beef served in Ragu sauce and the seafood paella.




These paired well with wine served in decanters allowing for variety and affordable exploration.



It's all about starting the day with the best breakfast available in Hokkaido. For those who appreciate a sensational breakfast starting with an incredible selection of roasted salmon, fresh local vegetables and tables loaded with sashimi will have to stay at La Vista Hotel and Spa Resort (12-6 Toyokawacho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0065).



My Japanese wife and daughter love taking hot spring baths while looking over the Hakodate's Harbor, but what brings us back to La Vista is the breakfast.



The Japanese fill their trays with fresh rice covered in ikura, tuna tartar, and preferred condiments. Fresh pastries, local dairy products, salads, sausages, eggs, and a dessert bar inclusive of soft ice-cream also await the less intrepid.



We stayed in a room with a view of Mount Hakodate and the harbor and I enjoyed our time sipping wine and gazing at the quiet city as it fell asleep.

On a clear day, you can enjoy a trip up Mount Hakodate in a gondola and the view in the evening is lovely.



The mountain is 334 meters high, which is one meter taller than Tokyo Tower.





We walked through the Motomachi area on route to the "ropeway." and enjoyed meandering around the charming side streets and visited the Catholic and Russian Orthodox Churches.

Our final dinner with at the Ghengis Khan Mei Mei Tei ( 0138-24-8070) located next to the La Vista Hotel and we had a blast. We ordered the premium set with the option to eat and drink all we could in one and a half hours.




The Lamb was delicious, and the pork, beef, shrimp, and vegetables kept coming on demand. You ring a bell and second helpings are brought with speed as were the beverages.

Be sure to make a reservation and watch your time. The waiters cut you off the second your 90 minutes is complete.

The Chatan Sports Center and Crown Hotel are two local beauties in Okinawa

Affordable, comfortable and value for your money
Crown Hotel, 4-1-51 Uechi Okinawa City 904-0031,
Japan
81 (0) 989 332 551

The Crown Hotel is an Excellent option for lodging. It is a convenient commute by car to Kadena Air Base and Camp Foster. The Japanese Inn is clean, the front desk staff are friendly and capable, and the rooms are spacious. The WiFi worked well and the quiet atmosphere was conducive to rest and work.

Dishes prepared and served at the restaurant were simple but tasty and delivered quickly. The restaurant offered various selections but the best bets were the Okinawan and Japanese specialties such as the soba. The local draft Orion beer paired well with the local cuisine and was served cold and delicious.



Chatan Sport Center Izakaya Hokkaisen, Chatan, Kuwae 432,
Phone: 098-936-737

This gem of a restaurant was introduced by local expatriates. Every dish was served quickly and delicious. The items on each plate disappeared quickly and we had an Excellent time.



Our selections included the deep fried Ika (squid), garlic beef rice, pizza, sashimi, gyoza, yakitori, and tebasaki (wings). We recommend beer, sake, or the lemon sour “chuhai” offered by the establishment.






Even after adding taxi fair this dining option remained reasonable. The staff made every effort to assist us in spite of language differences.





We look forward to the next opportunity to visit Mr. Komesu Yoshito, the young owner and operator of this fine establishment.