Mom used to make tonkatsu and ebi-fry for us. It was a treat. But I hated the shredded raw cabbage on the side. None of my American friends were eating cabbage, let alone raw cabbage. It just seemed so industrial age. The only way, I could force myself to enjoy the raw shredded cabbage was […]
Author Archives: Yoko Kumano
June 5, 2008
Tokyo Michelin Guide
I finally gave in and bought the Tokyo Michelin Guide. Luckily, I was able to come across the English version with no problem. Tokyo was awarded a total of 191 stars earning the crown, by far, for best place to eat in the world according to Michelin (compared to the second: Paris with 65 stars, […]
May 12, 2008
It’s Alive! (Shioyu Ryokan, Karatsu)
Live Yobuko squid cut up and staring at you while you eat it. Tentacles periodically lash out at you. This guy was just beautiful and the best squid I have ever had. Culinary gold – my precious awabi simmered to its death in front of my eyes. Its resemblance to a vagina is uncanny. The […]
May 7, 2008
Straight to the Source: Ramen Peep Show (Fukuoka)
Over Golden Week I went to Kyushu for some R & R. And when you go to Kyushu, you eat ramen. Hakata is where the original Ippudo and Ichiran are. We decided to go to Ichiran. We arrived at Ichiran (Tenjin location) at 11:50am. Located in a tiny alleyway we were met with a guy […]
May 1, 2008
Danran Sushi (Tokyo)
Aside from the fact that this was the site of my first date with my current partner, this spot is one of my favorites in the world. Nestled in Setagayaku’s Sakurajosui, Danran sushi (danran definition: sit in a (family) circle and chat happily; enjoy each other’s [one another’s] company) serves up fish dishes and sushi […]
April 18, 2008
Fridgin’ Out: My Tiny Tokyo Fridge
Here are the contents of my dirty, empty fridge. This report gave me the excuse to throw out several items including some really stinky fish and really old blue cheese. Notice, first and foremost, how SMALL Japanese fridges are (especially for people living in Tokyo, there is literally no space in our tiny apartments) compared […]
March 20, 2008
A Taste of Spain in Ueno
Unplanned excursions should be celebrated. Whoever made up the phrase “Spice of Life” was probably a fan of spontaneity. Last Sunday, my boyfriend and I decided to go to Ueno park after getting up around noon. I took the Nikon D200 that I am borrowing from a coworker hoping to capture the scenes of the […]
March 14, 2008
White Day 2008
Last year I posted a blog entry about my first White Day experience. This my second report. In pictures: Left: Like a Rothko painting. Except small and edible. Right: Mmm, gold flakes on chocolate. Top: High tea in my janky apartment. Bottom: Can’t go wrong with Neuhaus.
February 12, 2008
A White Christmas Two Months Late
What: Mid-winter ryokan getaway tripWhere: Seiryuusou ryokan, Shimonita, Gunma Prefecture (about 3 hours from Shinjuku station)When: Saturday February 9 to Sunday February 10, 2008Why: Thaw out, eat, wash away the grub of Tokyo The food:In general, the food was unpretentious and featured local ingredients native to the region – big, thick, sweet green onions, mountain […]
February 5, 2008
Spill a Little
Buying bulk is like sex without a condom. There’s nothing between you and the food, no plastic, no obstruction. Grab a little, taste a little, spill a little and push your way to the front. During my lunch break on Monday, I set out to Tsukiji (like I do at least once every two weeks). […]