During lunchtime, I had some free time so I visited CoCo Ichibanya in front of Tokyu Togoshi Ginza Station. I ordered the Pork Curry (950 yen) with spice level 1. It was reliably delicious and had a nostalgic feel to it! I was grateful for the relaxing atmosphere of the store. I thought maybe next time I could try spice level 2.

I really like the CoCo Ichibanya in Togoshi Ginza! The one near my house only has 4-person booth seats or counter seats, but this one has 4 two-person seats which is more convenient for me! I find myself coming to this CoCo Ichibanya more often than the one near my house. I feel uncomfortable sitting alone at a 4-person booth, so I often end up at the counter seats. Since there are mostly men at CoCo Ichibanya (which is expected), I feel a bit uneasy when a big person sits next to me. Also, the seats feel cramped and I can't help but be curious about what the person next to me is eating. During busy hours, I would hesitate to come even if I wanted to eat. But here, there are many two-person seats with dividers, so I can eat comfortably. It seems like the owner has changed recently, as there are more female staff now. I will continue to patronize this place in the future!

Today I had some errands in Togoshi and stopped by CoCo Ichibanya. I wanted to have the large croquette curry, but it was sold out, so I tried the Handmade Chicken Cutlet Curry with soft-boiled egg and tartar sauce instead. The chicken cutlet was freshly fried and delicious. The soft-boiled egg had a runny yolk, which I mixed into the curry while eating. I would like to visit again and try the large croquette curry for a rematch. #cocoichibanya #CoCoIchibanyaTogoshiGinzaEkimae #HandmadeChickenCutletCurry #ChickenCutlet #TogoshiGinzaStation #TogoshiStation #TokyuIkegamiLine #ToeiAsakusaLine #Curry #CurryGram #CurryLovers #CurryRice #TartarSauce #SoftBoiledEgg #GourmetGram #Gourmet #GourmetLovers #GourmetCurry #GourmetJapan #Japan #TogoshiGinza

Cream croquette curry with rice (300g), medium spiciness. It was delicious, but there was not enough curry for the rice. When I reduced the amount of rice, it seemed like the curry also decreased. Next time, I will add more curry. I used to eat a sweet and spicy curry as a limited-time offer, and it was incredibly delicious when I added medium spiciness. I kept going back for it, but I wonder if it will make a comeback.

Located just a short walk from Tozai Line Togoshi Station, this shop offers a variety of seasonal and regional menu items as well as exciting events to keep things interesting. One hidden gem is the store-exclusive menu items that can only be found at certain locations. At the Tokyu Togoshi Ginza Station front store, you can try the "Togoshi Ginza Croquette Curry." The dish features a large croquette with cheese and bacon, but it seems that the regular croquette was actually tastier.

On July 2, 2020, I visited CoCo Ichibanya in Tokyogawa for the first time alone. CoCo Ichibanya is well-known as a popular curry chain in Japan. Although I had visited a couple of their stores over 10 years ago, this was my first time at the Tokyogawa Ginza branch. The restaurant was small with only counter seats and a few tables. There was one customer already seated when I arrived. I chose to sit at the counter furthest from the entrance. The menu offered a variety of options including Pork Curry (514 yen), Beef Curry (641 yen), Pork Cutlet Curry (809 yen), Seafood Curry (818 yen), Vegetable Curry (745 yen), and Omelette Curry (605 yen). I ordered the "Chicken and Summer Vegetable Curry with Crispy Chicken" (1179 yen), which included chicken, okra, eggplant, cherry tomatoes, and sliced chili peppers. The chicken was shredded and mixed with the summer vegetables. While I appreciated the abundance of summer vegetables, I personally did not feel the depth of flavor in the curry. It wasn't quite to my liking. The prices mentioned are all inclusive of tax. What's great about CoCo Ichibanya is the wide variety of toppings available. However, I don't have any particular desires for improvement. Although CoCo Ichibanya is a classic in Japanese curry, I don't think I'll be revisiting soon. Apologies to all the CoCo Ichibanya fans out there. There are plenty of delicious curry options out there, so I'll be exploring other places. Thank you for the meal.

I won a ¥3000 meal voucher through a survey conducted at the Cocoichi restaurant, but since it had to be used by the end of December 2019, I decided to use it to enjoy a meal there. On a weekday evening in October, I went to Cocoichi and ordered the Kakifurai Curry (with a little less rice, 200g) for ¥860, a Vegetable Salad for ¥189, and an Iced Oolong Tea for ¥105. The Kakifurai Curry was delicious with four crispy Kakifurai pieces, and I felt that two pieces would have been just right for me. The salad was great, especially with the option to mix the original spicy dressing with the mild sesame dressing. I noticed a new tapioca drink shop called "Ore no GYOZA-ken" next to Cocoichi, which seemed to have changed the genre of the eatery. Fast forward to December, I used the voucher for a limited time Roast Chicken Soup Curry (with a little less rice, 150g) for ¥914, a Vegetable Salad for ¥189. The Roast Chicken Soup Curry was unexpectedly tasty, with a generous amount of ingredients including roasted chicken, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, eggplant, okra, and half a boiled egg. I was surprised to find cabbage in the soup curry, but it added a nice touch. The salad had a good presentation, which made me realize the importance of visual appeal in food.

It's okay, I guess. The tomato and garlic flavors are definitely there, but it's not very spicy. I had to add some extra special spices to make it more satisfying, but it would have been better if it was a bit cheaper. I ordered the pizza with crispy chicken topping and salad for around 1500 yen. Thank you for the meal.

I continued my Coco Ichibanya life at a pace of once a week starting in May. However, due to going twice a week in mid-June in order to obtain the collaboration goods, my stomach started rejecting anything with a curry flavor. As a result, I had to stop going to Coco Ichibanya and went through a period of curry abstinence, during which I couldn't even eat curry rice. Finally, by the end of June, I was able to eat curry rice again, so I am posting this review now. ========== On a weekday before 7 pm, I dined in at Coco Ichibanya in June 2019. Until July 16, there is a limited-time collaboration campaign with "Uta no Prince-sama♪" where you can receive original goods by taking a photo of your receipt with a specified amount spent. This time, the specified amount is over 800 yen including tax, and you can receive a can magnet after your purchase. There are 18 characters divided into groups ABC, and you can choose from one of the groups but not the character. As usual, there is a menu with recommended toppings for each character. I followed the recommendation of my second favorite character, Camus, who suggested cream croquette toppings. (Prices include 8% consumption tax) The items I ordered were Pork Curry for 505 yen (discounted by 51 yen for 200g rice, actual cost 454 yen), Cream Croquette (with crab) for 206 yen, and a limited-time Lemon Milk Lassi for 206 yen (actual cost 154 yen when ordered with curry). The total amount was 814 yen. Due to my mental state not being normal at the time of eating, I will skip the review of the Pork Curry. Croquette: A set of 2 for 206 yen, freshly fried and piping hot. I could taste the crab flavor but couldn't find any crab meat. It was nice to be able to eat freshly fried hot side dishes immediately. I was in a mental state that made me think that Coco Ichibanya's curry rice is there to eat freshly fried side dishes. Lemon Milk Lassi: A drink that will be discontinued once stock runs out after September 28, made with Setouchi lemons. It tasted like lassi with added lemon flavor. ========== I only lightly touched on "Uta Pri" through the music rhythm app game. The allocation of the character on the original can magnet received after spending over 800 yen was in Group B, which included my favorite and second favorite characters. Therefore, I had only one choice from Group B. The system is that the staff hands you the can magnet after you inform them of your preferred group at the time of payment. After paying, I opened the can magnet. It was Otoya Ittoki? Another character I don't know. It seems to be a member of a group that was added a little while ago. Once again, I didn't get my favorite character.

I thought I could take a break after the collaboration between CoCo Ichibanya and BanG Dream ended, but now I have to go back to CoCo Ichibanya again... Until July 16th, there is a limited-time collaboration campaign with "Uta no Prince-sama♪" going on. As usual, you can participate by taking a photo of your receipt with a total amount of over 800 yen and get a chance to win goods. You can also receive an original magnet by request after paying. There are 18 characters divided into 3 groups, and you can choose from groups A, B, or C but not the specific character. Each character has recommended toppings listed on the menu. I followed Ren's recommendation and ordered a pork curry with sausage topping. The total amount was 847 yen, and I hope to get closer to 800 yen next time. The sausage was crispy on the outside and slightly spicy. I checked the characters' favorite foods, and it seems my topping choices were somewhat accurate. I was a bit surprised by a new character, Eiichi Otori, in the group, but I will definitely be visiting CoCo Ichibanya again this weekend.

Some CoCo Ichibanya stores offer curry udon. As of May 2019, there are 180 CoCo Ichibanya stores in Tokyo, with 25 of them serving curry udon. I visited one of these stores for lunch on a Sunday to get a collaboration clear file with BanG Dream. Unfortunately, they were running low on clear files, so it seems like this visit will be my last for now. I'll come back when they collaborate with a series I like. Goodbye for now. At this store, I ordered curry udon because I wasn't in the mood for rice. The items I ordered were: Curry Udon (small portion) ¥596, Cheese topping ¥217, Curry set drink (oolong tea) ¥103. The curry udon came with green onions and pork, though there was only a small amount of pork. The combination of cheese topping and curry broth was excellent. The broth wasn't too spicy, making it relatively easy to eat. After paying, I opened the clear file outside the store. I was disappointed to see a pink color peeking out of the bag, but when I saw the design, it was a full cast of characters. I was excited to get Rinko-chan, but upon closer inspection, I realized it was a version featuring characters from 2018. I didn't get Rinko-chan... Oh well. This visit to CoCo Ichibanya marks the end of my frequent visits. Good job, me.

I went to CoCo Ichibanya Tokyu Ebara-Nakano store to get the Bandori collaboration clear file, but they had already run out. So, I revisited the store at the next station. During lunchtime on a Sunday in May 2019, I visited the store. Until May 31, 2019, there is a limited-time collaboration between CoCo Ichibanya and "BanG Dream! Girls Band Party!" where you can get a special clear file with a total order amount of 900 yen (tax included). There are 6 different random designs available. I ordered the Beef Cutlet Curry recommended by Tomoe. The total cost was 917 yen, but luckily, I was able to get the Bandori clear file for 900 yen. The curry was as expected, with a beef cutlet that had a slight hint of beef flavor but was easy to cut through. The sauce was a bit runny with some thickness, but lacked any substantial ingredients. The staff handed me the clear file, and I got Kokoro's design. Stay tuned for the next visit to see if I can get my favorite, Ran.

Got off at the Togoshi Ginza station. Turned left after passing through the ticket gate, and on the right side, there is a curry rice chain restaurant. The entrance is narrow and vertically long. Right by the entrance, there are manga books, but only super famous works from Weekly Shonen Jump. The ones aiming to be the Pirate King, collecting 7 balls, and aiming to be the Hokage. And for some reason, there is also a miraculous basketball manga. The fact that Gundam: The Origin is there might be a remnant from when CoCo Ichi collaborated with The Origin in the past. ...Visited around 1 pm on a holiday in May 2019. Until May 31, 2019, there is a limited-time collaboration with BanG Dream! Girls Band Party! You can get a special clear file with a total order amount of 900 yen (tax included). The design is randomly distributed among 6 types. When wandering around Togoshi Ginza shopping street during the Golden Week, I found out that CoCo Ichi was collaborating with BanG Dream! on their official website and saw a newly drawn illustration of my favorite character, Rinko Shirokane. I couldn't resist not securing the clear file if Rinko is involved. On the last day of the Golden Week, I went to eat curry rice. The collaboration menu recommends Rinko's eggplant curry, but I can't eat eggplant. It's so painful not being able to eat the menu recommended by my favorite character. My second favorite, Kokoro Tsurumaki, recommends tomato asparagus curry, but I'm not a big fan of asparagus. Kaoru recommends crispy chicken curry, Tomoe recommends beef cutlet curry, and Hina recommends fried chicken curry. What's the difference between crispy chicken and fried chicken...? (Prices include 8% consumption tax) Ordered items with tax-included prices: Pork curry with crispy chicken topping (rice amount: regular 300g) 795 yen Curry set with oolong tea 103 yen Vegetable salad 185 yen The regular menu lists "Crispy Chicken Curry," but the receipt indicated pork curry with crispy chicken topping. I ordered crispy chicken curry and oolong tea, and learned after receiving the bill that ordering curry and a drink would reduce the drink's price. Crispy chicken curry + drink = 898 yen. Since it was 2 yen short of the 900 yen needed to get the collaboration clear file, I added a vegetable salad. The pork curry had a slightly thick roux with no ingredients. The chicken surface was crispy, and the meat was tender. Vegetable salad: Dressings include original, non-oil, and sesame. The original dressing had a soy sauce-based taste. The salad contained cabbage, corn, green leaf, etc. Despite being 185 yen, it was surprisingly a decent portion. After settling the bill, I opened the clear file outside the store, and it was Kokoro. I'm happy to get Kokoro since she's my second favorite, but I wanted Rinko... I guess I'll have to keep trying until I get Rinko. Looks like CoCo Ichi curry rice will be my weekend lunch staple from now on.

At the Tokugawa Ginza branch, there is an original menu item called the Big Croquette Curry that is not available at other branches. I decided to order it (680 yen) since it seemed special. Although it is said to be limited in quantity for the day, I was still able to order it in the evening. Tokugawa Ginza seems to be promoting croquettes, so this menu item is part of that effort. The accompanying sauce is also an original for the shopping street. I appreciate that they are not just talking about being involved in the community, but actually taking action. The croquette was indeed very large as the menu name suggests, and it was freshly fried and piping hot. It contained not only regular potato croquette but also cheese, corn, carrots, and more. It was more filling than I expected. (2013・5) ... When I entered the restaurant, I couldn't find what I was looking for, so I looked at the menu and found the daily curry special (844 yen), so I ordered that. I went on a Monday, and it was a vegetable, squid, and crab cream croquette. It seems that it is cheaper to order as a set rather than as individual toppings. Since just the curry alone would be lonely, I also ordered a single portion of potatoes (103 yen). It had been a while since I went to Cocoichi, but it was surprisingly delicious. (2017・12)

Yesterday, I attended a company event at the Prince Hotel in Takanawa for a party. I indulged in delicious food and wine, and today I am feeling slightly hungover. When I want to refresh my body by breaking a sweat, I often visit CoCo Ichibanya! I arrived before noon and the restaurant was almost full. This time, I ordered the "Clam and Spinach" curry with my usual spice level of "4 spiciness" (I used to go for level 5 when I was younger, but it's too much for me at this age). It arrived in about 10 minutes. I topped it with plenty of fukujinzuke, mixed the rice from the back, and ate the curry from the back. As always, I started sweating. I drank cold water and continued eating. I wiped off the sweat with a table napkin and finished the meal feeling refreshed. It was satisfying. Thank you for the meal.