1067-Metropolis

food&drink
©ふなっしー
Photo by Jeff W. Richards
Häagen-Dazs Minicup Pumpkin
The Japanese calendar declares that the season
for gluttonous eating is upon us. Fall approaches
in spirit amid the lingering heat of
summer, and Häagen-Dazs Japan is at the
ready with two new ice creams. Halloween and
Thanksgiving come early with the new pumpkin
(¥284, out September 8) flavor, while the
waguri (Japanese chestnut, ¥284, out now) offers
a taste of fall in Japan. What better way to
welcome the new season than with a mini-cup
of autumn harvest? Available at convenience
stores and supermarkets nationwide.
Two years ago, Whisky Live—the annual celebration
of the distilled beverage—added the
Tokyo International BarShow to its lineup, and
the mix has met with unblended approval. In
addition to sampling quality blends and single
malts, aficionados can try cocktails mixed by
award-winning bartenders or try their hands at
the Cocktail Proficiency test on the event’s final
day. Sep 20-21, Tokyo Dome City Prism Hall.
¥5,000 (one day)/¥9,000 (both days). Tickets
at select best bars and Yahoo! Tickets (http://
tickets.yahoo.co.jp). Korakuen. —Jeff W. Richards
Just when you thought you were safe from
Funnasyi—the yellow municipal mascot of the
city of Funabashi—Shibuya Parco is hosting
FunaCafe, a snackery themed after the pearshaped
character. Why not nibble the Funassyi
Goren (a play on nasi goreng, the Malay and
Indonesian term for fried rice, ¥1,490), follow
up with a Hyahaa Pudding Parfait (¥1,166), and
smother yourself in a pear-flavored Funassyi
Smoothie (¥842)? FunaCafe is open until Sep
30 at Guest Cafe & Diner, 7F Shibuya Parco
Part 1. Shibuya
SPORTS DRINKING
Alco-Haul: The
Sporting Art of
B.Y.O.B.
BY YUKARI SAKAMOTO
For those of us accustomed
to police-grade
body searches on the way
into a sporting event, it’s
stunning to discover that
many Japanese sports
arenas turn a blind eye to
fans slipping in with their
own alcohol and munchies. Of course, it’s not a
boozy free-for-all and some caution is required.
But with a little preparation, you can enjoy your
refreshment of choice without having to look
over your shoulder—or pay stadium prices.
Here are some tips on packing your own
goodies to Tokyo sports events.
MAEGASHIRA MALTS
The easiest place to smuggle in your own
food and drink is at a sumo tournament, such
as at the Kokugikan in Ryogoku. Security officers
here don’t check bags upon entry so
pretty much anything goes here.
We like to spring for one of the
masuseki (tatami box seats)
down close to the dohyo (ring),
where there’s enough space
for us to unpack a picnic basket.
Our wine, cheese, sliced
meats and bread always get
admiring glances from neighboring sumo fans.
Alternatively, do it Japanese style
and fill your bag with some cup sake,
sembei (rice crackers), saki-ika (dried
and shredded squid), edamame or
omusubi (rice balls).
YEBISU YAKYU
Baseball stadiums are a little trickier
for beverage bringing, since
glass bottles and aluminum
cans aren’t permitted into most venues.
This doesn’t mean you’ll be stopped at
the gates, however. At the Seibu Dome
in Saitama, for example, the staff will give
out plastic cups to those who’ve elected
to bring their own cans of brew, and
Photos by Yukari Sakamoto
you can enjoy watching
guests crack open a can
and pour its contents into
a cup—if not several cups—
before entering the stadium.
If you don’t want to forcibly
relocate your libations, try
packing soft-paper boxes of
wine or sake, which are widely
available in many supermarkets
and convenience stores. Each pakku (beverage
box) will usually contain 180ml of your favorite
tipple, complete with a small straw for easy
access. Some liquor shops also carry wine in
squeeze packs (also ideal for hiking), which we
like to put into the freezer the night before. Not
only are they frosty all day long, they also act
as coolers to keep our snacks nicely chilled.
GUINNESS ELBOW
Another helpful tip is to shop closer to home—
or at least far from the arenas.
Waiting until the last minute to do
your conbini run can lead to frustration,
as most of the the shelves are
picked clean just before a match.
Your best bet is to do your shopping
just before getting on the train.
Finally, pack a few oshibori (wet
towels) and some plastic bags for
your trash, then go have a grand
old time. Watch the camaraderie grow as you
share a few goodies with your fellow sports
fans nearby. And then follow in the footsteps
of Japanese fans at Brazil's World Cup games
and make sure you clean up after yourself when
you leave.
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