Kichijoji – Healthy Menu Monk’s Foods

Some times you’ve got to have jazz and Monk’s Foods (named after fames Thelonius Monk) is the right place for soulful organic food.

MAP

They have a daily lunch set ( Chicken, Fish or Vegetable) for 980 yen. Below is the braised chicken with daikon. I won’t pretend I know what the small dishes contained but they were quite different from any vegetable I ever tasted, very subtle and healthy no doubt. The miso soup was especially hearty with big chunks of potatoes. All that with a nice bowl of 5 grain rice.

It’s probably the closest thing from nice home cooked meal you can get here.

First floor is a bar counter but second floor has seating for groups up to 4.

Kichijoji – Restaurant Los Lobros

Very near to Inokashira Park is Los Lobros which is an old favorite of ours for the last 10 years. It used to be known as Cafe Nigiro’s but changed it’s name a few years ago and while doing so went a little more upscale in its decor.

MAP

On nice comfortable days they open up the terrace. Today is too hot though.

Lunch is a great deal: 1000 yen for a main with salad, bread and coffee/tea. Add 300 yen for a small beer.

The one drawback is that a lot of the seating by the windows are for smokers. Sort of makes sense but why treat healthy people like 2-Class citizens?

Good freshly tossed salad with tangy summer dressing. Nice toasted home made bread.

I went with the Daily special: Salmon Risotto with Haricot and Wild Rice. Great texture and cooked to perfection. Not soggy mushy risotto which makes you feel like you’re eating salty pudding.

Kichijoji Chinese Restaurant Symo Long

Hard to find good Chinese grub in Japan. It never quite feels authentic. Symo Long is probably the closest thing you’ll get in Kichijoji. The decor is what I call Chic peasant.

MAP

This is not a big place but it packs a lot of charm. I’m alone tonight so I get the little table right under the stairs.

Behind me are a couple of small tables and the entrance. The kitchen is open and can be seen from the street.

Tonight I order their specialty: sholompo or Juicy pork dumplings. Usually they are steamed but here they steam and fry them a little in a pan. The result is a crispy dumpling that oozes juiciness when you take a bite.

Sholompo close-up. Four for 550yen.

Below is the Fried Rice with Black Shoyu (Soy Sauce). It’s of course a little saltier than you’re average rice, but the sauce adds a tanginess to the dish. You can’t see it very well because it’s one big brown mass, but there are tons of finely chopped vegetables in there. My conscience is safe.

Kichijoji – Ken’s Sandwiches

Kichijoji was made for walking. But walking can make you hungry. There are tons of cafes but I don’t want a cake and coffee all the time. Sometimes I want something substantial but not a full on meal. This is where Ken’s Sandwiches fits in.

MAP

Ken’s sells only 2 types of sandwich: Veggie Menchi Katsu Sandwich or the Pork Filet Katsu Sandwich. The veggie sandwich is ground vegetables that are breaded then deep fried. Same thing with the pork. The pork is my favorite no surprises here. You have an option of 2 sauces. Sorry but I can’t remember the names.

This is mostly a take out place but they have a couple of tables where you can people watch. Oh and they server free coffee!! Another bonus.

An honest place that gets to heart of the…Katsu Sandwich. Bushido of the Katsu.

Now time for a nice afternoon nap.

Kichijoji - Cafe Zenon

Cafe Zenon (link) is a new concept cafe restaurant in Kichijoji. The concept centers around Manga: Home X Manga, Art X Manga, Cafe X Manga.

It’s located right below the Kichijoji Train tracks about 5 minutes out from the station.

Some cool pendant lighting.

Below is the main dining area. Cool retro furniture with some couches in the corner.

Very cool interior design with an indoor terrace. Very funky.

But how’s the food? This baby is the Hamburger Focaccia Sandwich: Hamburger, thick tomato slice, lightly fried onions on lettuce topped with a tangy tartar sauce. A competent Mojito on the side. Chill groove music on the background. Need I say more?

Close-up.

Just want to add that they have a few Apple Macs to surf the web and free wireless as well. Just as the waiter for the password. Actually this post was entirely written and uploaded at Cafe Zenon. See below? That’s your table waiting.

Kichijoji Nepalese Curry - Namaste Kathmandu

Anyone who has kids understands how hard it is to find a restaurant that will please everyone. Our kids are 11, 8 and 6 so outside of the main family restaurants and McDonalds, their tastes vary a lot. But one place we are unanimous about is Namaste Kathmandu. It serves the best curry in Kichijoji and is very conveniently located on Nakamichi Dori.

Here’s the map link.

It’s a small place but we managed to get a table for 8 people near the entrance.

Below is the deluxe set 2 choices of curry, rice, nan, kebab and tandoori chicken and choice of a drink for about 1200 yen.

The kids love the Kid’s set which comes with a tasty but mild curry, rice, nan and manga pudding and lassi for about 600 yen.

Below is the owner of the establishment and we just found out that she lives literally right in front our new home. Small world after all.

Ramen at Harukyia

So tomorrow I submit my formal loan application.
I'm betting I'll have an answer by Friday....

In the mean time, I've got ramen on my mind.



One of my long time favorites near Tokyu deparment stores is Harukiya.
Harukiya originates from nearby Ogikubo and is one of the most famous Ramen shops in Japan.
It is noted for it's fresh noodles and original tasty yet balanced broth.

MAP:

The atmosphere is...what atmosphere? Dude or Dudette, you go to Harukiya for the ramen, everything else is just a distraction. Focus on your bowl and enjoy. And may the force be with you.



The Chuuka Soba is what made them famous. Regular portion.


Below is the Won-Ton Chuuka Soba. Large Omori size.
Be aware that the won-tons are more skin than meat and this adds an interesting mix if textures. This is according to their menu the most popular item these days.



Kichijoji is full of ramen shops, supposedly due to large concentration of college students.
I would have gladly traded my college pizzas for this.

And if you need tips on eating Ramen watch this from Tampopo (BEST FREAKING, IF-YOU'RE-NOT-HUNGRY-AFTER-WATCHING-YOU'RE-NOT-HUMAN JAPANESE MOVIE).

Village Vanguard Diner

Every neighborhood should have it's own true of a kind original burger joint.
Village Vanguard definitely tops of our family's list for it's funky decor, excellent burgers, tasty onions rings. The only down side is probably the 400yen Coca-Cola...but you don't have to order it and the burgers are well worth the trip.

MAP

We usually end up having the wait outside for a 10 minutes as we are a family of 5.
This is a big group for this small place.



The onions looked so good I forgot to take photos after we were almost done with them.
Thankfully, the tortillas mix came right soon after and reminded me.


Counter Seating and Diner style decor.


Good brews on tap.

And even wider Bottled selection.


This is the Midnight Cowboy.
Man where to begin....The usual suspects: quarter-pound of tasty juicy hamburger, lettuce,tomato, onions, BBq sauce, fried egg, bacon, cheese topped off with fried garlic.


This ones deserves an aerial shot.


They also have Kid Sets for the Mini-me's.

My son Ishan who is 10 has graduated to the adult sized cheese burger.
He usually ends his Village meals saying " I'm so full and happy I could die."
The dude gets it.