House parties - it certainly is a wonderful thing that there simply are not enough of here in Japan. While studying in the U.S, House parties were a common occurrence, even in the tiny apartments of New York City. Needless to say, a few unhappy neighbours along the way (particularly the ones downstairs.) As space is usually very limited in Tokyo - coupled with nearly paper-thin walls at most apartments; most of the drinking and eating is done in izakaya (居酒屋.）
Essentially, an izakaya is a drinking parlor that is laid out like a restaurant. Food is served with a wide range of alcoholic beverages. These establishments can range from tiny tiny establishments (such as those found in "nonbei yokochou" (のんべい横町) right by the Shibuya cross walk) which at best can seat 4 people to large sprawling chains that are found throughout Tokyo.
The food typically served at izakaya is composed of many small dishes which one orders throughout the course of the night. Being small dishes, it is typical to begin with a beer and 2-3 dishes and ordering continues throughout the span of the meal. This is appealing because one can order various things depending on ones particular mood at the time. There is of course, the danger of ordering and drinking way too much - but that is what the izakaya's want, right?
Although izakaya are wonderful things in their own right, cost performance is still best with a house party. Pictured to the right is the result of this weeks cooking, a veritable feast of Thai food at a fraction of the cost one would see at a restaurant - with lots of liquor to spare! Cooking your own food and drinking straight liquor and beer from a can, it is still one of my favorite ways to hang out. Now that my apartment has concrete walls and a relatively spacious living room (By Japanese Standards) the tradition of the house party lives again!
