Wonderful account - you saved me the money to travel there! One thing I used to enjoy was tako but ever since reading about their intelligence levels and watching My Octopus Teacher I’ve taken them permanently off my “to eat” list. https://youtu.be/3s0LTDhqe5A
Thanks, Crowden! I do hope you'll travel there sometime though. It's so much more than what I included in my post. That clip on "My Octopus Teacher" made me feel like a criminal for eating that little creature--so moving. Don't think I'll ever eat another tako! Tacos, however, are another story!
I was in Japan twice. Doing research for Mazda. And on the first trip I was told everyone spoke English. Yikes! Not so much. So for the trip a year later I taught myself Japanese. MUCH better! Many adventures. Grist for a Letter I think …
Wow, good for you, Crowden! I'd love to read a Letter about your experiences! It's definitely true that very few folks I've encountered have spoken or understood English--or not mine at any rate! This is true despite the multitude of English signs and English loan words, which might fool you into thinking you can make yourself understood. You can't! My son also taught himself Japanese after becoming embarrassed at not understanding anything. After six visits, it's long past time I tried to do the same.
Sounds fabulous, Ruth (okay, maybe not the octopus dumplings, but hey!) I'm not likely to get to Japan anytime soon, but the bakery reminded me of Mozart, a chain of Korean European-style bakeries we frequented when we lived in Atlanta. Sigh. BTW, I've long wanted to try a strawberry sando, and have considered making the milk bread myself to try them. Worth it?
Thanks, Annette! I actually have tried making milk bread and was pretty pleased with it, though it wasn't as tall and fluffy as the famous Japanese Shokupan, which is used to make these kinds of sandwiches. I definitely think it's worth making and hope to do a post on that also one day soon. The Mozart chain in Atlanta sounds intriguing. I believe there are a multitude of excellent Asian-owned, western-style bakeries in Los Angeles, including several in Koreatown and east of downtown.
Good to know! Looking forward to giving it a go! Yeah, L.A. had an amazing Asian food scene when we lived there a million years ago--I can only think it's even more impressive now!
Had amazing Chinese vegetarian in San Gabriel Valley, fake meat made from gluten that tasted real. Mind you, that was thirty years ago. 😂 I will make the bread, but it will be in summer!
This was such a delightful read, Ruth! I visited Japan a few years ago and was enthralled with the food, and this took me right back...so much delicious stuff, but honestly, one of my favorite things was the 7-eleven fried chicken. (I hope you do post about the gourmet 7-elevens one day!!)
Thanks so much, Samantha! I really do want to do a deep dive into the 7-Elevens. There is really nothing like them, and they have almost nothing in common with their American namesake, except, perhaps, the convenience factor. I never did try their fried chicken, but I'm sure it's delicious--everything there is!
Just a wonderful post!! What a lovely getaway and nothing like knowing and being with family and friends who live there.
Thanks, Maggie! You’re so right--knowing folks in the places you’re visiting (or making friends) makes all the difference.
Thanks, Leslie! Yes, the food...🍜🍡🍣🥟🍚
Nothing more enticing than beautiful images - your kids, the surroundings and oh yes, the food!
It all sounds perfectly delightful Ruth! I want to go to Japan.
It's really a fascinating country in so many ways, Vicki! I do hope you're able to go one day!🍡
WowWowWow Ruth! Thanks for taking us with you on this fascinating trip! 🌸
Thanks for joining me, Jolene! Glad you enjoyed it! 😘
Yummy! I am sharing with friends who are traveling there very soon!
Thanks, Julia! There's a great deal more that I couldn't fit in!
Wonderful account - you saved me the money to travel there! One thing I used to enjoy was tako but ever since reading about their intelligence levels and watching My Octopus Teacher I’ve taken them permanently off my “to eat” list. https://youtu.be/3s0LTDhqe5A
Thanks, Crowden! I do hope you'll travel there sometime though. It's so much more than what I included in my post. That clip on "My Octopus Teacher" made me feel like a criminal for eating that little creature--so moving. Don't think I'll ever eat another tako! Tacos, however, are another story!
I was in Japan twice. Doing research for Mazda. And on the first trip I was told everyone spoke English. Yikes! Not so much. So for the trip a year later I taught myself Japanese. MUCH better! Many adventures. Grist for a Letter I think …
Wow, good for you, Crowden! I'd love to read a Letter about your experiences! It's definitely true that very few folks I've encountered have spoken or understood English--or not mine at any rate! This is true despite the multitude of English signs and English loan words, which might fool you into thinking you can make yourself understood. You can't! My son also taught himself Japanese after becoming embarrassed at not understanding anything. After six visits, it's long past time I tried to do the same.
Sounds fabulous, Ruth (okay, maybe not the octopus dumplings, but hey!) I'm not likely to get to Japan anytime soon, but the bakery reminded me of Mozart, a chain of Korean European-style bakeries we frequented when we lived in Atlanta. Sigh. BTW, I've long wanted to try a strawberry sando, and have considered making the milk bread myself to try them. Worth it?
Thanks, Annette! I actually have tried making milk bread and was pretty pleased with it, though it wasn't as tall and fluffy as the famous Japanese Shokupan, which is used to make these kinds of sandwiches. I definitely think it's worth making and hope to do a post on that also one day soon. The Mozart chain in Atlanta sounds intriguing. I believe there are a multitude of excellent Asian-owned, western-style bakeries in Los Angeles, including several in Koreatown and east of downtown.
Good to know! Looking forward to giving it a go! Yeah, L.A. had an amazing Asian food scene when we lived there a million years ago--I can only think it's even more impressive now!
Please let me know if you do make it. I think you're right about the food scene here. Honestly it's a little intimidating!😅
Had amazing Chinese vegetarian in San Gabriel Valley, fake meat made from gluten that tasted real. Mind you, that was thirty years ago. 😂 I will make the bread, but it will be in summer!
The desserts look almost too pretty to eat
I agree! I spent most of my time drooling and taking pictures!😋
This was such a delightful read, Ruth! I visited Japan a few years ago and was enthralled with the food, and this took me right back...so much delicious stuff, but honestly, one of my favorite things was the 7-eleven fried chicken. (I hope you do post about the gourmet 7-elevens one day!!)
Thanks so much, Samantha! I really do want to do a deep dive into the 7-Elevens. There is really nothing like them, and they have almost nothing in common with their American namesake, except, perhaps, the convenience factor. I never did try their fried chicken, but I'm sure it's delicious--everything there is!
More octopus balls!