Tuesday, November 26, 2013

A TASTE OF JAPAN IN DALIAN

Having recently come from a trip to Japan, I find myself now really appreciating the abundance of Japanese restaurants right here in Dalian. There are just too many to count and it would be impossible to fully explore all of them, but it’s easy to come across a few gems here and there. 

When one thinks of Japanese food, it’s often sashimi and sushi that come to mind. No doubt these are fantastic, delicious and healthy for you. However, sashimi and sushi are usually and traditionally eaten during dinner.

I thought it would be more fun to explore the Japanese-style lunch  – the ramens and Bento boxes that are just as delectable.

Here are three Japanese restaurants in Dalian where you’ll find dining for lunch is always a pleasure…

GENJI

Genji boasts authentic Japanese cuisine and a great selection of Bento boxes for lunch. The servings are generous and the seafood and meat portions of the highest quality. Located at the Hilton Dalian hotel, it also has a nice Zen-like atmosphere and the perfect ambience for a relaxing lunch with friends.

Hilton Dalian, 2/F
No.1 Gangpu Lu
Zhongshan District, Dalian
Open for Lunch – 11:30am-2:30pm
               Dinner – 5:30pm – 10pm


Tuna and Avocado appetizer - yum!!

One of Genji's amazing Bento Box lunch sets

KOTO

Koto is a small and cozy sushi izakaya restaurant with probably one of the largest lunch menu selections of Bento boxes I have ever seen. I counted at least 20 choices. So you’ll be sure to find something just for you. The best thing about Koto is the affordable prices. Most bento boxes range from 32RMB (US$5) to 68RMB (US$11).

Harbour Plaza, 2/F
#42 Dandong jie, Zhongshan District
Dalian


Spinach and Mushroom Salad

One of Koto's many Bento box choices

TORIYA RAMEN IZAKAYA

When it comes to authentic Japanese ramen, this place is difficult to beat. The restaurant works as a 2-in-1 venue. The left side is the ramen room (open during the day) and the right side is the Toriya room (open at night). For lunch, try the Miso Ramen, Shoyu Ramen, Japanese Teppanyaki Ramen or the Dandan Mian (noodles with peppery sauce).  They also have great Gyoza (Japanese fried dumplings).

#14 Yuncheng Lane, Fushou jie
Zhongshan District, Dalian

Shoyu Pork Ramen

Toriya's Gyoza (Japanese fried dumplings)



Sunday, November 17, 2013

AUTUMN COLORS...

Hi everyone! I know I have been gone for awhile and I'm sorry for being away. A ton of things have been happening the past two months along with some traveling which has kept me away from my blog. But I am back and I've got some nice things in store for all of you this coming week. :) 

But first to start off this week, I'd like to share with you some amazing pictures I've taken around Children's Park here in Dalian in celebration of what could be perhaps the most beautiful season...Autumn. I have to say, I still might prefer Summer as a whole (nothing beats the sun, sand and beach!) but the crisp cool air amidst the colors all around you that Autumn brings is incomparable. 

Autumn here in Dalian is a beautiful, prominent season...maybe because Winter is just so cold and long...that everyone just wants to cherish and hold on to Autumn before it's gone. 

So, in celebration of this wonderful season, here's some snapshots of Autumn in Dalian..