A trip to Necomachi (Cat street)

The last time we went to the cat gallery at Necomachi (Cat Street) in Shitamachi, an old town area in Tokyo, it was probably around this time of the year too in year 2009.

Its a small lil cottage like home with different artists displaying their cat art works.

This year, again, a different series, but as usual i feel so happy admiring those pieces.

We were not allowed photos inside, but heres a peek of what the entrance is like.

the seat at the door

the sign outside the gate

and after a long walk, we headed for this soba place called 鷹匠 takojou that we read about online, and found this in the restaurant!

i LOVE his expression!

the bell for calling the waitress

this soba restuarant has absolutely no link to that cat gallery, but it seems this area has many cat lovers!

chilled soba with a hot oyster broth

really chewy inaka soba

The lady boss asked if i was comfortable sitting on the floor mat, and brought a tiny stool for me.

=) herself, 9 months pregnant!!!

gosh, really inspiring to see her working hard without complaints. squating (to serve at tables) and getting up repeatedly, working with swift!

and then, what i was looking forward to...

Taiyaki near the Nezu metro

traditionally made (single baking)

cant wait to bite into this freshly made piece!

hmm... good, but nowhere fantastic.

as expected from the single bake, really crispy skin. but not as thin as the one we had at Azabu juban. The bean paste? sweet style, not too cloying, not bad, but not impressive enough.

my top of the list? still the one at Azubu Juban, with skin so thin you can see the bean paste. And the bean paste had a tad bit of saltiness in it which i like (n J doesnt), but we both agree, Azabu is still top.

Being a SERIOUSLY chilly day with cold winds, i so wanted to have kimchi hotpot for dinner.

Fish & tofu with lots of greens

finished with rice and egg and cheese. kimchi cheese risotto =) perfect for a cold night.