Best Burgers in Gunma: Tinz Burger Market

BEST BURGERS IN GUNMA!

Dare I say...ALL OF JAPAN!

Tinz Burger Market

I have mentioned this place as one of my favorite cafes in this post. But I'm pretty sure that day, I wasn't there to really ENJOY and relax as I was the second visit around.
この前に群馬県の紹介をしたときにこの店も教えましたが、そのときは友達と彼氏といて、時間があんまりなくてゆっくりできませんでした。けれど、今回は彼とゆっくりできて、本当に幸せでした。

Ryosuke and I were determined to have these amazing burgers again, despite the hour and a half it takes to drive there. I was craving like no other crave, which as I write this only makes me hungrier by the second, but I knew that this is what I wanted to eat and Ryosuke caved too. (Not that it was all that difficult because he loves them too.)
彼とその最高のバーガーは必ずもう一回食べたかったので、一時間半かかっても、いくしかありませんでした。これを書きながらすごくお腹がすいちゃいますが、頑張ります。
その日に彼がうちに’何食べたい’と聞いたら、ちんずしか答えられませんでした。

So we set out at a decent hour to get there during their lunch time. The drive was long and THANKFULLY we found parking in their tiny little lot which is a couple minutes separated from the actual location. Thanks to getting out of the car and directing him, we parked snug and walked the two minutes to the cafe.
ランチの時間に着くように行ってきました。遠かったですが、良い駐車所を見つけて、少し歩いたら天国に付きました。

It was opened just over two years ago with a man who had a dream for making burgers in Gunma. After seeing Tokyo's boom of them as of recent, he was determined to make his mark in the burger world...and oh has he ever.
二年前に店長さんは夢を持って、二年前にちんずをオープンしました。東京もバーガーブームになって、群馬県でおいしいバーガー屋さんを自分で作りました。

According to Tabelog they seat about 19 people, including the tables and the counter seats. The first time we went, since my best friend was with us and it was a bit more crowded, we sat at a table. But since it was just Ryosuke and I, and all the two seat tables were taken, I insisted on sitting at the counter. This way I could salivate as I watched my food being made.
たべぐろによって、テーブルとカウンター席を含めて１９人が入れます。最初に行ったときが３人だったので、普通のテーブルに座って、結構込んでました。今回は二人だけで、テーブルがもったいないと思ったので、カウンター席にしました！

It is a fairly small little building with the counter surrounding the grill and fryer, and the the back closet for what seems to be the stock and possibly a back room?
ビルはグリルも見えるところで、結構小さいです。

Each burger is made to order and you can get it with fries and a drink.

Most drinks come in the trendy Bailey's glass jars, but if you order a coke it comes in a coke glass!
THEY HAVE CHERRY COKE!
It's not the rarest, but usually have to go to an import store to find them--and it's the same one from home!!
バーガーは一つ一つ注文した時に作られています。ポテトと飲み物付きもできます。
飲み物はコーラならコーラガラスにはいっています！コーラ以外はアメリカでもはやっているベイリーズマッグガラスにはいっています！この店はなんと！チェリーコーラあります！！！！
そんなに珍しものではないですがうちの田舎ではないので、飲めるのは幸せです！

Each burger takes a bit to cook and prepare, but with fresh, crispy lettuce and juicy tomatoes--who can complain. They put tartar sauce and mayo, a sweet delicious accompaniment to the tender, perfectly cooked meat and in my case slightly crispy, thick bacon.
バーガーは一個一個で作られていますので、少し時間がかかります。でも、フレッシュレッタスとジューシートマトが入って、タルタルソースとマヨネーズにおいしい肉パッティーに乗っけて、文句なんて言えません。

The fries are also made to order and pre-salted/spiced for a not-too-greasy addition necessary for any proper burger venture. The fries are also mixed, so as not to favor one over the other and get different tastes and textures in the event you ever order too many.
ポテトは軽く塩に混ぜて、少しずつ焼いてて、油の味をせずかりかりポテトを楽しめます。

The atmosphere is completely lax and inviting. When not cooking, or in between cooking the owner will stir up a chat while you manage to eat like a man a burger that can probably get messy if not handled correctly. It comes in a paper wrapper used for handling burgers, but as a real American I chose to forgo it and eat with my hands like a savage.
雰囲気がすごくいい感じでゆっくり食べられます。ちゃんと気をつけないと服汚れちゃいますが、店長さんと話でき、自分のバーガーの焼き方も見られます。バーガーペーパに入ってますが、アメリカ人としてちゃんと手で食べます！

After speaking with the owner we learned his story and complimented him on his amazing food. Apparently I'm not the only one to think this place is a godsend as many other foreigners frequent, and if I had only lived closer would try my best to go at least once every two weeks.
店長さんと話したら店のストーリーを聞き、おいしいバーガーを食べられました。たくさんの外国から来てるお客さんのいらっしゃるみたいで、やっぱり私だけが最高においしいと思うことはないです。みんなの考えています。

I have tried many different burgers in the Gunma area, and I must say this is truly the best burger I have tried. The meat is properly meaty while not ruining the bun as it is grilled to be firm and not fall apart. You really feel like each one is made with a care and love that you can taste in every bite.
群馬県でいろんなバーガー屋さんに行っていつもちんずの方が何回も戻りたいと表います。

I cannot recommend this place more and I seriously hope I can visit again soon.
日本語はおかしくなったかもしてませんが、本当にチンズが大好きで、おすすめです！
ぜひ食べてに行ってください！

Also see if you can spot the little friends in this glass jar!

Thanks for reading!



Let's make candy donuts!

This is a penalty game.

(said Ryosuke)

 

 

**Picture heavy post**

 

So I really love these candy--Let's Make～ activities.

This past December I had sent over the bento set and my family and I made it 'together' and everyone was pleasantly surprised by the non-vile taste that it turned out to be.

There are only a few of these and only certain stores actually have them, so when I finally found the donut version, I insisted Ryosuke and I try to make it. I had failed miserably at making the sushi set by myself, so I really wanted him to be there.

 

I was really excited, and thankfully he had made similar things like this when he was little so--I'm pretty sure he was just letting me have my way (like always). It was definitely a team effort, as we both did our best to make these cute little donuts.

 

I was really happy that he actually enthusiastically helped and read off the instructions and we both really tried to make them not taste horrid... (not giving any spoilers).

 

 

 

So usually the instructions are fairly vague and written on the box or the plastic wrap it comes in.

 

Everything you will need is provided and all you need is water that you will use to mix everything together, so have a cup or small bowl with water on the ready.

 



 

 

And most of the time you can use the plastic as it's own little plate..after much fumbling and taking it from Ryosuke, I managed to make it..albeit not the prettiest.

 

 

 

We started to make the donut 'dough' and as always, unsure of how much of the powder to add. It is SUPER VAGUE and you are supposed to know how much to use, we used about half to make swirl donuts after.

 

The 'dough' varied in the texture but we made it work!

(I was very much participating, but was wearing a really chesty tank top and not looking very fly...so no pictures of me.)

After making the 'dough' we had to make the icing, and the colors were super cute! Ryosuke insisted on making the chocolate, which in turn looked like... yeah. You even get a little bag that helps with decorating!

I am clearly not made to be a baker, at least with icing that wild, because mine came out completely ruined...but I loved them, at least the look anyway.

 

 

 



 The final step to the process (before eating) is to add the sprinkles! Which of course, I needed to make a huge mess out of everything!!

 

 (Actually called 'crunch' but, it's basically sprinkles.)

 

The true final step was to actually eat them!

But, I knew from the beginning they would taste terrible, so to be honest I wasn't planning on trying it from the start, but I let Ryosuke try it since he tries anything at least once--and it was the sweetest worst taste every apparently.. thus

A penalty game.

 

Basically..disgusting.

Sorry babe... THANKS FOR MAKING IT WITH ME THO!

 

Next time we will tackle the hamburger one, which you microwave and everything.

 

 

Thanks for reading!

Golden Week pt 2★Toy and Doll Car Museum

I Love Japanese Cars.
**Really ridiculously picture heavy**

I was raised by a father who loves cars, and as the daddy's girl I was, am, and have always been (don't get me wrong though--I'm a momma's girl too), it's only natural I would love cars too.

Especially Japanese Cars.

Not to divulge too much, but my father did spend a fair amount of time in Okinawa before I was born and owned a Nissan Skyline (prior to the turbo charged version) as his first car. I have heard about Japan and their lovely cars since infancy, plus add in Sailor Moon on TV since I was in elementary school (at 5am on ABC Family) and my love for Pokemon games following in suite from my cousin--is it really any wonder why I love this place so much?

Anyway, the same day we went to Haruna Shrine, since it was still early morning, Ryosuke suggested we come here--the Toy and Doll  Car Museum( おもちゃと人形　自動車　博物館). This place is literally made so everyone in my family is happy for hours.

There are three main parts of the museum.

Teddy Bears...EVERYWHERE!

Upon walking into the museum (and paying a hefty fee of 1080yen) you will be greeted by a bunch of teddy bears.

Then walking into the room full of them, you will be given a history of famous people in teddy bear history a long with worry about the health of many of the ones that are in bird cages handing from the ceiling. Literally any nook and cranny they could fit a teddy bear, they did.

Super cute though, and while I was too lazy to read all of the history entries of the various women in the glass displays, it was amazing to see all kinds of teddy bears from all over the world and from the past to now.

My mom loves teddy bears, like a lot. She is convinced she can have a pet bear and even though it is a carnivorous predator wants one of her own. So I tried my best to take a bunch of pictures for her, but the problem was, I am only using my phone and the glass doesn't seem very good to cancel out any reflection of all the lights in the place so I'll give you a few.

A walk through Showa period Japan

I like history, and old things especially if they involve Japan. Not a history buff when it comes to America but East Asia, and it's long history really gets my groove goin'. I didn't even know that this was part of the museum and it's really an added bonus! When there aren't horrid crowds of people...

It was probably the worst time of the year (Golden Week) to visit this place considering both of our anxieties with crowds of people in small places--but also this small section of the museum involves small exhibit rooms and a narrow hallway.

EITHER WAY!

It was a really cool way to see old signs, and toys, and a old candy shop--I was so fascinated by it all that I kinda forgot to take more pictures...

Also there was a weird girl with an unnecessarily serious face while having her boyfriend take pictures... Being the horrid people that we are, Ryosuke took a picture doing an impression of her...we laughed too much about it.

After that you are essentially forced into a room of all old toys from the time in a big huge display case! It was amazing, especially because my eyes were drawn to the beautiful display area of Sailor Moon goods. Also, old Godzilla toy!! I LOVE GODZILLA!!!!

After the toy display area, came my most favoritest part--the carssss.

Classic Cars like Woah

Ryosuke clearly knows me best. The main point of coming to this place was for this, the Classic Car Museum!! I'm really bad at planning anything, there may be plenty that I want to do, but it all depends on what is realistically feasible to either our wallets, or time, or gas, etc. So that then makes me unsure of what to do and probably frustrates Ryosuke more than he'd like to admit.

So since we had plenty of time and he didn't want our only reason for driving this far to be for this shrine that I should've taken more couple pictures in...he suggested this beautiful land of amazing cars.

First there was this room that had a couple display areas of a single car in a Showa period setting with a bunch of cars lined up against the opposite wall. Then a room of cars that were not allowed to be taken photos of...not exactly sure why.

No more pictures beyond this point--Ryosuke sneakily took a couple, but they are a bit blurry, so just this one.

Then I saw the sign, for the real show--up to the second and third floors, is the real 'Car Museum' from the Yokota Collection. If you are a car fan, you know about this place. Especially if you are a fan of Initial D. Considering that the setting of Initial D is basically Gunma, hardcore fans will know about this place and spazz to take a bunch of pictures.

After climbing the stairs you are greeted by this amazing scene. Real life Initial D, not like the Chinese live action with Jay Chou (which I did thoroughly enjoy).

The next area is up another set of stairs, to the real show. I almost cried. I wanted to show this to my father more than any one in the whole wide world, so I literally took pictures of every single car in this show room. I will spare you the photo dump, but if anyone really wants--please leave a comment and I'll make a separate post of all 70something pictures.

I was so perfectly happy with this. But there was more!

After a bit of a confusing hallway, there was a small old candy shop--where I should have bought a candy donut making kit... and many other candies that are usually difficult to find, but we didn't get anything there and kept on through the confusing hallways.

In this museum there is also a Squirrel Park, a International Winery, and a coloring booth for the cute kewpie-chan plastic doll (the mascot of Kewpie mayo) to color with pain pens at the end of the whole museum. 

The Squirrel Park, was just a small enclosed space, sort of outside, with some squirrels. You could buy a small packet of food for them to come up and reach for, but since they are such small animals there was already a lot all over the place and no point in trying to feed them more.

After we ended up in the food court/cafe area and also saw the Kewpie coloring booth but decided we needed to eat first. I wasn't driving so I tried the 200yen glass of the daily wine with my meal.

The food...to be completely honest, was really terrible. I suggest eating right before you go. To get through everything, and if you want to take more pictures (though the time I spent on that third floor showroom of cars..was probably a good twenty minutes just there), it really takes a couple of hours.

The food is presented in a white bag that looks like it was steamed, and I'm sure it was...which gives nothing to the flavor and gives the blandest taste. The wine was also super strong for my weak self, but I used so much concentration on coloring my little Kewpie-chan that I pretty much lost my buzz by the time we left.

I had really a great time and despite the really expensive price tag on just getting in, and on all the gifts that I wanted to buy but ended up not getting at all... I would love to go again and take more, better pictures and one day hopefully take my parents.

Please if you have the chance to go, make sure that you do!

Thanks for reading!







My patient man♡

How the hell does he deal with my crazy?

 

 

 

This is my boyfriend. His name is Ryosuke.

こちらは私の彼氏です。良介といいます。

 

We have been together for a little over a year.

一年ちょっと付き会っています。

 

 

 

I am completely in love with him.

恋に落ちています。

 

He is the most patient man on earth.

彼はこの世界で一番我慢のできる人。

 

 

 

I am borderline insane.

私はマジでクレイジーだと思います。

 

And despite the year of crazy ups and downs, and the many, many times I've had break downs were I full on want to break things and hurt myself...he stays by my side and helps me through it all.

一年の間でいろんなアップとダウンがあったのに、いつも私のそばにいてくれます。たまにやばいほど心壊れてしまいますが、優しくしてくれて、落ち着くことができます。

 

He tells me I'm beautiful even though I haven't the shred of confidence.

自分のこと全く自信がないのに彼はいつも、ビューティフルと言ってくれます。

 

He makes me laugh till my ribs hurt.

筋肉になるほど笑わせます。

 

I can't go a day without wanting to talk to him.

毎日おしゃべりしたいです。

 

  

I am happy just to have him near me, and makes me feel whole.

彼はただそばにいるだけで幸せになり、彼のおかげで心がいっぱいです。

 

He lets me complain till I'm red in the face.

落ち着くまで文句いっぱい言わせる。

 

He compliments my cooking and eats every bite.

うちが作った料理を褒めて、全部を食べてくれる。

 

He showers me with gifts even though he's tight on funding.

お金がなくてもプレゼントいっぱいくれる！

 

He tells me that I make him a better person.

彼は私がいるので、もっといい人になれると言ってくれる。

 

He is just as picky about food as I am.

彼も私みたいに食べ物にうるさい。

 

He likes jam sandwiches. I like peanut butter sandwiches.

We make the perfect pair.

完璧なペアです。

 

 I am so lucky to have this many in my life.

この男はうちの人生に入ってくれて、神様に感謝しています。

 

 

 

 

Thanks for letting me gush for a bit. :) <3 ILY BBY!