Simple Living

A Memorable Meal at Unitora Nakadori During my recent trip to Tokyo, I had the pleasure of dining at Unitora Nakadori in Tsukiji Market, where I splurged on a bowl of uni for 9,500 yen . After seeing the restaurant featured on YouTube, my curiosity was piqued, and I knew I had to experience it for myself. The Experience The moment I stepped into Unitora Nakadori, I felt the charm of this small establishment. Due to its limited seating, I recommend arriving early to secure a spot. The atmosphere is intimate, allowing diners to truly savor their meals. The Dish The star of the meal, of course, was the uni. It was incredibly fresh and rich, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience that any sea urchin lover would appreciate. The quality of the uni was exceptional, making every bite worth the price. Final Thoughts If you enjoy uni, I highly recommend trying this dish at Unitora Nakadori. It’s a fantastic way to indulge in one of Japan's culinary treasures. Just be prepared for the cro

Coca-Cola x Jack Daniel's Collaboration I recently tried the Coca-Cola x Jack Daniel's collaboration, which first launched in Mexico in 2022 and made its way to Japan in 2023. Here’s my take on it: Overview The Japanese version has an alcohol content of 7%, which gives it a milder flavor compared to a traditional Jack & Coke. While it offers a pleasant taste, I found it a bit underwhelming, especially since I tend to enjoy a stronger mix. It makes me wonder why the alcohol content can't be higher, considering there are other liqueurs—like Malibu Rum—that boast 21% alcohol. Taste Experience Overall, it tastes like a lighter version of a regular Jack & Coke. If you're a fan of whiskey or mixed drinks, you might find it enjoyable. However, I personally would prefer to spike it with an extra shot of Jack to bring out more of that classic whiskey flavor. Final Thoughts While it's a nice novelty item, I probably wouldn't purchase it again. It feels more like a

Review of Chita Whisky While in Tokyo, I decided to try a Japanese whisky and picked up Chita Whisky from 7-Eleven. This single grain whisky is made from 100% corn, giving it a sweet profile reminiscent of bourbon. The nose is pleasant, and it offers a decent mouthfeel. However, coming from Suntory, I initially associate the brand with scotch, so adapting to this bourbon-like style will take some time. Overall, Chita is enjoyable, though I'm more accustomed to Wild Turkey 101. Still, it's definitely worth a try for anyone looking to explore Japanese whisky.

Japan Travel Plan Recap Itinerary Overview Day 1 : Arrival at Haneda - Hotel Mystays Kiyosumi Shirakawa Day 2 : Tsukiji, Ginza, Shibuya Day 3 : Tsukiji, Asakusa, Shibuya Day 4 : Skytree, Ginza Day 5 : Departure from Narita - South Korea I focused on revisiting neighborhoods for a food tour experience, taking advantage of Tokyo's efficient subway system, which made traveling between locations quick and easy. Day 1: Arrival at Haneda - Hotel Mystays Kiyosumi Shirakawa First day in Tokyo was exhausting; it took two hours to get out of Haneda due to immigration and even longer to buy a Pasmo Train Card . Here are some lessons learned for next time: Buy Pasmo online ahead. Use a luggage cart. Exchange USD for Yen ahead of time stateside. International travel can be tough, and I wanted to conserve energy by taking it easy, simply heading to the hotel and a nearby restaurant for a meal. By doing the three things mentioned above, you could save 60-90 minutes , avoid long queues in the bus

Passport Rush in El Paso: A Quick Trip Recap Overview I recently found myself in a bit of a bind with an expired passport that needed urgent renewal. I managed to secure a same-day appointment at the Passport Office in El Paso, making the trip from Dallas. While the journey had its share of turbulence, the trip was smooth overall. Passport Appointment Details Appointment Time: 7:30 AM Duration: 6 hours (completed by 1 PM) Process: I arrived at the office, was called for my interview at 9 AM, and observed that others who arrived before me also got their appointments around 1 PM. They mentioned they would call if my passport was ready early, which they did. The office closes at 3 PM, so it’s beneficial to stay nearby if you have a hotel reservation. Night Before: Taft Diaz Bar On the evening before my appointment, I relaxed at the Taft Diaz Bar in the hotel: Drinks: Suntory Toki Old Fashioned - $16 (preferred over the regular version) Food: Al Pastor Tacos - $5 each (delicious!)   Hot