Tokyo meetup? July 30, 2008 12:57 PM Subscribe
Tokyo meetup week of 11 Aug.? What about elsewhere in Japan?
I'm going to be in Tokyo on vacation for the week of 11 August, and maybe a couple more days. Meetup? (Preferably somewhere a tourist with abominable Japanese can find.)
also if there's another city with some mefites in it I might go there?
I'm going to be in Tokyo on vacation for the week of 11 August, and maybe a couple more days. Meetup? (Preferably somewhere a tourist with abominable Japanese can find.)
also if there's another city with some mefites in it I might go there?
If this settles on either the 15th, 16th, or 17th, I'm up for it, too.
posted by misozaki at 5:53 PM on July 30, 2008
posted by misozaki at 5:53 PM on July 30, 2008
If this settles on either the 15th, 16th, or 17th, I'm up for it
Ditto!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 6:20 PM on July 30, 2008
Ditto!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 6:20 PM on July 30, 2008
Lovely Chiba? I know a bar that has a free time nomi-hodai from 5pm until 11pm, under 2000 yen.
posted by Ghidorah at 6:16 AM on July 31, 2008
posted by Ghidorah at 6:16 AM on July 31, 2008
*crickets*
Since that weekend's obon, perhaps people have other plans?
Ghidorah, where in Chiba do you have in mind? Chiba is huge. I'd be willing to go as far as... Funabashi maybe? But Chiba proper's a bit too far for me.
posted by misozaki at 10:28 PM on July 31, 2008
Since that weekend's obon, perhaps people have other plans?
Ghidorah, where in Chiba do you have in mind? Chiba is huge. I'd be willing to go as far as... Funabashi maybe? But Chiba proper's a bit too far for me.
posted by misozaki at 10:28 PM on July 31, 2008
*cicadas*
(it is summer, after all)
Hmm, obon... yeah, maybe some folks'll be out of town.
And as far as the Chiba suggestion, I sort of assumed Ghidorah was referring to Chiba city, which would be way too far off the map for me. And all-you-can-drink from 5 to 11 for under 2000 yen? Holy jeebus, that's gotta be some watered down beer, no? How in the hell could they make any money?
posted by flapjax at midnite at 11:10 PM on July 31, 2008
Sorry, I didnt read the whole thread. If it's Chiba, I'm sorry but I doubt I'll be able to make it.
posted by gen at 5:55 AM on August 3, 2008
posted by gen at 5:55 AM on August 3, 2008
Yeah, I don't think Chiba's exactly in the cards for me or misozaki, either, gen... haven't heard back in this thread from Ghidorah, who originally mentioned Chiba, so we still don't even know where in Chiba we're talking about! Oh well... are you still watching this thread you started, grobstein? If so, I'd say at this point you've got 3 Tokyo MeFiers with a possibility of a meetup, and maybe more, but maybe not. Wonder where (if anywhare!) this thing is at!
Check back in, grobstein.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 7:16 AM on August 3, 2008
Check back in, grobstein.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 7:16 AM on August 3, 2008
I'm still here. Waiting and watching, watching and waiting. (Wasn't sure how many responses I should wait for.)
Suppose we say evening of the 15th. If that pulls in at least misosaki, flapjax, and gen (and myself) that will be a pretty good haul. I'm going to go ahead and designate the 15th on the MeTa sidebar.
I still don't know where we should meet, but I'm getting the sense Chiba is seen as too much of a schlep. But there's some ambiguity in Ghidorah's suggestion, so if he/she lurches back into the thread maybe we can reconsider.
Thanks, everyone! Sorry I can't be more decisive; where to have a meetup in Tokyo is just a topic I'm completely ignorant about.
posted by grobstein at 12:28 PM on August 4, 2008
Suppose we say evening of the 15th. If that pulls in at least misosaki, flapjax, and gen (and myself) that will be a pretty good haul. I'm going to go ahead and designate the 15th on the MeTa sidebar.
I still don't know where we should meet, but I'm getting the sense Chiba is seen as too much of a schlep. But there's some ambiguity in Ghidorah's suggestion, so if he/she lurches back into the thread maybe we can reconsider.
Thanks, everyone! Sorry I can't be more decisive; where to have a meetup in Tokyo is just a topic I'm completely ignorant about.
posted by grobstein at 12:28 PM on August 4, 2008
Er, let's do the 16th and then we can pick up Whatzit as well.
posted by grobstein at 12:28 PM on August 4, 2008
posted by grobstein at 12:28 PM on August 4, 2008
I like your style, grobstein: a man of action. Bold. Decisive. The date is now carved in stone!
I'm OK for it. misozaki, gen, whatzit, y'all down? Looks like we have the makings of a respectable meetup! Can we say this'll happen in Tokyo?
posted by flapjax at midnite at 8:11 PM on August 4, 2008
I'm OK for it. misozaki, gen, whatzit, y'all down? Looks like we have the makings of a respectable meetup! Can we say this'll happen in Tokyo?
posted by flapjax at midnite at 8:11 PM on August 4, 2008
Somebody make sure to bring along some Pepsi Blue Hawaii!
I'm down if you are, flapjax, and if this takes place in Tokyo. But I have no suggestions for a venue, as normally I don't get out much at all. What part of Tokyo will you be staying at, grobstein? Maybe we can work out a location from there.
posted by misozaki at 10:55 PM on August 4, 2008
I'm down if you are, flapjax, and if this takes place in Tokyo. But I have no suggestions for a venue, as normally I don't get out much at all. What part of Tokyo will you be staying at, grobstein? Maybe we can work out a location from there.
posted by misozaki at 10:55 PM on August 4, 2008
What part of Tokyo will you be staying at, grobstein?
Probably Akasaka.
posted by grobstein at 8:16 AM on August 5, 2008
Probably Akasaka.
posted by grobstein at 8:16 AM on August 5, 2008
Oh! Sorry kids I'm having a little Birthday party down the beach here in Hiratsuka on the 16th!
posted by gomichild at 4:22 PM on August 5, 2008
posted by gomichild at 4:22 PM on August 5, 2008
I might be able to make it, too. If someone is sending time/place updates please include me. No Chiba, please.
posted by mexican at 10:42 PM on August 11, 2008
posted by mexican at 10:42 PM on August 11, 2008
Hey, mexican, cool! How's it looking for you other folks? I'll be there, barring any unforeseen circumstance.
I wonder, where should we do it? Suggestions?
posted by flapjax at midnite at 10:55 PM on August 11, 2008
I wonder, where should we do it? Suggestions?
posted by flapjax at midnite at 10:55 PM on August 11, 2008
I'll be there (of course?). I'm still clueless about where to have it, though. I'm in ur Tokyos, being utterly bewildered.
posted by grobstein at 1:05 AM on August 13, 2008
posted by grobstein at 1:05 AM on August 13, 2008
Hi, all. I've been really busy and haven't been keeping up with this thread, sorry. Since a place hasn't been set, may I suggest Sushi-Izakaya Matchan （すし居酒屋松ちゃん） in Roppongi? I've never been there, but it's close to where my husband works and he says it's cheap, like 180 yen (!) for a draft. Which sounds awesome. The menu looks like this, pretty basic Japanese izakaya fare, which might make for an interesting experience for our visitor grobstein.
There's no official website. The address is 7-13-11 Roppongi, Minatoku. Phone 03-5775-7707. If this sounds all right, I'll call and see if I can secure a reservation at 6 pm (too early? 7 pm? Please let me know!) for... six? Seven? Is everybody still out there? If y'all could confirm again in this thread that'd be great.
And if for some reason they don't accept reservations, or they're full or something, there's another place in the same vein nearby at the Haiyu-za building called Komatsu (小松）that we could try. And if all else fails, it's Roppongi, so I'm sure we'll work something out.
The map. It's in Japanese, but it's near Tokyo Midtown, a huge new shopping complex in Roppongi, so it shouldn't be too hard to find.
posted by misozaki at 5:40 PM on August 13, 2008
There's no official website. The address is 7-13-11 Roppongi, Minatoku. Phone 03-5775-7707. If this sounds all right, I'll call and see if I can secure a reservation at 6 pm (too early? 7 pm? Please let me know!) for... six? Seven? Is everybody still out there? If y'all could confirm again in this thread that'd be great.
And if for some reason they don't accept reservations, or they're full or something, there's another place in the same vein nearby at the Haiyu-za building called Komatsu (小松）that we could try. And if all else fails, it's Roppongi, so I'm sure we'll work something out.
The map. It's in Japanese, but it's near Tokyo Midtown, a huge new shopping complex in Roppongi, so it shouldn't be too hard to find.
posted by misozaki at 5:40 PM on August 13, 2008
Kudos to misozaki for seizing the initiative! I agree that a basic izakaya is a good call, especially considering our foreign guest: no point taking him to an Italian joint or anything!
I'm down for misozaki's suggestion. Y'all other Tokyoites, speak and be heard!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 6:35 PM on August 13, 2008
I'm down for misozaki's suggestion. Y'all other Tokyoites, speak and be heard!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 6:35 PM on August 13, 2008
Sounds good to me. I probably should have mentioned, though, that I'm a vegetarian (sorry!). As long as there's one or two non-meat things available I will be fine. I couldn't figure this out from the menu link.
posted by grobstein at 7:49 PM on August 13, 2008
posted by grobstein at 7:49 PM on August 13, 2008
Oh my gosh, you're a vegetarian?! NOW you tell us? ; )
I can't find their menu anywhere online, so I'll ask if they have anything when I call for reservations. ...BUT, this being a cheapo Japanese izakaya, I have a strong feeling the only thing you'll be able to order will be salads or french fries or some such boring dishes. It's a sushi place, after all...
Vegetarian restaurants tend to be on the expensive side, but I do know a casual place in Azabu Juban called Eat More Greens. Again, I've never actually eaten there before, but their menu is probably more appetizing for a vegetarian. The price for drinks is normal here, though, which means about 700 yen on average.
grobstein, if you'd rather we settle on the vegetarian place, I don't really mind either way. Azabu Juban is basically my neighborhood, so I do know of a couple of other affordable bars that we could head on over to, like the Azabu Juban Stand and Bar La Plancha, (both not strictly vegetarian) which are basically just places where people come and go for a drink standing up. Cafe Life has a cozier atmosphere, but it's kind of small so a reservation should be made if we're going there (not vegetarian).
So, what'll it be? And all participants, speak up! This meetup might fall through if it's just me, flapjax and grobstein! : P
posted by misozaki at 9:31 PM on August 13, 2008
I can't find their menu anywhere online, so I'll ask if they have anything when I call for reservations. ...BUT, this being a cheapo Japanese izakaya, I have a strong feeling the only thing you'll be able to order will be salads or french fries or some such boring dishes. It's a sushi place, after all...
Vegetarian restaurants tend to be on the expensive side, but I do know a casual place in Azabu Juban called Eat More Greens. Again, I've never actually eaten there before, but their menu is probably more appetizing for a vegetarian. The price for drinks is normal here, though, which means about 700 yen on average.
grobstein, if you'd rather we settle on the vegetarian place, I don't really mind either way. Azabu Juban is basically my neighborhood, so I do know of a couple of other affordable bars that we could head on over to, like the Azabu Juban Stand and Bar La Plancha, (both not strictly vegetarian) which are basically just places where people come and go for a drink standing up. Cafe Life has a cozier atmosphere, but it's kind of small so a reservation should be made if we're going there (not vegetarian).
So, what'll it be? And all participants, speak up! This meetup might fall through if it's just me, flapjax and grobstein! : P
posted by misozaki at 9:31 PM on August 13, 2008
I'll probably be able to make it. If it's just 4 or 5 people and grobstein doesn't eat fish, a more traditional Japanese type place might be kind of difficult. Place I can think of that might be OK are 海南鳥飯食堂 in Azabu Juban (they have a vegitable cury), ぼちぼち Okonomiyaki in Hiro-o, or middle eastern food like My Lebanon in Ebisu or Shamaim in Ekoda. I also like 村上製作所 or Depot in Naka-meguro, but their non-fish menu might be pretty limited.
posted by mexican at 2:03 AM on August 14, 2008
posted by mexican at 2:03 AM on August 14, 2008
Yay, mexican! I know Hainan Jeefan Shokudo（海南鶏飯食堂）, I've been there a couple of times. For some reason, I can't access their official website, but if they have vegetable curry that'd be perfect. Okonomiyaki sounds good, but I can't think of a non-meat non-fish topping that could be used. ...Mochi and cheese? Oh, but they probably use dashi in the batter, too, so that's out.
posted by misozaki at 3:56 AM on August 14, 2008
posted by misozaki at 3:56 AM on August 14, 2008
Yeah, see, the dashi thing is the silent killer for vegetarians in Japanese restaurants. Those tasty katsuo flakes, they use 'em everywhere! For example, plenty of "vegetarian" dishes in your basic izakaya or anywhere will be cooked in dashi.
grobstein, if there's fish used in the cooking stock, does that make a vegetable dish totally out for you?
posted by flapjax at midnite at 4:39 AM on August 14, 2008
grobstein, if there's fish used in the cooking stock, does that make a vegetable dish totally out for you?
posted by flapjax at midnite at 4:39 AM on August 14, 2008
Okay, we seem to be falling into silent mode again, so listen up, guys. Since this meetup is set for tomorrow, I've made reservations at 7 pm on Saturday, the 16th for five at the aforementioned Hainan Jeefan Shokudo. They said they have a vegetable curry and will try to accomodate a vegetarian, but since Saturday is a busy night, they might take some time. The lady I spoke to on the phone seemed super nice, so I'm sure they'll make a sincere effort to work something out for grobstein.
So far, this seems to be settling down to grobstein, flapjax, mexican, me, and possibly gen? whatzit, where are you? It seems I always end up not seeing ya!
So, people, forget my earlier suggestion! The place is Hainan Jeefan Shokudo, near Roppongi Hills (NOT Tokyo Midtown) at 7 pm.
Now, this place is pretty far from both Roppongi subway station and Azabu Juban subway station, so if anybody needs to meet somewhere easier to find, please MeMail me before 6 pm tomorrow and I'll pick you up at the Wendy's right in front of Exit Number 4 at Azabu Juban subway station and we can walk to the restaurant from there.
All righty? I'll be looking forward to seeing you guys tomorrow!
posted by misozaki at 10:38 PM on August 14, 2008
So far, this seems to be settling down to grobstein, flapjax, mexican, me, and possibly gen? whatzit, where are you? It seems I always end up not seeing ya!
So, people, forget my earlier suggestion! The place is Hainan Jeefan Shokudo, near Roppongi Hills (NOT Tokyo Midtown) at 7 pm.
Now, this place is pretty far from both Roppongi subway station and Azabu Juban subway station, so if anybody needs to meet somewhere easier to find, please MeMail me before 6 pm tomorrow and I'll pick you up at the Wendy's right in front of Exit Number 4 at Azabu Juban subway station and we can walk to the restaurant from there.
All righty? I'll be looking forward to seeing you guys tomorrow!
posted by misozaki at 10:38 PM on August 14, 2008
Aw man, I'm sorry to cause all this difficulty. Obviously I should've been more direct.
I should avoid fish dashi. Let's go to one of the more vegetarian places, not okonomiyaki (which I've always wanted to try but guess I can't). I'll buy ya'll a round to make up for it.
posted by grobstein at 10:40 PM on August 14, 2008
I should avoid fish dashi. Let's go to one of the more vegetarian places, not okonomiyaki (which I've always wanted to try but guess I can't). I'll buy ya'll a round to make up for it.
posted by grobstein at 10:40 PM on August 14, 2008
Oops! Failure to preview! Hainan Jeefan Shokudo it is. See you tomorrow.
posted by grobstein at 10:41 PM on August 14, 2008
posted by grobstein at 10:41 PM on August 14, 2008
Ahem...
*assumes drill sergeant voice*
I wanna see some RESPONSES, you buncha slackers! Get back here into this thread and SOUND OFF!!!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 11:35 PM on August 14, 2008
*assumes drill sergeant voice*
I wanna see some RESPONSES, you buncha slackers! Get back here into this thread and SOUND OFF!!!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 11:35 PM on August 14, 2008
Sorry folks, I'm going to the Tamagawa fireworks display (barring a sudden downpour), so I won't be able to make this one. Have a good time!
posted by armage at 12:07 AM on August 15, 2008
posted by armage at 12:07 AM on August 15, 2008
I sent MeMails to mexican, gen, ghidorah, and whatzit to make sure they didn't miss the decision down here.
posted by grobstein at 1:57 AM on August 15, 2008
posted by grobstein at 1:57 AM on August 15, 2008
Thanks grobstein! And Mrs flapjax will be in attendance, too.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 3:17 AM on August 15, 2008
posted by flapjax at midnite at 3:17 AM on August 15, 2008
Will be there. The folks at the tori meshi shokudo always say things will take a long time but in my experience they're usually pretty fast. See you guys tomorrow.
posted by mexican at 5:05 AM on August 15, 2008
posted by mexican at 5:05 AM on August 15, 2008
oh my goodness the activity happened fast and furious when i wasn't looking. it was so quiet here for so long that i got volunteered into something else for tonight. bah. will have to catch the next one...
posted by whatzit at 3:10 PM on August 15, 2008
posted by whatzit at 3:10 PM on August 15, 2008
Well, looks like it'll be an intimate affair, and I'm looking forward to it!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 6:43 PM on August 15, 2008
posted by flapjax at midnite at 6:43 PM on August 15, 2008
Sorry, guys, I kind of forgot about the thread, and, well, it's tonight, in 8 minutes, and I think I might miss it.
For the record, I'm in Chiba City (which, yeah, is about an hour from Tokyo/Akihabara), but that bar, seriously, the beer is fine. Plus, if you drink enough, it's quite tasty. Have a good time, and I'll try to join in the next one.
posted by Ghidorah at 2:53 AM on August 16, 2008
For the record, I'm in Chiba City (which, yeah, is about an hour from Tokyo/Akihabara), but that bar, seriously, the beer is fine. Plus, if you drink enough, it's quite tasty. Have a good time, and I'll try to join in the next one.
posted by Ghidorah at 2:53 AM on August 16, 2008
SUCCESS! It was wonderful to meet mexican, misozaki, flapjax, mrs. flapjax and mini-flapjax-chan. Thanks for everything!
Sorry not everyone could make it.
posted by grobstein at 6:58 AM on August 16, 2008
Sorry not everyone could make it.
posted by grobstein at 6:58 AM on August 16, 2008
Thanks for getting us all out, grobstein. It was nice to see everyone again, and to meet Mrs. flapjax and young flapjax. And misozaki and flapjax, I think I might be hitting you guys up from time to time about kid-related things in Tokyo, so be warned.
pictures
posted by mexican at 7:08 AM on August 16, 2008
pictures
posted by mexican at 7:08 AM on August 16, 2008
Hey, mexican, you got those pix up in record time!
Nice to see you Tokyoites again, and to meet you, grobstein.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 7:22 AM on August 16, 2008
Nice to see you Tokyoites again, and to meet you, grobstein.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 7:22 AM on August 16, 2008
Yes, I also had a great night out! Thanks to grobstein for suggesting we meet up. I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in Japan, and yes, you have to come back and work here so we can see you again!
Those are great photos, mexican. I'm not going to bother uploading mine because obviously my little toy point-and-shoot couldn't possibly compete with your lovely Nikon. I love those night shots of Roppongi Hills, by the way. Did you use a tripod for those? Oh, and great wedding shots! Omedeto, you both look fabulous! Can't wait to see the photos of mini mexican in a few more weeks. And I'd be glad to answer any questions you might have about baby and kid-related stuff.
And it was great seeing flapjax and family again. Little flapjax was such a good girl throughout what must have been mind-bogglingly boring for her. So please thank her again for me. Hey, so, yeah, let's keep in touch, Mrs. flapjax!
To all who couldn't make it this time around, let's try this again and see if we can work something out!
Hope everybody has a great summer!
posted by misozaki at 5:37 PM on August 16, 2008
Those are great photos, mexican. I'm not going to bother uploading mine because obviously my little toy point-and-shoot couldn't possibly compete with your lovely Nikon. I love those night shots of Roppongi Hills, by the way. Did you use a tripod for those? Oh, and great wedding shots! Omedeto, you both look fabulous! Can't wait to see the photos of mini mexican in a few more weeks. And I'd be glad to answer any questions you might have about baby and kid-related stuff.
And it was great seeing flapjax and family again. Little flapjax was such a good girl throughout what must have been mind-bogglingly boring for her. So please thank her again for me. Hey, so, yeah, let's keep in touch, Mrs. flapjax!
To all who couldn't make it this time around, let's try this again and see if we can work something out!
Hope everybody has a great summer!
posted by misozaki at 5:37 PM on August 16, 2008
Thanks, misozaki. And no tripod for the outside pictures I took yesterday. That's ISO on the high side (1600), my stabilizing lens, and a steady hand.
posted by mexican at 8:41 PM on August 16, 2008
posted by mexican at 8:41 PM on August 16, 2008
Those are great photos, mexican.
Well, *cough*Itooksomeofthem*cough*...
Hey, y'all, mexican has a brand new number up at MeFiMu!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 9:06 PM on August 16, 2008
Well, *cough*Itooksomeofthem*cough*...
Hey, y'all, mexican has a brand new number up at MeFiMu!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 9:06 PM on August 16, 2008
Yeah, sorry, nice steady hand there, flapjax! (^_^;）
posted by misozaki at 11:56 PM on August 16, 2008
posted by misozaki at 11:56 PM on August 16, 2008
Yeah, we missed ya, gen! Maybe next time!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 12:03 AM on August 18, 2008
posted by flapjax at midnite at 12:03 AM on August 18, 2008
Hmmm. Just saw the link to this in the MeTa page. Next time I hope I catch the announcement in time to make it over to Tokyo and meet some of you folks. :)
posted by snwod at 11:22 PM on August 18, 2008
posted by snwod at 11:22 PM on August 18, 2008
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posted by whatzit at 2:22 PM on July 30, 2008