The Ashman

Look for the plush red wall carpet

Lovely Luke

Ace Trace

Keisuke likes Nirvana...

Araku continues to be one of my favourite places to drink in Shinjuku....

On the last evening of Evette's holiday (wow - has it really been 2 weeks since then?...), I took Justin, Evette and Fuku to Golden Gai for a night out. Of course, we had to visit Araku - Tracey, Ash and Richards new-ish bar. Not only fabbo service with a cheeky grin and great music, but also the only place in Tokyo that offers vegemite toast, meat pies and a big range of Australian wines. Now, I'm not one of those painfully patriotic wankers bearing a tee-shirt proclaiming: “Australia, love it or leave it” but I have to say, it's quite heart warming to snack on vegemite toast in the middle of Shinjuku on a Friday night.

Anyway, just around the corner from Araku there's a great Korean place. Justin ate tongue for the first time, after much fanfare and carry-on beforehand. I laughed so hard my stomach hurt. It was a great night and a nice way for Evette to finish off her trip. Special thanks to Tracey for the round on the house. It's those kinds of thoughtful, little gestures that really count, isn't it. It's not often you get free stuff in Tokyo. So folks, do yourself a favor and visit this lovely little corner of Australia buried deep in Golden Gai. Tell 'em I sent ya, help me get another cheap night out... he he. (sorry, afternoon wines make me cheeky...)

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