Osaka Eats -- Nomi*Yaki Dinning

In the same shopping center as Don's Shop, we found Osaka's version of okonomiyaki!

"NOMI*YAKI DINNING"

We admired the use of the metal serving spatulas in the decor above the grill!

Being seated 'at the bar' we had a front row seat to watch our food being prepared...

First up-- a pile of cooked yakisoba noodles on the grill,

followed by a pile of  'mix' of cabbage, green onion, seasonings, and a very thin batter.

Once the noodles are heated up, they are placed atop the mix, and then crowned with bacon...

...and fish flakes.

When browned on the bottom, they are flipped.

An egg is cracked on the grill to fry and the stack of noodles and mix are then placed on the fried egg,

...and flipped again!

Then topped with sauce and mayonnaise.

And finally served to us on our table grill!!

Rodney added extra table seasoning to his

and obviously came out quite happy with his decision!!

(Notice the use of the spatulas to decorate the window??)

Our next day's adventure-- Universal Studios Osaka!!!!

Osaka Eats -- Shabu Shabu

On our arrival evening, we found and settled into our hotel, then explored the neighborhood to find some dinner.

We found a shopping center (just down from that crazy intersection) and explored our options, deciding to give shabu-shabu a try at "Don Shop".

Thankfully, most places along the beaten path include an English menu. This one included directions for how to eat shabu-shabu!

After choosing our meat plate choices, this was the spread.

The first step is to add 1-2 pieces of veggies/meat to the boiling water in the copper pot. Don't add too much because you basically eat as you cook.

Season the dipping sauce to taste with green onion and minced garlic, then dip, eat, enjoy!

Seating in this establishment sits right around the kitchen!

While waiting for a bite to cook, I snapped a few pictures. Those three were buzzing like bees so quickly, most of the pictures contained only blurs!! I snapped at the right moment that the two guys were at least standing still even though they were still busy working. Straight back: he's slicing more meat. Right: he's busy scrubbing copper pots!!

The boiling of the meats and veggies creates a broth to which the waitress adds udon noodles and seaweed. It had a decent flavor, but I really don't care for the thick udon noodles. I really prefer skinny ramen noodles!

Our dinner came with dessert!! 

A cute little scoop of ice cream.

We had done our research, so after visiting the castle the next day, we found our way to Hard Rock Osaka!!

Rodney's 'Black and Blues' burger and my steak nachos made for an excellent end of the day!!

Next up: Osaka Okonomiyaki!

Osaka Shopping -- hep5

Along our way out and about, we learned that if you daydream about beer you'll fall in front of a train....

We also passed this quaint little temple.

Of course, if you're going to do any shopping, you need cash... Or, in this case, yen...

Using a Japanese ATM would be quite tricky if it weren't for the 'English' option!

A ferris wheel in the mall!!

A whale in the mall, too!!

...with it's baby!!

Some fun sock labels--

"Stream socks make your good life

and comfortable feeling.

Colorful socks dress up your foot."

"We create 'a little happiness' of yours!"

I had to take a picture of Rodney after this love-to-fly and sky-diving guy who does NOT like heights crossed (very quickly!) the glass catwalk!!

Looking down to the very large train yard and

up at the ferris wheel as I crossed the walkway.

McDonald's delivers!!!

Speaking of Osaka food....
Next up: Osaka eats!!

Osaka Night Shopping-- Shin Sai Bashi

The night sights and lights of the Shin Sai Bashi Shopping Center...

KitKat Store!!

"Thinking of you

Heart warming gift For someone you care"

Looks like I have my very own karaoke bar!!!

OH, how I would have enjoyed exploring this HUGE TWO-story Y100 store, but it had been a reeeaaaaalllly long day and we were both done...

Neon, neon everywhere!

Crossing one of the rivers running through the city

Bicycles, bicycles everywhere!!

Crab legs, anyone??

Or how about octopus balls?

(Kind of like hush puppies with bits of octopus inside.)

Better yet, sushi!!

Maybe we could go for angry corndogs??

Or even better yet fugu (aka puffer fish)!!!!!

Rodney was opting for the gyoza!

It would have been nice to have had the time to take a river ride....

Next up: Day time shopping at HEP5