Melinda Joe

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 🎍🧧🐍

2024 was full of surprises - challenges, to be sure, but many wonderful memories as well. I embarked on a lot of new projects, met amazing people, and traveled to cool places.

Some of my favorite culinary moments last year included the feast to end all feasts at @thechairmanrestauranthk and dinner under the stars at Shuri Castle in Okinawa by @sazenka. I fell in love with Panama at @cantinadeltigre and @latapadelcoco. At @asaba_ryokan, I relished dinner alone and celebrated very special birthdays at 🌟🌟🌟 @sezannetokyo (where else?) and @maisonkei. @keiko_kuwakino introduced me to the mountain culture of Niigata at @satoyamajujo. In Germany, I was lucky enough to visit @ernst.berlin before they closed for good.

Great times with friends at @sushi.shunji, @sushimtokyo (especially the collab with @alterego.tokyo in the company of @maricoiso), celebrating the 15th anniversary of @bvlgarilucafantintokyo, #savouringhongkong at @wingrestaurant_hk, and having a heart to heart with @tunatoast at @sushi_kadowaki.

The year ended on a high note at 🌟🌟🌟 @sornfinesouthern in Bangkok, a pizza extravaganza at @thepizzabaron38th, an outstanding collab between @restaurantnaar and 🌟🌟 @maz.tokyo outside of Kasauli in India, and Christmas at 🌟🌟 @restaurantnarisawa back in Tokyo.

May 2025 bring everyone new adventures, insight, joy and all the best things! Less

Newly opened in Osaka, Gucci Giardino serves exceptional cocktails, snacks from @gucciosteria Tokyo, and impeccable style.

“Upstairs, the dramatic space is outfitted with wine-colored leather sofas, seductively back-lit red walls and woven bamboo fixtures adorning two wide pillars. The atmosphere feels moody, chic and delightfully louche — more beguiling villain’s lair than the cheerful cafe ambiance of the original Gucci Giardino in Florence.

While that location established itself as a destination for innovative cocktails in the historic heart of the Renaissance, this Osaka outpost, located inside the Herbs Plaza ENT shopping complex, carves out its own identity through a fusion of Italian and Japanese influences set against the backdrop of the city’s fast-paced, urban landscape.”

My latest in @thejapantimes #kanpaiculture. Link in bio and:
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2024/12/15/food-drink/joe-food-gucci-giardino-cocktails/ Less

Such a treat to join @thexandersoren for a special collaboration at @nocode_tokyo featuring a lineup of sake from @dassaisake and wines from @xandersorenwinesjp! This time @naohawaii was behind the counter showing off his sushi skills, complemented by sauces and creative touches by @yone_asakusa: hirame marinated with prosciutto in lieu of kombu blades, Wagyu bresaola nigiri, tuna ohagi dusted with black truffle, and kakuni tacos. A fun and delicious fusion paired with @xandersorenwines 2019 Yuki Vineyard, 2019 Olivet Lane Vineyard, 2020 Ludeon and a very special bottle of 2015 from Xander’s private collection. Less

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 🎍🧧🐍

2024 was full of surprises - challenges, to be sure, but many wonderful memories as well. I embarked on a lot of new projects, met amazing people, and traveled to cool places.

Some of my favorite culinary moments last year included the feast to end all feasts at @thechairmanrestauranthk and dinner under the stars at Shuri Castle in Okinawa by @sazenka. I fell in love with Panama at @cantinadeltigre and @latapadelcoco. At @asaba_ryokan, I relished dinner alone and celebrated very special birthdays at 🌟🌟🌟 @sezannetokyo (where else?) and @maisonkei. @keiko_kuwakino introduced me to the mountain culture of Niigata at @satoyamajujo. In Germany, I was lucky enough to visit @ernst.berlin before they closed for good.

Great times with friends at @sushi.shunji, @sushimtokyo (especially the collab with @alterego.tokyo in the company of @maricoiso), celebrating the 15th anniversary of @bvlgarilucafantintokyo, #savouringhongkong at @wingrestaurant_hk, and having a heart to heart with @tunatoast at @sushi_kadowaki.

The year ended on a high note at 🌟🌟🌟 @sornfinesouthern in Bangkok, a pizza extravaganza at @thepizzabaron38th, an outstanding collab between @restaurantnaar and 🌟🌟 @maz.tokyo outside of Kasauli in India, and Christmas at 🌟🌟 @restaurantnarisawa back in Tokyo.

May 2025 bring everyone new adventures, insight, joy and all the best things! Less

Newly opened in Osaka, Gucci Giardino serves exceptional cocktails, snacks from @gucciosteria Tokyo, and impeccable style.

“Upstairs, the dramatic space is outfitted with wine-colored leather sofas, seductively back-lit red walls and woven bamboo fixtures adorning two wide pillars. The atmosphere feels moody, chic and delightfully louche — more beguiling villain’s lair than the cheerful cafe ambiance of the original Gucci Giardino in Florence.

While that location established itself as a destination for innovative cocktails in the historic heart of the Renaissance, this Osaka outpost, located inside the Herbs Plaza ENT shopping complex, carves out its own identity through a fusion of Italian and Japanese influences set against the backdrop of the city’s fast-paced, urban landscape.”

My latest in @thejapantimes #kanpaiculture. Link in bio and:
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2024/12/15/food-drink/joe-food-gucci-giardino-cocktails/ Less

Such a treat to join @thexandersoren for a special collaboration at @nocode_tokyo featuring a lineup of sake from @dassaisake and wines from @xandersorenwinesjp! This time @naohawaii was behind the counter showing off his sushi skills, complemented by sauces and creative touches by @yone_asakusa: hirame marinated with prosciutto in lieu of kombu blades, Wagyu bresaola nigiri, tuna ohagi dusted with black truffle, and kakuni tacos. A fun and delicious fusion paired with @xandersorenwines 2019 Yuki Vineyard, 2019 Olivet Lane Vineyard, 2020 Ludeon and a very special bottle of 2015 from Xander’s private collection. Less

Thank you all for the wonderful birthday wishes! This year came roaring in like a locomotive without brakes, and while I didn’t have time to plan anything, my friends spoiled me with delicious surprises all week. I’m truly grateful.

Was so happy to celebrate early with @keisui and @acaley88 over an epic lunch at @maisonmarunouchi. It’s my go-to for long, leisurely meals with friends, and it keeps getting better every time. Less

Thank you all for the wonderful birthday wishes! This year came roaring in like a locomotive without brakes, and while I didn’t have time to plan anything, my friends spoiled me with delicious surprises all week. I’m truly grateful.

Was so happy to celebrate early with @keisui and @acaley88 over an epic lunch at @maisonmarunouchi. It’s my go-to for long, leisurely meals with friends, and it keeps getting better every time. Less

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 🎍🧧🐍

2024 was full of surprises - challenges, to be sure, but many wonderful memories as well. I embarked on a lot of new projects, met amazing people, and traveled to cool places.

Some of my favorite culinary moments last year included the feast to end all feasts at @thechairmanrestauranthk and dinner under the stars at Shuri Castle in Okinawa by @sazenka. I fell in love with Panama at @cantinadeltigre and @latapadelcoco. At @asaba_ryokan, I relished dinner alone and celebrated very special birthdays at 🌟🌟🌟 @sezannetokyo (where else?) and @maisonkei. @keiko_kuwakino introduced me to the mountain culture of Niigata at @satoyamajujo. In Germany, I was lucky enough to visit @ernst.berlin before they closed for good.

Great times with friends at @sushi.shunji, @sushimtokyo (especially the collab with @alterego.tokyo in the company of @maricoiso), celebrating the 15th anniversary of @bvlgarilucafantintokyo, #savouringhongkong at @wingrestaurant_hk, and having a heart to heart with @tunatoast at @sushi_kadowaki.

The year ended on a high note at 🌟🌟🌟 @sornfinesouthern in Bangkok, a pizza extravaganza at @thepizzabaron38th, an outstanding collab between @restaurantnaar and 🌟🌟 @maz.tokyo outside of Kasauli in India, and Christmas at 🌟🌟 @restaurantnarisawa back in Tokyo.

May 2025 bring everyone new adventures, insight, joy and all the best things! Less

✨ RICE & RITUAL AT SORN (PART 2) ✨

The second half of our @sornfinesouthern journey opened with a kaleidoscope of thinly sliced vegetables, tossed tableside like confetti at a festival. But the true heart of this experience is rice, and “the Thai way of sharing.”

In Thailand, rice is the essence of every meal. @ice_supaksorn spent three years mastering the art of steamed rice, learning directly from rice farmers. The result? Perfectly fluffy kernels that stand proud, served with a spectacular array of accompaniments: salted quail eggs, pickled onions, vibrant chili paste, and crispy pork rinds.

Menu:
The Sea Holds the Forest - Turmeric Rice, Southern Herbs, Budu Sauce
Southern Jasmine Rice - Charcoal steamed in Ranong Mineral Water
Som Haok Chili Paste, Pork Rinds, Sweet Shrimp
Dried Yellow Curry, Fish Sauce and Chili
Stink Bean - Redtail Catfish, Southern Curry Paste
Morning Glory - Abalone Liver, Dried Scallop and Shrimp
Roti - Beef, Southern Green Curry
Plum soup with Stingray

Each side dish sings - from the addictive catfish curry to roti dipped in rich beef curry, and a glorious, golden Thai omelet.

#SornBangkok #ThaiCuisine #MichelinStars #ThaiFood #FoodJourney #BangkokRestaurants #ThaiGastronomy​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ #asias50best #worlds50best Less