Beer Garden!

One of the rites of summer in Kyoto is the beer garden. Held at rooftops around the city, they are not just another excuse to drink (although one can never have enough), but sitting high up looking down at the city, they are a way to escape the brutal summer heat and humidity. But beer gardens can be over priced with awful food. One of the better choices is KIEV, a Russian restaurant right across from Minami-za theatre (Kawabata/Shijo), 6th floor. For 3,500 yen you get 2 hours of open bar service and a selection of food to keep you going (peroshiki, cabbage rolls, sausage and fries, etc...). Escape the Kyoto heat to Russia! 

Escape to Shozan-kaku

Tired of the usual sights? Gion, Nishijin, Pontocho? Been there, done that? For those looking for an escape and just exclusivity, go to Shozankaku 松山閣 in northwest Kyoto. I won't bother listing directions because it's literally at the foot of a mountain, bordering Arashiyama. Located in a beautifully manicured garden -- no mountain -- Shozankaku specializes in Kyoto cuisine and yuba. They even have their own yuba factory. With branches at Kyoto station and Nagoya, Shozankaku serves top quality food  and the main branch, featured here also has accommodation. We savored our lunch, sipping sake, while looking out at the mountains. Doesn't get better than that, does it?

300 yen all drinks!

(Unfortunately 300 yen per Night has closed and is looking for a new location)

So you're downtown Kyoto, tired and hot from shopping on Kawaramachi or Teramachi and just dying for a drink but don't want to go through the hassle of waiting for a table and dealing with incompetent waiters. Answer: 300 per Night. Set up like a Western pub, all drinks (and food) are 300 yen! (Well, okay, 99% of the menu is.) You pay with pre-paid tickets (minimum purchase of 3) which you can use anytime. Literally, it cannot be easier (or cheaper). Yes, for the price of 1 Starbucks coffee you can get a beer! Wednesdays are ladies night, all you can drink for the insane price of 1,000 yen! Fridays, non-Japanese get 1 sparkling wine free. Best of all, mention EDK and get 1 free drink! 

Tofu delight - Gion Okuoka

People often ask where to go to for reasonable kaiseki (formal Japanese cuisine) and EDK always points them to Gion Okuoka (3 blocks south of Shijo on Higashioji, west side). Their dinner courses won't break the bank and owner, Okuoka-san is one of the friendliest chefs in town. Pictured here is their hiki-age yuba, a fantastic dish full of drama because you make it yourself! Yuba is literally the top skin of a pot of cooked soy bean soup kinda pot. After it's lit, wait 2 minutes or so, then scoop up your yuba! Dip it in the ta-re sauce, and you're ready to good. Great summer lunches as well - cold green tea soba noodles! 

Binza - Chinese for Chinese

Let's face it, Chinese food in Japan is disappointing. Over-priced and full of odd dishes like "tenshin-han", it certainly isn't the "can't lose" option you have in other countries. One place you can rely on is Binza (one block north of Sanjo/Higashioji). Modestly and oddly decorated as most good Chinese restaurants are, Binza has the unstoppable combination of bad service and good food. And they also have insane deals like a 3,990 yen all you can eat and drink deal for 2 hours! Totally insane. Be sure to try the mouth-watering sweet and sour pork (northeast China style) featured here and tofu salad. Two thumbs up.

Shandiz - Oasis in Kyoto

Sometimes you just need to get away from all the sashimi and tofu. In times like these, go to Shandiz (one block north of Sanjo, Karamachi, turn right). Featuring Persian food (Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan), Shandiz halal meat and is of course famous for kebabs, not to mention stews. Turkish beer also available! 

Columbo on Kawaramachi

On Kawaramachi north of Nijo, west side, is Columbo, a small Italian restaurant that serves no-pretense good food. Memorable was the wine from Shiga prefecture (yes, Shiga!) shown here. Great, bold Chardonnay. Besides the pasta and main dishes, they have a good appetizer set for those who just want to drink and pick at something.