What is Umami? Ponder the oyster. A martini. Tom yum. Carne asada. Fleur de sel. All umami. Don't try to define it! Just surrender to the addiction; savor the flavor implosion.

Japan


February 26, 2010

Fridgin’ Out: Yamahomo’s Mama (JPN)

by Yamahomo

DSCN0081

Why do all mothers pack their fridge so much? You might remember Kayoko’s mother’s fridge that took her three posts to dig up, and my mom’s fridge was just as packed. Is it the war they experienced that makes them keep everything, even the tiniest bit? 
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January 14, 2010

Packaging Whore: Fish in a (Cake) Box

by Yamahomo

DSCN0104

On New Year’s Eve in Japan, my mama came home with this box. This looks exactly like an Asian cake box, right? I thought, from the shape, this was probably a log cake or something.

Very celebratory color and pattern on the box. Must be something
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January 11, 2010

ReCPY: The Art of Osechi

by Yamahomo

DSCN0111

Osechi is traditional new year’s food, and one of the most significant meals of the year in Japan. Back in the old days, when women were supposed to serve the men in the family, the first three days of the new year was the
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January 7, 2010

Osaka JUNKtion: Strawberry Purin, Yuck

by Yamahomo

DSCN0017

Happy New Year everyone! This year’s resolution for me is to try to post more since I’ve been pretty lazy for some time now. I went home last month, and found a couple of interesting items that hasn’t been posted by Yoko in Tokyo JUNKtion.

1.)
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December 4, 2009

Tokyo JUNKtion: Ichimaru Unagi Bone

by yoko

Ichimaru Unagi Bone

I went to visit my dad’s grave yesterday and on my way there, we had to transfer trains at an adorable little station, Surugaoyama in Yamanashi Prefecture, at the foot of Mt. Fuji.

At the kiosk, I spotted a snack named “Unagi Bone” made by
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Postcards from Japan, VIII: Push My Ramen Button

by kayoko

Ramen Buttons

Will it be shoyu? Miso? Tonkotsu?

大もり= Oomori = Super Size Me?

Side of fried rice? Gyoza? An extra egg? Extra slices of roast pork?

Choose button carefully– there’s no turning back! Drop your yen into the machine and the ticket will print with your order. Take ticket to
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November 13, 2009

Postcards from Japan, VII: Road Squid

by kayoko

Road Squid

Whole squid being hung out to dry, off the side of a major highway in Izu. I love their little feet hanging off the edges. Cute.

November 5, 2009

Postcards from Japan, V: Soy Shabu

by kayoko

Soy ShabuShabu

The cold weather, as Yoko just talked about, could only mean one thing: HOT POT TIME! Look at that thinly sliced, luscious piece of scarlet red cow flesh. How ever so privileged we are.

This is an individual-sized shabu-shabu nabe (hotpot) we got
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October 29, 2009

Postcards from Japan, IV: Yoko’s Kitchen

by kayoko

Yoko's Kitchen

Yoko has since moved out of her little studio in Shimokitazawa, but I remember taking this picture cause her stovetop cracked me up. ONE BURNER!!! I mean, really, why would anyone need more than that, right? Pretty inconceivable for Americans.

Where would Hideko’s precious coffee
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October 27, 2009

Postcards from Japan, III: OYSTERS

by kayoko

Postcards from Japan, III: OYSTERS

OYSTER SEASON IS HERE! Best time of the year to be ALIVE. My friend Maho and I went to an oyster bar “happy hour” in Nishiazabu, Tokyo- although whatever they were
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