Archive for April 12th, 2008

Blanc, Franco Japanese – Sapporo

Saturday, April 12th, 2008

Tel. 011-513-4060
http://www.gallus.jp
Prices: Moderate-Expensive

Blanc, Franco Japanese - SapporoOn the first floor of a rather drab building and to the right of brightly lit signs displayed by the various tenants, mainly bars and clubs, was a plain white door with the simple lettering BLANC. Inside, a bar with ten seats was to the direct right of the small room and a few tables were arranged in the rear.

WineThe menu was written in Japanese with no translation available and initially no one could speak English. They asked me if I spoke French and I answered, “A little, but I understand a lot especially, regarding culinary matters.” It turned out that one of the employees spent a few months in France. His French was not that good but between the two of us I was able to get a vague idea of what was offered. As the evening wore on, it turned out that one of the waitresses actually could speak a little English but was too shy to admit it at first.

Fortunately, I could understand the wine list as all wine selections were French. They had an excellent selection of Bourgogne and Rhône wines at quite reasonable prices. For instance, they had three selections of various producers in different vintages at ¥3,000.

The food was plain and nothing extravagant, although good quality nonetheless.

Ramen Street – Sapporo, Japan

Saturday, April 12th, 2008

Prices: Inexpensive

In the Susukino area of Sopporo, which is similar to the Shinjuku district of Tokyo with many bars, restaurants, discos and clubs, there is a very narrow street, more like a footpath, lined with small ramen shops some with only a counter and a few stools. These are frequented mainly by tourists, with the local people having their own favorites elsewhere in the city. In any case, I have never seen so many noodle shops lined-up one after another anywhere else. (Ask anyone for the location of Ramen Street – everyone knows as there is no actual address).