London? Milano? Cleveland's "Little Italy"?

Nope!

This is our favorite bar in Ichinomiya. Albero is a home away from home; like Cheers, except we don't go every day, or even every week.

You can't tell by these pix, but there are plenty of Japanese customers who also frequent this bar/ (sometimes) restaurant. The amazing bartender/ (sometimes) chef, Tetsuya-san, helps keep everyone's conversation connected, because he has a great handle on English. Many times we learn "useful" Japanese over a beer or 2 :) Like the phrase "yellow cab" which we are told is slang for a "loose woman". And Pippa made sure to teach everyone "bullocks"! Do the Americans out there know "bullocks"?



This weekend we'll share this great place with another Jet-affiliated couple. Mmmm... wood-fired pizza! Did I mention Tetsuya lived in Italy for a year? You would be able to tell from one bite. It ain't no Pizza Hut!

-Colleen