tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23484019387106544402024-02-20T07:06:12.492-08:00HAPPY DONABE LIFE - Mrs. Donabe's Rustic Japanese KitchenWelcome to Home of Donabe Cooking! This blog is about healthy Japanese and donabe (Japanese clay pot) cooking. I love my donabe life and I want to share the joy of donabe cooking with many other people. I also write about random food, wine, and travel experiences.
Los Angeles | TokyoNaokohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226761063088620827noreply@blogger.comBlogger1704125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348401938710654440.post-38863736059022999872017-07-06T07:34:00.001-07:002017-07-06T07:35:02.134-07:00Photos in my blog postsHello, friends.<br />
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Thank you so much for visiting my blog.<br />
You notice all the images, except for the cover images of my previous blog posts, are blocked now.<br />
I've been using Photobucket as a hosting service for the images in my blog contents, and they suddenly changed their terms of service, and now the photos cannot be seen unless I pay them $399/ year for upgrade service.<br />
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I was surprised to find what Photobucket has done to my blog, to say the least. It totally felt like my blog photos were taken as hostage for ransom of $400. Then, I found there has been huge anger from the users of Photobucket, and this incident has been reported by many online media. Here's one of them.<br />
https://thenextweb.com/apps/2017/07/05/photobuckets-ransom-demand-is-a-masterclass-in-how-not-to-treat-your-users/#.tnw_pJWc9K7C<br />
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In any case, I have no intention to fall for this almost scam-like upgrade system. So, I apologize you can no longer see my past blog photos. But, I will consider this as my fresh start, and I plan to post more recipes and stories about donabe cooking and happy donabe life. Thank you for your support!Naokohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226761063088620827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348401938710654440.post-91045881671612666532017-06-11T08:59:00.000-07:002017-06-11T08:59:00.684-07:00Trip to Japan (May 2013)...Going back to LA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The short 1 week back home was about to end.<br />
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As usual, before I left for Narita Airport, Tomoko and I had soba lunch. I had yamakake soba, hot soba noodle with grated yam topping.<br />
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Flight going back home was United. Their service was especially nice this time, after all the widely criticized incidents happened.<br />
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I came back to LA safely. While fighting with jet lag, I unpacked everything.<br />
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I brought back many old photos and albums. This photo is from dinner at my grandparents' house back in 1978! Donabe always gathered our family.<br />
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Happy donabe life.Naokohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226761063088620827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348401938710654440.post-39862977173025152482017-06-09T10:20:00.000-07:002017-06-09T10:20:37.626-07:00Back in Japan (May 2017)...Terroir Al Limit wine dinner with Dominik Huber<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On my final evening in this stay, I got to join a special wine dinner with Tomoko. My long time friend and wine mentor, Etsuko (she is now a renowned wine journalist in Japan) and a wine importer hosted a special wine dinner for Terroir Al Limit with the winemaker Dominik Huber.<br />
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It took place at Argile, a very stylish modern French restaurant in Ginza. The first segment was a lecture by Dominik himself. He is a very serious wine maker and he talked for a long time!<br />
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Finally, we had a toast with a beautiful L'Origan, Cava Brut Nature. The amuse was carpaccio of prawns with caviar, shiso flowers and tomato gelee.<br />
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Red pepper mousse with sesame espuma.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6984_zpsr0h0xgbb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6984_zpsr0h0xgbb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6984_zpsr0h0xgbb.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6985_zps64wshrq6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6985_zps64wshrq6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6985_zps64wshrq6.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6990_zps8vvtkj4n.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6990_zps8vvtkj4n.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6990_zps8vvtkj4n.jpg" /></a><br />
"No pie" quiche with mushroom soup topping. Boudin noir with macaron with boudin noir extract filling, and bacon rolled green beans. Sake-lees marinated mana-gatsuo bonito poiree with orange beurre blanc, cauliflower sauce, parsnip puree and sea grapes, fava beans and corn silk.<br />
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Decadent lamb burger! We were instructed to first press down the buns with palms, then enjoy. It was so good.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_7006_zpsgg8r7wmr.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_7006_zpsgg8r7wmr.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_7006_zpsgg8r7wmr.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_7013_zpsrkmbanbi.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_7013_zpsrkmbanbi.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_7013_zpsrkmbanbi.jpg" /></a><br />
And, of course, the wines were fantastic. We had the following wines. Dits del Terra was served from double magnum bottle!<br />
2013 Terra de Cuques (95% Pedro Ximenez, 5% Moscatel de Alejandría)<br />
2013 Torroja (50% Garnacia, 50% Carinena)<br />
2011 Pedra de Guit (Garnacia Blanca, Macabeo, Pedro Ximenez)<br />
2012 Dits del Terra (100% Carinena)<br />
2011 Les Manyes (100% Garnacia)<br />
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Rhubarb tart, black pepper ice cream with mugwort sauce. I loved the black pepper ice cream!<br />
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Me and Etsuko. Thank you so much for the wonderful time.Naokohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226761063088620827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348401938710654440.post-28675611294944552422017-06-08T08:39:00.000-07:002017-06-08T08:41:29.936-07:00Back in Japan (May 2017)...Wine izakaya night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In this very short stay back home, I could still manage to get together with some of very good friends in Tokyo.<br />
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One night, I got together with Isako and Akiyo, the 8th generation sisters of Nagatani-en, the donabe producer. They took me to this super cute and hidden wine bar in Gakugeidai-mae.<br />
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They don't have a written wine list, so I was welcomed to dig in their cellar. I was like a kid in a candy store. I found a lot of gems, such as rare to find natural wines from Italy.<br />
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Lardo, followed by carrot and fig marinade salad.<br />
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All the dishes were made by the owner, Teshima-san, himself. He created very wine friendly unique dishes with Italian influences. I especially loved the bonito "tataki" (lightly broiled only outside) salad with mozzarella and cilantro pesto sauce.<br />
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Frank Cornelissen Rosso Contadino from Sicily, and 2013 Zidarich Teran from Friuli. I was so happy to find these wines. I've visited both producers in my different trips to Italy. Lovely wines.<br />
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White asparagus and eggs with shaved truffles. Lamb hamburger steak!<br />
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Such a fun night with my "sisters"!Naokohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226761063088620827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348401938710654440.post-83552530108663961092017-06-07T09:44:00.000-07:002017-06-07T09:44:52.780-07:00Back in Japan (May 2017)...Unagi Festival!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Tomoko and I had some errands to run in Urawa, then we bumped into Annual Unagi Festival.<br />
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Urawa is famous for unagi (eel) and boasts dozens of unagi specialized restaurants in the city. The mascot character of Urawa City is Unako-chan (eel girl, created by late Yanase Takashi, the famous cartoonist who created Anpanman), and the city host a big eel festival every year.<br />
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We stopped by after running an errand, to check out what's going on. Grilled skewered eel was so good.<br />
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Oden.<br />
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Eel masters.<br />
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There were so many other vendors besides unagi, too. So, we enjoyed a little bit of everything.<br />
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Then, I found my favorite local ramen joint, Tori-soba Issa, among the vendors! I got Hiyashi Tori-soba (cold chicken noodle). So good.<br />
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I got to take a photo with Unako-chan!Naokohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226761063088620827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348401938710654440.post-59873322368195318902017-06-06T13:30:00.000-07:002017-06-06T13:30:45.486-07:00Back in Japan (May 2017)...Local eats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHZiyKxkgRNgqKpQtM39e1qJrlSz816cldchyMNCNMd2djJTMSq46F4p9CujgUixqzh4BRM47GeLP_7el5DdJunkPpmF6bzz-CqRx-mKmwKr_8hAFRi7_Tc0hHBPHiK150_0Rc2jy2rc/s1600/IMG_0143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHZiyKxkgRNgqKpQtM39e1qJrlSz816cldchyMNCNMd2djJTMSq46F4p9CujgUixqzh4BRM47GeLP_7el5DdJunkPpmF6bzz-CqRx-mKmwKr_8hAFRi7_Tc0hHBPHiK150_0Rc2jy2rc/s400/IMG_0143.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This time, because we had a lot of family stuff to take care of, I spent a lot of time with Tomoko in Urawa. I love the neighborhood and it has a nice gourmet scenes.<br />
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Our "go to" soba place. On a warm day, I enjoy their cold bukkake soba with grated mountain yam.<br />
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A cute bistro is within a walking distance from my sister's home. I loved the octopus ragout spaghetti.<br />
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A new soba and duck izakaya.<br />
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We had small dishes to share.<br />
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All so tasty. I loved the miso bagna cauda sauce for the steamed vegetables. The grilled Saikyo-miso marinated oysters were so huge and so plump.<br />
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Duck was slow roasted and so tender. It went really well with 2015 Argano Clan by Katsunuma Jozo in Yamanashi. It was a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Muscat Bailey A.<br />
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Soba time. I grated the wasabi for everybody. I had cold soba with walnut dipping sauce. It was so good. Wataru turned 16 in May. He's still growing taller!Naokohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226761063088620827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348401938710654440.post-59728600746284545662017-06-05T12:51:00.000-07:002017-06-05T12:51:42.214-07:00Back in Japan (May 2017)...Friday night at Ichirin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZuvzHx51EdvBoCL6MZR5Z9HLsFYINnLMBgCahUc7TlABCnNhZPsMDOM1rtfJLcMf9PDzAgJx2RUnznnLtIsKbOWoZlkulJiiLR7reTwkXJAk2_w2DUh8j0pbau9qhuQnRs5j4hJJOlI0/s1600/IMG_6908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZuvzHx51EdvBoCL6MZR5Z9HLsFYINnLMBgCahUc7TlABCnNhZPsMDOM1rtfJLcMf9PDzAgJx2RUnznnLtIsKbOWoZlkulJiiLR7reTwkXJAk2_w2DUh8j0pbau9qhuQnRs5j4hJJOlI0/s400/IMG_6908.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Every time I go back to Japan, I go to see Mikizo-san at Ichirin. His seasonal kaiseki dishes are to die for.<br />
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Tomoko and I were excited to experience early summer treats.<br />
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Cold Akita shin-junsai with shrimp in dashi gelee. Shiro-kisu (dried overnight), shiro-zuiko, and tsuruna in clear soup.<br />
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Mako-garei and its guts (kimo) from Miyagi. Honmaguro from Okinawa.<br />
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Kogiri nasu from Hamamatsu, akamiso & goma, Abashiri kegani, Miyazaki soramame (simmered once in dashi) shira-ae, usuimame from Kyoto karatsu uni, kanagawa kamasu sushi, Kyoto sazae, ayu kanro-ni. Summer limited edition, Natsu Shibori Junmai by Kokuryu (Fukui) was so pure and nice.<br />
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Kuroawabi sobanomi & nagaimo. Hagi amadai shoga yaki w/ sudachi, Aomori gobo tatsuta age, hajikami shoga.<br />
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Akabu NatsuKasumi Junmai, made by a young 6th generation brewery master in Iwate had a nice balance of acidity and umami. Tekka-don (tuna sashimi over sushi rice) 8 mm cut hon-maguro tuna, ariake nori, akazu sushi rice, okra wasabi. I must say it was probably the best tekka-don I'd ever had! He said that he concluded this size (8 mm) of the cut was most ideal for tekkadon. It completely made sense. The way the tuna and sushi rice mingled and fell apart in the mouth was simply perfect.<br />
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Dekopon konatsu citrus jelly mizudashi. Kuzumochi filled with anko (azuki bean paste). Kuzumochi was made from 100% premium yoshino kudzu and knead with wooden spatula by hand (non-stop) for more than 30 minutes to achieve the texture. It was also made just before it was served.<br />
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What an amazing meal, and what an amazing time I had. Thank you so much, Mikizo-san.Naokohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226761063088620827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348401938710654440.post-79659749717275563092017-06-04T12:02:00.001-07:002017-06-04T12:02:13.407-07:00Back in Japan (May 2017)...First night sushi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBpHL9W7MZMq1M34Kiw-9mutqi7lzhssNUuxqUzA9OR4xLSnO6qhTL0lhveAq0LBRp9uE2LrrfPAuEMxBn5u0rcx9zFn2rfKMuEjZDKLfNgY-nkzZjpi47EAR1UfqaqWozxQA9Qo1GFQ/s1600/IMG_6773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBpHL9W7MZMq1M34Kiw-9mutqi7lzhssNUuxqUzA9OR4xLSnO6qhTL0lhveAq0LBRp9uE2LrrfPAuEMxBn5u0rcx9zFn2rfKMuEjZDKLfNgY-nkzZjpi47EAR1UfqaqWozxQA9Qo1GFQ/s400/IMG_6773.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I had another trip back to Japan last week.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6730_zpsmcazgp6q.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6730_zpsmcazgp6q.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6730_zpsmcazgp6q.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6739_zpspme1znmx.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6739_zpspme1znmx.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6739_zpspme1znmx.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_3129b_zps5yxql6du.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_3129b_zps5yxql6du.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_3129b_zps5yxql6du.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_311b7_zpsbeffmiwy.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_311b7_zpsbeffmiwy.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_311b7_zpsbeffmiwy.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_0070_zpsrfhzis4u.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0070_zpsrfhzis4u.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_0070_zpsrfhzis4u.jpg" /></a><br />
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I took ANA fight. I liked the braised mackerel in soy ginger sauce.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6760_zps8msd3dbh.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6760_zps8msd3dbh.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6760_zps8msd3dbh.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6764_zpsahd5yo5u.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6764_zpsahd5yo5u.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6764_zpsahd5yo5u.jpg" /></a><br />
Back in Urawa. Dinner at a local sushi restaurant with my sister, Tomoko. The wild-caught oyster from Wakayama was so huge and so good.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6765_zpsy8ji8wtm.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6765_zpsy8ji8wtm.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6765_zpsy8ji8wtm.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6767_zpsw7hbfl93.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6767_zpsw7hbfl93.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6767_zpsw7hbfl93.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6769_zpsqd89pwcw.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6769_zpsqd89pwcw.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6769_zpsqd89pwcw.jpg" /></a><br />
Sake, tako, massive shirako...feeling good to be back home as always.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6772_zpsgwsnwpaj.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6772_zpsgwsnwpaj.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6772_zpsgwsnwpaj.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6773_zpsgkfcl66v.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6773_zpsgkfcl66v.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6773_zpsgkfcl66v.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6775_zpsly8tbqzd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6775_zpsly8tbqzd.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6775_zpsly8tbqzd.jpg" /></a><br />
I think I had almost 20 pieces of sushi. It was so hard to stop.</div>
Naokohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226761063088620827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348401938710654440.post-4987121827024402262017-05-04T18:09:00.000-07:002017-05-04T18:09:06.319-07:00Donabe Story on Cook's Gazette<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzqCzDgI1Mze-_8DelerM1iFipV897_9Mp7FZ_Nv_lpryOJSejT_rrifvLaWvHkVHp1g3n0M3xMlU56KLdk2JAnKRoISAIHgehyWYfBMb_YS5lFbmUopklMyaBBrCSdFWFYeC2syNOLk/s1600/Donabe+%257C+Cook%2527s+Gazette+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzqCzDgI1Mze-_8DelerM1iFipV897_9Mp7FZ_Nv_lpryOJSejT_rrifvLaWvHkVHp1g3n0M3xMlU56KLdk2JAnKRoISAIHgehyWYfBMb_YS5lFbmUopklMyaBBrCSdFWFYeC2syNOLk/s400/Donabe+%257C+Cook%2527s+Gazette+blog.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
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The latest issue (Issue 10) of a popular culinary website, <b><a href="http://www.cooksgazette.com/" target="_blank">Cook's Gazette</a></b>, is all about Japanese food and its culture. And, they have a <b><a href="http://www.cooksgazette.com/donabe/" target="_blank">special article about DONABE</a></b>. It's a wonderful story featuring our donabe, Nagatani-en, and myself. Please check it out!<br />
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Happy donabe life.Naokohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226761063088620827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348401938710654440.post-55841550188087758092017-05-03T11:34:00.002-07:002017-05-04T17:57:59.209-07:00Donabe Cooking for Flavors of Los Angeles Event<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim2ecmMn-1IThGuJBlOSRPFgunhQMLRLm8jqDPBHxsc5o6ov6SXZMfNV1hm3gdgqeKgdfSfq4Npt25mlZPCDzgzu9u6n2xUQjHxKi-PnPl0ur11-xkk0DIA4dAzKgAQWprpXLHmStNVe4/s1600/IMG_6584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim2ecmMn-1IThGuJBlOSRPFgunhQMLRLm8jqDPBHxsc5o6ov6SXZMfNV1hm3gdgqeKgdfSfq4Npt25mlZPCDzgzu9u6n2xUQjHxKi-PnPl0ur11-xkk0DIA4dAzKgAQWprpXLHmStNVe4/s400/IMG_6584.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My donabe chicken sukiyaki, ready to serve</td></tr>
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Last Sunday, I had a pleasure participating in a big charity event, hosted b American Liver Foundation.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6569_zpsoauaiqrk.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6569_zpsoauaiqrk.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6569_zpsoauaiqrk.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6570_zpsy1n3uzpa.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6570_zpsy1n3uzpa.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6570_zpsy1n3uzpa.jpg" /></a><br />
The event was titled Flavors of Los Angeles, and many talented chefs from popular restaurants in LA gathered to cook for the guests in this event. The chef chair of the event was Chef Kevin Meehan of Kali, one of my favorite restaurants in LA!<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6563_zpsjp3ahp0l.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6563_zpsjp3ahp0l.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6563_zpsjp3ahp0l.jpg" /></a><br />
I teamed up with my friends and super talented chefs, Kuniko (formerly the head chef at Hinoki & The Bird) and Shiho (partner/ chef of Sweet Rose Creamery) to offer 5 courses for 12 guests at our table. Our table was set up and ready to go.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6571_zpsme6yxaps.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6571_zpsme6yxaps.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6571_zpsme6yxaps.jpg" /></a><br />
We started with Kuniko's kombu-cured fluke carpaccio dish.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6577_zps9sjuyzh1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6577_zps9sjuyzh1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6577_zps9sjuyzh1.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6579_zpsp5jcqene.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6579_zpsp5jcqene.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6579_zpsp5jcqene.jpg" /></a><br />
The second course of roasted yam dish was also made by Kuniko. Both of her dishes were so beautiful and delicious.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6572_zpszidqomen.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6572_zpszidqomen.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6572_zpszidqomen.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6573_zpspxvrdlae.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6573_zpspxvrdlae.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6573_zpspxvrdlae.jpg" /></a><br />
Other tables were busy, too.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6575_zpsmgibtt8y.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6575_zpsmgibtt8y.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6575_zpsmgibtt8y.jpg" /></a><br />
Sommelier, Mark, talking about the wine he poured, to the guests at our table.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6580_zps8g63fgj1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6580_zps8g63fgj1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6580_zps8g63fgj1.jpg" /></a><br />
Time for my donabe dishes!<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6582_zpspz9bpqod.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6582_zpspz9bpqod.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6582_zpspz9bpqod.jpg" /></a><br />
I made Tori Suki (chicken sukiyaki) with classic-style donabe, <b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://toirokitchen.com/collections/classic-style-donabe-and-toban-skillet/products/hakeme" target="_blank">Hakeme</a></span></b> and <b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://toirokitchen.com/collections/classic-style-donabe-and-toban-skillet/products/copy-of-iga-ame-yu" target="_blank">Kyoto Ame-yu</a></span></b>.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6586_zpsqxznf2ia.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6586_zpsqxznf2ia.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6586_zpsqxznf2ia.jpg" /></a><br />
I also made English Peas and Hijiki Rice in my <b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://toirokitchen.com/collections/unique-style-donabe-and-iga-yaki-cookware/products/kamado-san" target="_blank">double-lid donabe rice cooker, "Kamado-san"</a></span></b>. I used the large 5 rice-cupsize of Kamado-san, and it came out very nice.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6587_zpshyglnus5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6587_zpshyglnus5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6587_zpshyglnus5.jpg" /></a><br />
Shiho made really delicious matcha parfait and everybody fell in love with it. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a photo of the finished dish, as I was busy helping plating the dish.<br />
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I had such a great time working with such talented people, and it was also my honor to be part of this charity event for American Liver Foundation!<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BTkenQzlj-w/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Naoko Takei Moore (@mrsdonabe)</a> on <time datetime="2017-05-02T00:32:54+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">May 1, 2017 at 5:32pm PDT</time></div>
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Happy donabe life.Naokohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226761063088620827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348401938710654440.post-56801239699696287412017-04-20T17:27:00.000-07:002017-04-20T17:27:55.537-07:00Our Iga-yaki Donabe and Pottery on Food & Wine Magazine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFyzZIAAnAipAPuJlR2kyXM0VLgy7P4h4-QTJXYOsIdpfafOtes_XWNOrQd1y4-uTbhWnRCDMkEH_hulh7iBWW8-v-gIWfCBBfYKvbnWGTj6hkdtP0fO-Fthk2N-1v1_eumAoTZDVAas/s1600/Food+%2526+Wine+%2528April+2017%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFyzZIAAnAipAPuJlR2kyXM0VLgy7P4h4-QTJXYOsIdpfafOtes_XWNOrQd1y4-uTbhWnRCDMkEH_hulh7iBWW8-v-gIWfCBBfYKvbnWGTj6hkdtP0fO-Fthk2N-1v1_eumAoTZDVAas/s400/Food+%2526+Wine+%2528April+2017%2529.jpeg" width="310" /></a></div>
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I was so happy to see the latest (April 2017) issue of <b>Food & Wine Magazine</b>, because my friends, Kyle & Katina, and their restaurant, <b><a href="https://singlethreadfarms.com/" target="_blank">Single Thread Farms</a></b>, are featured!<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/fullsizeoutput_268d_zpscc5k2txv.jpeg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo fullsizeoutput_268d_zpscc5k2txv.jpeg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/fullsizeoutput_268d_zpscc5k2txv.jpeg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/fullsizeoutput_268e_zps5nbprp4h.jpeg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo fullsizeoutput_268e_zps5nbprp4h.jpeg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/fullsizeoutput_268e_zps5nbprp4h.jpeg" /></a><br />
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It's an extensive 8-page article, and many of our Iga-yaki donabe, including a full-page color photo of <b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://toirokitchen.com/products/fukkura-san" target="_blank">tagline-style donabe, Fukkura-san</a></span></b>, and <b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://toirokitchen.com/collections/iga-yaki-sake-tools-and-tableware/products/katakuchi-ring-sake-pourer" target="_blank">Katakuchi Ring Sake Pourer</a></span></b> are beautifully featured!<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/Serious%20Eats%20News_zpskxlmvodt.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Serious Eats News_zpskxlmvodt.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/Serious%20Eats%20News_zpskxlmvodt.jpg" /></a><br />
Also, my <b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://toirokitchen.com/collections/other-unique-collection-for-your-donabe-life/products/donabe-cookbook" target="_blank">DONABE Cookbook</a></span></b> was selected in <b><a href="http://seriouseats.cmail20.com/t/ViewEmail/d/7F1055E98FFF2AE8/B335D28711F5D1BA44D0DD5392A9C75A" target="_blank">Serious Eats' Kitchen Essentials</a></b> as one of the cookbooks they love! Yay.<br />
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Happy donabe life.</div>
Naokohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226761063088620827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348401938710654440.post-83279045635940028072017-04-19T10:54:00.000-07:002017-04-19T10:54:06.082-07:00Donabe egg recipes for Lucky Peach's All About Eggs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcnrRd-Ii41XIWsjO0CRc6iK5_2PiWFJFk6zyPx73CBIQW91zEOz1UyU249dJQa468FTAsCQ6oKLFdFUSOjqhAAuZBknGLhISr4N-FU0UrdjfVwokUHpdcvjSge3UEFVMMcbaRw_6oj8/s1600/egg_patch_site.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcnrRd-Ii41XIWsjO0CRc6iK5_2PiWFJFk6zyPx73CBIQW91zEOz1UyU249dJQa468FTAsCQ6oKLFdFUSOjqhAAuZBknGLhISr4N-FU0UrdjfVwokUHpdcvjSge3UEFVMMcbaRw_6oj8/s400/egg_patch_site.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was my honor to contribute Japanese egg recipes for <b><a href="http://luckypeach.com/magazine/all-about-eggs/" target="_blank">All About Eggs Cookbook</a></b> by Rachel Khong/ Lucky Peach!<br />
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I wrote Chawanmushi (savory custard) and TKG-TamagoKakeGohan (raw egg over rice) stories/recipes for the book. Chawanmushi is perfect to cook in <b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://toirokitchen.com/collections/unique-style-donabe-and-iga-yaki-cookware/products/mushi-nabe" target="_blank">donabe steamer, Mushi Nabe</a></span></b>, and TKG is definitely great when the rice is cooked in <b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://toirokitchen.com/collections/unique-style-donabe-and-iga-yaki-cookware/products/kamado-san" target="_blank">double-lid donabe rice cooker, Kamado-san</a></span></b>.<br />
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Besides my recipes, the book features all the essential information about egg cookery and recipes from different cultures. So, I hope you will check it out.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6469_zpslpar8csp.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6469_zpslpar8csp.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6469_zpslpar8csp.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6472_zpskruz9xjc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6472_zpskruz9xjc.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6472_zpskruz9xjc.jpg" /></a><br />
I was invited to the book launch party in LA the other day.<br />
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It was great to see Rachel and others. Great book!Naokohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226761063088620827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348401938710654440.post-66677263868297193762017-04-15T09:41:00.000-07:002017-04-15T09:41:49.306-07:00Back in Japan...Local Sushi Night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0n70mRc3WyFO8-ySGVKSviaC58QDlxGgMY2GUD6y5lAMH0SBTFMuNTCOQzvSo7KCJx7omgUlov4fTj2oVPeYrzA20bhSaTpyBZL6Frt9qWbpRDEpYuteqLD8TD819exnIn3NG5_PgBY/s1600/IMG_0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0n70mRc3WyFO8-ySGVKSviaC58QDlxGgMY2GUD6y5lAMH0SBTFMuNTCOQzvSo7KCJx7omgUlov4fTj2oVPeYrzA20bhSaTpyBZL6Frt9qWbpRDEpYuteqLD8TD819exnIn3NG5_PgBY/s400/IMG_0052.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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My stay was only for a week this time, so it went so fast.<br />
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On a final night, we went to a local sushi restaurant.<br />
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I was ready to pound!<br />
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Grilled young bamboo was served with miso and shaved katsuobushi. Hokkaido uni was so sweet.<br />
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Extra-large Hokkaido scallop was shelled, chopped. and quick-simmered with sake and butter in its own shell. It was super good. Oysters from Saga were so huge and packed with flavors.<br />
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Then, I think I had more than 15 pieces of sushi! Between tomoko and I, we had 5 flasks of sake.<br />
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The next day, I flew back to LA. I had Japanse meal in the flight again.<br />
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Back in LA, my usual unpacking ritual. This time, I brought back some old albums.Naokohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226761063088620827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348401938710654440.post-72842161906372792192017-04-14T12:14:00.000-07:002017-04-14T12:14:53.123-07:00Back in Japan (Spring 2017)...Mom's Memorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYyGWoxfCrWPaukKPrI6TiG9zF0cNWyJfFA40umG-m6dIxYyJyh8KvwT4x1zeRfElD4JE_tLSJX53qY_OwtMokEbqrbuTslLSIvqKuSn1PFROShy4zU20WuMbdEIVzff_o_3dCrZJM-I/s1600/IMG_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYyGWoxfCrWPaukKPrI6TiG9zF0cNWyJfFA40umG-m6dIxYyJyh8KvwT4x1zeRfElD4JE_tLSJX53qY_OwtMokEbqrbuTslLSIvqKuSn1PFROShy4zU20WuMbdEIVzff_o_3dCrZJM-I/s400/IMG_0041.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Back in Urawa, we had mom's memorial for her 1 year passing anniversary. Our aunt (mom's younger sister) and uncle came to join us. My mom passed away 4/16 last year. I can't believe it's been almost 1 year since then.<br />
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The memorial service was very nice.<br />
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Then, we had dinner together at a local French restaurant, where Mom used to dine often.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_0033_zpsvkizbwwt.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0033_zpsvkizbwwt.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_0033_zpsvkizbwwt.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_0035_zpsgpzj1ifx.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0035_zpsgpzj1ifx.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_0035_zpsgpzj1ifx.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_0036_zps7j3rkvr9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0036_zps7j3rkvr9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_0036_zps7j3rkvr9.jpg" /></a><br />
We enjoyed the beautiful spring menu. Lobster and spring vegetable appetizer, spring cabbage & mushroom potage, Tile fish with watercress sauce, Lamb filet, and dessert.<br />
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We shared fond memories of Mom.<br />
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We miss you, Mama.Naokohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226761063088620827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348401938710654440.post-88298860497379103262017-04-13T14:18:00.000-07:002017-04-13T14:18:13.150-07:00Back in Japan (Spring 2017)...Dinner with friends, and Snowy Hakone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndVIaP7OGcjes8rG-8ik4i5BEoFA7rQHEel0GO7WgAKr1pydBwK1fC8rNXgPb1zXMX0f4oJ7HL8y9cBxWq21v1G5fXwZCnqatK5bgvO3WM6aG6-d7KcKzyDnY1BfJURvVqxoK12AkwSU/s1600/IMG_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndVIaP7OGcjes8rG-8ik4i5BEoFA7rQHEel0GO7WgAKr1pydBwK1fC8rNXgPb1zXMX0f4oJ7HL8y9cBxWq21v1G5fXwZCnqatK5bgvO3WM6aG6-d7KcKzyDnY1BfJURvVqxoK12AkwSU/s400/IMG_0026.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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It was the end of March, sakura (cherry blossom) trees were getting to bloom more and more.<br />
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Lunch at Akomeya Tokyo. I love their lunch so much.<br />
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Dinner in Roppongi. I got together with Akiko and Megumi...we belonged to the same study group in the university. Akiko made a reservation at a wine izakaya near her work. We had such a great time catching up each other. They had a cute donabe dish of whole shin-tamanegi (tender seasonal onion) bulb and duck meat, slow simmered in consommé broth and finished with cheese on top. It was like a unique version of French onion soup and so good!<br />
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The next day, I had a family trip to Hakone with my sister and nephew. Tomoko was going to drive, but the weather forecast said it would snow in Hakone. So, we decided to take a train. From Urawa, we hop on to a express train to Odawara, then the hotel's microbus came to pick us up. We had a quick lunch at a soba restaurant in Odawara. I had Yamakake-soba (hot soba with grated mountain yam on top). So good.<br />
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Once we got to our regular hotel, we enjoyed relaxation. Tomoko and I had a long onsen (hot spring) dip. Then, we hung out in the lounge. The snow was already starting.<br />
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Champagne with fish and chips hit my spot. Wataru was enjoying his favorite cheeseburger.<br />
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Haru-kun, the hotel's mascot dog, was relaxing, too.<br />
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The next morning, it was still snowing. The calendar already April 1, but it was n was not April Fool!Naokohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226761063088620827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348401938710654440.post-37603076886587080182017-04-12T10:37:00.000-07:002017-04-12T10:37:37.567-07:00Back in Japan (Spring 2017)...Tasting the season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I made a quick trip back to Japan a couple of weeks ago.<br />
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Another teddy bear greeted me this time again.<br />
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The meal on this flight was actually not bad this time. I had a Japanese menu.<br />
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I ate, drank, watched movies, and slept well. The flight made to Narita in the late afternoon. I got reunited with my sister in Urawa in the evening.<br />
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The next day, we had lunch at Mikizo-san's Ichirin. I was so excited to taste all the spring ingredients prepared by him. We started with Bourgogne blanc, then moved on to sake.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6331_zpsyc88r0fs.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6331_zpsyc88r0fs.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6331_zpsyc88r0fs.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6332_zps9hshygae.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6332_zps9hshygae.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6332_zps9hshygae.jpg" /></a><br />
Shira-uo (ice fish), marinated in salted sakura leaves, with yomogi (mugwort) tofu. Hamaguri clam soup with hamaguri shinjo (cake), torigai (cockle), and udo plant.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6334_zps79bkynhz.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6334_zps79bkynhz.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6334_zps79bkynhz.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6338_zpscuq4t1uq.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6338_zpscuq4t1uq.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6338_zpscuq4t1uq.jpg" /></a><br />
Tai sashimi with iri-zake. "Yose-gai", assorted clams (akagai & mirugai from Kagawa), hassaku citrus and hama-bofu plant, in dashi vinegar sauce.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6341_zps7her9tpn.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6341_zps7her9tpn.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6341_zps7her9tpn.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6350_zpsbn9eknic.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6350_zpsbn9eknic.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6350_zpsbn9eknic.jpg" /></a><br />
"Hassun" course included wakatake (young bamboo) and aori-ika squid in kinome miso, fava beans in tofu sauce, braised Akashi iidako octopus, tai remari-zushi (sushi ball) and hisui-mame (English peas from Wakayama) with shrimp.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6352_zpsk4rvo9ej.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6352_zpsk4rvo9ej.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6352_zpsk4rvo9ej.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6354_zpsc4ijga6x.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6354_zpsc4ijga6x.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6354_zpsc4ijga6x.jpg" /></a><br />
Grilled ama-dai (tile fish) and fried taranome plant. Tai-chazuke (rice with tai in miso, with tea to pour over).<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_0019_zps95zpampp.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0019_zps95zpampp.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_0019_zps95zpampp.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2017/IMG_6364_zpsess13ig0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6364_zpsess13ig0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2017/IMG_6364_zpsess13ig0.jpg" /></a><br />
Seasonal citrus jelly, and domyoji sakura-mochi. Mikizo-san used young fresh sakura leaves and pickled in salt for a short time, so instead of peeling it off, I could enjoy it with the mochi inside!<br />
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Wonderful meal, and we drank a lot of wonderful sake.Naokohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226761063088620827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348401938710654440.post-67691153110680871032017-01-31T14:25:00.001-08:002017-01-31T14:25:03.721-08:00Naoko is featured in Ryori Tsushin (The Cuisine Magazine)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1oWqYLoR992q5aOkiLSd86b33qsGbXk6al08kgtvg973PYiYfpFp_USxeq0MZu4xgxTg-bqUhAiuxweH68_zHuHczt1X-E_jevAz91lVdKl-nLY9sCWo6ECImP8xMAPBM8QdBKDRljEk/s1600/Ryori+Tsushin+Cover+%2528Feb+2016%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1oWqYLoR992q5aOkiLSd86b33qsGbXk6al08kgtvg973PYiYfpFp_USxeq0MZu4xgxTg-bqUhAiuxweH68_zHuHczt1X-E_jevAz91lVdKl-nLY9sCWo6ECImP8xMAPBM8QdBKDRljEk/s400/Ryori+Tsushin+Cover+%2528Feb+2016%2529.jpeg" width="282" /></a></div>
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Just got a copy of Ryori Tsushin, The Cuisine Magazine, February 2017 issue. There's a 2-page story about me.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVHu0hcDBAlEFOib-h0TT23kxTJTZgp4rthnJHIH1WVBd6Mk4LMtacHPyi9HFZeSI1oXe7-Sj9aFU2uWuDTdXRoBwByqmvaKNZ9Xy_wutzNDeP9EtUPt606mnF15lVIMrUSdF3APb2Hk/s1600/Ryori+Tsushin+%2528Feb+2016%2529+Press.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVHu0hcDBAlEFOib-h0TT23kxTJTZgp4rthnJHIH1WVBd6Mk4LMtacHPyi9HFZeSI1oXe7-Sj9aFU2uWuDTdXRoBwByqmvaKNZ9Xy_wutzNDeP9EtUPt606mnF15lVIMrUSdF3APb2Hk/s400/Ryori+Tsushin+%2528Feb+2016%2529+Press.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm honored to be featured in this prestigious culinary magazine in Japan! <br />
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Happy donabe life.Naokohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226761063088620827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348401938710654440.post-54206781022536672072017-01-24T16:06:00.000-08:002017-01-24T16:06:01.522-08:00New Year Trip to Costa Rica (3)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylBYy8Bo0IHub18TjnEZ2DWYydLvkF9WurpNj06oXLoC9FzYZQ-ApSwaZTD5OfmTeSF4hTkjueBzc33SBB0Qai7MeFfEW2eN99CCDmk7hePdtgW9tQTX1h2CLwga93BeeXpAKNIGvcqc/s1600/IMG_0156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylBYy8Bo0IHub18TjnEZ2DWYydLvkF9WurpNj06oXLoC9FzYZQ-ApSwaZTD5OfmTeSF4hTkjueBzc33SBB0Qai7MeFfEW2eN99CCDmk7hePdtgW9tQTX1h2CLwga93BeeXpAKNIGvcqc/s400/IMG_0156.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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What a wonderful relaxing 8-day stay we had in Costa Rica!<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0063_zps0klsyi1r.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0063_zps0klsyi1r.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0063_zps0klsyi1r.jpg" /></a><br />
We spent a lot of time both by the pool and on the beach. We got our own cabana every day.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0054_zps2yub2ucb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0054_zps2yub2ucb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0054_zps2yub2ucb.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0055_zpslazddqiu.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0055_zpslazddqiu.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0055_zpslazddqiu.jpg" /></a><br />
Lunch was different every day. We did buffet sometimes.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0067_zpskwguf5te.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0067_zpskwguf5te.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0067_zpskwguf5te.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0070_zpsnpxa445a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0070_zpsnpxa445a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0070_zpsnpxa445a.jpg" /></a><br />
Or, something by the beach.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0075_zpsqpftdcrt.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0075_zpsqpftdcrt.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0075_zpsqpftdcrt.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0079_zpslnhcmfoi.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0079_zpslnhcmfoi.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0079_zpslnhcmfoi.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0078_zpsqyeyfdxe.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0078_zpsqyeyfdxe.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0078_zpsqyeyfdxe.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0077_zpsyfxbnjdk.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0077_zpsyfxbnjdk.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0077_zpsyfxbnjdk.jpg" /></a><br />
We enjoyed a lot of delicious seafood, too.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0066_zpsnc6e8z8o.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0066_zpsnc6e8z8o.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0066_zpsnc6e8z8o.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0080_zpsrepev5zg.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0080_zpsrepev5zg.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0080_zpsrepev5zg.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0153_zpsip7nwfns.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0153_zpsip7nwfns.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0153_zpsip7nwfns.jpg" /></a><br />
We played and also relaxed.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0162_zpssdlcgttj.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0162_zpssdlcgttj.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0162_zpssdlcgttj.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0072_zpspdcfczqq.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0072_zpspdcfczqq.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0072_zpspdcfczqq.jpg" /></a><br />
And, we ate a lot again.<br />
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It was a much needed relaxing vacation for both of us. We really enjoyed Costa Rica with beautiful beach, food, and kind people. We definitely want to come back for even a longer stay next time.Naokohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226761063088620827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348401938710654440.post-82504601891343846852017-01-23T13:44:00.000-08:002017-01-23T13:44:34.981-08:00New Year Trip to Costa Rica (2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGoXxoeis26wDxGuYipzf-WW1xZ7Elvq06JDqGS9_M28Lx-CQrAAi9uwBt3I0YI2R_ugxKrF6HbgOzfkzmhipJfawsGvfRyvVaQmAgusJYLI3WvNUNiaJ7hAhTEA7Hua2WSZD9gvD-cQ/s1600/IMG_0145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGoXxoeis26wDxGuYipzf-WW1xZ7Elvq06JDqGS9_M28Lx-CQrAAi9uwBt3I0YI2R_ugxKrF6HbgOzfkzmhipJfawsGvfRyvVaQmAgusJYLI3WvNUNiaJ7hAhTEA7Hua2WSZD9gvD-cQ/s400/IMG_0145.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Almost every morning, we woke up around 6 pm and had nice big breakfast.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0051_zps20a50mqn.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0051_zps20a50mqn.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0051_zps20a50mqn.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0040_zpsmqzd5pqn.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0040_zpsmqzd5pqn.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0040_zpsmqzd5pqn.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0036_zpsttwc1dij.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0036_zpsttwc1dij.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0036_zpsttwc1dij.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0037_zpsmkcq0xqs.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0037_zpsmkcq0xqs.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0037_zpsmkcq0xqs.jpg" /></a><br />
Then, we worked out in the gym, went jogging, and played tennis.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0041_zpshujxdnsk.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0041_zpshujxdnsk.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0041_zpshujxdnsk.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0043_zpsuoioslkt.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0043_zpsuoioslkt.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0043_zpsuoioslkt.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0044_zpskk6t3tyl.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0044_zpskk6t3tyl.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0044_zpskk6t3tyl.jpg" /></a><br />
Lunch options were also nice at the resort.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0049_zps6ddtsc5j.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0049_zps6ddtsc5j.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0049_zps6ddtsc5j.jpg" /></a><br />
Cocktail before dinner.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0039_zpsjwa9tbxa.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0039_zpsjwa9tbxa.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0039_zpsjwa9tbxa.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0046_zps4irntdhv.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0046_zps4irntdhv.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0046_zps4irntdhv.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0048_zpsxr1mu2fl.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0048_zpsxr1mu2fl.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0048_zpsxr1mu2fl.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0050_zpsmovmixxf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0050_zpsmovmixxf.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0050_zpsmovmixxf.jpg" /></a><br />
We ate a lot of nice local seafood for dinner, too.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0052_zpsoqqdjtlm.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0052_zpsoqqdjtlm.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0052_zpsoqqdjtlm.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0115_zpshdgkex8n.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0115_zpshdgkex8n.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0115_zpshdgkex8n.jpg" /></a><br />
One day, we joined a rainforest tour. We had Costa Rican typical lunch, then walked in the rainforest.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0114_zps5qwok4gb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0114_zps5qwok4gb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0114_zps5qwok4gb.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0121_zpsbhrwi77n.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0121_zpsbhrwi77n.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0121_zpsbhrwi77n.jpg" /></a><br />
We got hit by the rain, but it was for a short time and we had a lot of fun in the nature.Naokohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226761063088620827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348401938710654440.post-28947849850297120322017-01-22T16:48:00.001-08:002017-01-22T16:49:02.229-08:00New Year Trip to Costa Rica (1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKeXtKcvTM5uUwCrxiLer85TeOz8fe7rlYXbDRFQwyKaBnxpBuyJtx6oz0eUUeahKQnDjKV63m3bRpIqOQu6d1H1KmhEeMi4iyDJl5B6o39vkBOScosZA7waJ6wKQ5WAIQQYJFHwpIEM/s1600/IMG_0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKeXtKcvTM5uUwCrxiLer85TeOz8fe7rlYXbDRFQwyKaBnxpBuyJtx6oz0eUUeahKQnDjKV63m3bRpIqOQu6d1H1KmhEeMi4iyDJl5B6o39vkBOScosZA7waJ6wKQ5WAIQQYJFHwpIEM/s400/IMG_0032.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The first weekend of January, we left for Costa Rica. Our 8-day New year vacation started.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0001_zpszyylqqm3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0001_zpszyylqqm3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0001_zpszyylqqm3.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0003_zpsrfg7abif.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0003_zpsrfg7abif.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0003_zpsrfg7abif.jpg" /></a><br />
It was our first time to visit this country. We stayed at a beautiful resort in Papagoya, about 30-minute drive from Liberia Airport.<br />
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Really peaceful. We got a beautiful ocean-view cottage.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0024_zpsepj3cg9d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0024_zpsepj3cg9d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0024_zpsepj3cg9d.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0027_zps6wct80np.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0027_zps6wct80np.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0027_zps6wct80np.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0031_zpsxrerrdpg.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0031_zpsxrerrdpg.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0031_zpsxrerrdpg.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0030_zpsuhf12fjl.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0030_zpsuhf12fjl.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0030_zpsuhf12fjl.jpg" /></a><br />
Lunch time on the beach.<br />
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Since we were members of this resort, we got special access to their lounge all the time. Their little snacks were so good.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0014_zpsi60idjo6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0014_zpsi60idjo6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0014_zpsi60idjo6.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0013_zpsznlyktiw.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0013_zpsznlyktiw.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0013_zpsznlyktiw.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0016_zps0zokeehh.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0016_zps0zokeehh.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0016_zps0zokeehh.jpg" /></a><br />
First night dinner on the beach-front grill was perfect.Naokohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226761063088620827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348401938710654440.post-9461046659788781532017-01-03T15:16:00.000-08:002017-01-03T15:20:02.681-08:00Happy New Year 2017!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXivWIKIX-GiI5SFMKFb0wWEI8NqgSQBb2Jj_mOZ5vTR-CODCYZjY-8CEIv2KWNDztMiLd3LlNNXsA_lTNt6SfEJOCT7iqL9ZzboNLuCxJul4J4V60S_P0v9FqqM_C8C9Hwjssuq2xx2g/s1600/IMG_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXivWIKIX-GiI5SFMKFb0wWEI8NqgSQBb2Jj_mOZ5vTR-CODCYZjY-8CEIv2KWNDztMiLd3LlNNXsA_lTNt6SfEJOCT7iqL9ZzboNLuCxJul4J4V60S_P0v9FqqM_C8C9Hwjssuq2xx2g/s400/IMG_0021.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Osechi Dinner at Home (Photo by Emiko)</td></tr>
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Happy New Year! I wish everybody a wonderful year of 2017!<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5687_zps1ndiyuzs.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5687_zps1ndiyuzs.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5687_zps1ndiyuzs.jpg" /></a><br />
I had such a busy final month of last year. So, I didn't really get to prepare anything for Christmas including even a gift for Jason, my husband! On Christmas eve, I could finally start to relax and actually enjoy the holiday season. We were invited to our friends' home for Christmas dinner. Peggye made rotisserie whole ducks!<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5697_zpsfyzprsig.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5697_zpsfyzprsig.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5697_zpsfyzprsig.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5698_zpsebmeaodk.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5698_zpsebmeaodk.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5698_zpsebmeaodk.jpg" /></a><br />
Kabocha soup by Jody.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5706_zpsyj25jekg.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5706_zpsyj25jekg.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5706_zpsyj25jekg.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5709_zpsanqbiskp.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5709_zpsanqbiskp.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5709_zpsanqbiskp.jpg" /></a><br />
The duck was so delicious!<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5699_zps4uvcoo5e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5699_zps4uvcoo5e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5699_zps4uvcoo5e.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5723_zps0b7fh7jg.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5723_zps0b7fh7jg.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5723_zps0b7fh7jg.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5710_zpslh5loqis.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5710_zpslh5loqis.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5710_zpslh5loqis.jpg" /></a><br />
I made <b>mixed mushroom rice</b> with <b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://toirokitchen.com/collections/unique-style-donabe-and-iga-yaki-cookware/products/kamado-san" target="_blank">double-lid donabe rice cooker, "Kamado-san"</a></span></b>. Then, Peggye sprinkled a generous amount of shaved white truffles and folded into my donabe rice dish. Such a decadent holiday version rice! It was a really nice fun dinner party.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5730_zpsz9mc0eva.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5730_zpsz9mc0eva.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5730_zpsz9mc0eva.jpg" /></a><br />
On the very Christmas Day, Jason and I enjoyed very relaxed home dinner. I <b>roasted chicken</b> in my <b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://toirokitchen.com/collections/classic-style-donabe-and-toban-skillet/products/hakeme" target="_blank">classic-style donabe, "Hakeme"</a></span></b>, and it came out really fantastic. This is a recipe I contributed to <b><a href="https://toirokitchen.com/blogs/news/naokos-donabe-recipes-on-gwyneth-paltrows-goop" target="_blank">Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop</a></b>.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5732_zpsrchvomrc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5732_zpsrchvomrc.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5732_zpsrchvomrc.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5735_zpsf0mpsrkn.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5735_zpsf0mpsrkn.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5735_zpsf0mpsrkn.jpg" /></a><br />
What's great about living in LA is we can enjoy outdoor BBQ cooking in the middle of the winter. Another evening, we grilled 30-day dry-aged <b>T-bone steak</b> in our Santa Maria BBQ Grill.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5734_zpsfnzq2os8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5734_zpsfnzq2os8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5734_zpsfnzq2os8.jpg" /></a><br />
It was sooo good.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5744_zpsqtgq9ncp.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5744_zpsqtgq9ncp.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5744_zpsqtgq9ncp.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5757_zpsbxbnbexs.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5757_zpsbxbnbexs.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5757_zpsbxbnbexs.jpg" /></a><br />
Then, of course, we did a lot of donabe hot pot dishes during the holidays. With black cod and oysters, I made <b>sake-kasu nabe</b> (sake lees hot pot). On New Year's Eve, I made <b>kamo nabe</b> (duck hot pot), and ended the meal with the shime (final) course of soba (I used black bean soba, made from buck wheat and black beans from Tanba, Kyoto), cooked in the remaining broth. Eating soba on New Year's Eve is a Japanese tradition and we call it <b>"Toshikoshi Soba"</b>. We eat soba to pray for good luck and longevity. For kamo nabe, I used my <b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://toirokitchen.com/collections/classic-style-donabe-and-toban-skillet/products/copy-of-iga-ame-yu" target="_blank">Kyoto-style shallow donabe, "Kyoto Ame-yu"</a></span></b>.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5751_zpsnzbpmfix.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5751_zpsnzbpmfix.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5751_zpsnzbpmfix.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5768_zpsq2uqg1hi.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5768_zpsq2uqg1hi.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5768_zpsq2uqg1hi.jpg" /></a><br />
On New Year Day, I spent busy time making <b>"Osechi Ryori"</b>, traditional Japanese New Year dishes. Among many dishes, I made a couple of dishes in donabe. Chikuzen-ni is a root vegetable stew, and I made it in my classic-style donabe. Then, I also made roasted beef in my <b><a href="https://toirokitchen.com/collections/unique-style-donabe-and-iga-yaki-cookware/products/miso-shiru-nabe" target="_blank">soup & stew donabe, "Miso-shiru Nabe"</a></b>. I should write the recipe for this dish sometime in this blog.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0018_zpsruu7enrg.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0018_zpsruu7enrg.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0018_zpsruu7enrg.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0019_zpsgxxick2m.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0019_zpsgxxick2m.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0019_zpsgxxick2m.jpg" /></a><br />
The following evening, we invited a few friends over for our big Osechi Ryori dinner to celebrate the new year.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0020_zpswurwries.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0020_zpswurwries.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0020_zpswurwries.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0022_zpszeybsbrk.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0022_zpszeybsbrk.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0022_zpszeybsbrk.jpg" /></a><br />
I couldn't take any good photos, but luckily Chago and Emiko sent me some photos they took.<br />
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Here's the menu.<br />
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<ol>
<li><b>Hoshigaki</b>, stuffed with moshio-butter and roasted pine nuts</li>
<li><b>Kurikinton</b> (puree of satsuma sweet potato, topped with sweet chestnuts</li>
<li><b>Kamaboko</b> (fish cake) with homemade ponzu and wasabi</li>
<li><b>Datemaki</b> (rolled omelet with fish cake)</li>
<li><b>Smoked salmon with ikura</b> (salmon roe) and yuzu yogurt topping</li>
<li><b>Tazukuri</b> (roasted dried fish with walnuts)</li>
<li><b>Karasumi Daikon</b> (daikon radish slices, stuffed with bottarga and shiso)</li>
<li><b>Buri</b> (Japanese winter yellowtail) carpaccio with ao-nori seaweed sauce</li>
<li><b>Kuromame-ni</b> (premium black beans from Tanba, Kyoto, in sweet broth)</li>
<li><b>Shichi-fuku Namasu</b> (a variety of root vegetables, sautéed and tossed in walnuts-vinegar sauce)</li>
<li><b>Sukiyaki</b> of beef and pork belly</li>
<li><b>Udon</b> "shime"</li>
</ol>
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Hew, I did make many dishes! I go crazy every new year.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_0023_zps3zatuftv.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0023_zps3zatuftv.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_0023_zps3zatuftv.jpg" /></a><br />
Then, Yuko, who is a professional pattisiere made a special dessert for everyone. It was matcha "chou cream" cream puffs. It was so delicious.<br />
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I had such a wonderful New Year celebration with friends and feel all the good luck for 2017!<br />
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Happy donabe life.Naokohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226761063088620827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348401938710654440.post-27846838859312923402016-12-23T15:58:00.000-08:002016-12-25T08:58:24.586-08:00Back in Japan (December 2016)...Winter Kaiseki at Ichirin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomRxeFZM_pcpxDrQNHEC-aAGb5KDFCOG2AwX1_S3Q5QGx4Kxoy3ZHflCRRV0KuBIOz6H9XU8PotVv5o2SYdcmbhQsjnHSevqJtmLuIVYWEyqQn6oDYAp7_oezL-l0j8FF-7fYfwpXnj4/s1600/IMG_5532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomRxeFZM_pcpxDrQNHEC-aAGb5KDFCOG2AwX1_S3Q5QGx4Kxoy3ZHflCRRV0KuBIOz6H9XU8PotVv5o2SYdcmbhQsjnHSevqJtmLuIVYWEyqQn6oDYAp7_oezL-l0j8FF-7fYfwpXnj4/s400/IMG_5532.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Every time I go back to Japan, I can never leave without visiting Mikizo-san's Ichirin. Tomoko and I went there for lunch this time. It was great to see Mikizo-san one last time before 2016 ends!<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5500_zpsljhacaax.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5500_zpsljhacaax.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5500_zpsljhacaax.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5502_zpsrtn7xaay.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5502_zpsrtn7xaay.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5502_zpsrtn7xaay.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5505_zps4i6bgrxh.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5505_zps4i6bgrxh.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5505_zps4i6bgrxh.jpg" /></a><br />
How lucky I was to get to taste Kobako crab twice in one week! This was from Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture. Mikizo said he went up there to directly buy the best kinds from the market.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5509_zpsxjqjn2sc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5509_zpsxjqjn2sc.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5509_zpsxjqjn2sc.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5514_zpssi9dlgp5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5514_zpssi9dlgp5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5514_zpssi9dlgp5.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5516_zpsiuyceez3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5516_zpsiuyceez3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5516_zpsiuyceez3.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5519_zpsng5i9ahu.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5519_zpsng5i9ahu.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5519_zpsng5i9ahu.jpg" /></a><br />
Seasonal hassun, sake, and simmering crab in a mini donabe.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5522_zps3uybewvn.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5522_zps3uybewvn.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5522_zps3uybewvn.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5523_zpsrk92ukdh.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5523_zpsrk92ukdh.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5523_zpsrk92ukdh.jpg" /></a><br />
Buri (yellowtail) and anago (sea eel) over warm sushi.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5526_zpslvjyfloa.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5526_zpslvjyfloa.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5526_zpslvjyfloa.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5527_zpsa8uvyqin.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5527_zpsa8uvyqin.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5527_zpsa8uvyqin.jpg" /></a><br />
I loved the kuri-kinton (chestnut dessert).<br />
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Thank you so much, Mikizo-san!<br />
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Then, after just a week-long stay, I went back to LA again.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5563_zpspwqwxwes.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5563_zpspwqwxwes.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5563_zpspwqwxwes.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5568_zpstqleohwl.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5568_zpstqleohwl.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5568_zpstqleohwl.jpg" /></a><br />
Returning flight was ANA and in this flight, they were featuring Tofu-ya Ukai's Japanese meal. It was quite good!<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5573_zpst2mbpo82.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5573_zpst2mbpo82.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5573_zpst2mbpo82.jpg" /></a><br />
And, the dessert was Pierre Hermé. Yay.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5592_zps91o66tkx.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5592_zps91o66tkx.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5592_zps91o66tkx.jpg" /></a><br />
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I came back with a lot of omiyage (souvenirs) as always...now I'm waiting for 2 more boxes to arrive.</div>
Naokohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226761063088620827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348401938710654440.post-17601162246703966592016-12-22T15:46:00.000-08:002016-12-24T09:03:39.163-08:00Back in Japan (December 2016)...Donabe Dinner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRbaQ_mg86rqSdZBCaBc4aXl2ebbH-B5mmULs-mAG19uyvxAkv_mj0a34Y3LGHbbqpxoLtBXOSCRuU19RVQfTDWaRI5MQ_Y2UdqMRoc7cB01nOya0yGi1S6BhfK_wsmh2knbVNlXOZq2Q/s1600/IMG_5411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRbaQ_mg86rqSdZBCaBc4aXl2ebbH-B5mmULs-mAG19uyvxAkv_mj0a34Y3LGHbbqpxoLtBXOSCRuU19RVQfTDWaRI5MQ_Y2UdqMRoc7cB01nOya0yGi1S6BhfK_wsmh2knbVNlXOZq2Q/s400/IMG_5411.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was invited to dinner at Takahiro & Akiyo's the other night. It's always great to see them and Isako, as they are like my second family. Takahiro made another amazing dinner.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5406_zpso9vyyluv.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5406_zpso9vyyluv.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5406_zpso9vyyluv.jpg" /></a> <br />
Lightly-grilled eel fillet was so tender.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5410_zpsm9lh1tp9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5410_zpsm9lh1tp9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5410_zpsm9lh1tp9.jpg" /></a><br />
Kobako-gani! It's a very seasonal female crab from Sea of Japan. Takahiro carefully cooked the whole crab and made the layers of the legs with its roe and eggs inside. It was so fantastic.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5462_zpsis99k4hx.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5462_zpsis99k4hx.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5462_zpsis99k4hx.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5433_zpsy2uszfxu.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5433_zpsy2uszfxu.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5433_zpsy2uszfxu.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5434_zpsvrm5ixmb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5434_zpsvrm5ixmb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5434_zpsvrm5ixmb.jpg" /></a><br />
The main course was Shirako Nabe! It was shirako (cod sperm) and ama-dai (tilefish) cooked in a dashi broth with grated shogoin kabu (large turnip from Kyoto). Shirako was so creamy and sweet. Ama-dai was so delicate and I even got a head!<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5438_zps73ysctse.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5438_zps73ysctse.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5438_zps73ysctse.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5442_zpsxeoldyuh.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5442_zpsxeoldyuh.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5442_zpsxeoldyuh.jpg" /></a><br />
"Shime" (finishing course) was udon noodles! And, the dessert was mango pudding.<br />
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What a fantastic dinner with wonderful people.<br />
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Happy donabe life.Naokohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226761063088620827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348401938710654440.post-13990578017888163382016-12-21T08:00:00.000-08:002016-12-21T08:32:05.639-08:00Back in Japan (December 2016)...Teishoku, Soba, Home Dinner and Friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHpdnEHLl3PuKc1c1KJl5fp7dkS1zJf-5H7_Ih899FKOpIm9Uaf3F4qs28TkccJGurG8QKOZ3xk4AUD1tYd1eiy6t9mp6XR4AbAsNInqyeaUogFPjXXpECzlRty34TmLPpiaE3mvtJfc/s1600/IMG_5530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHpdnEHLl3PuKc1c1KJl5fp7dkS1zJf-5H7_Ih899FKOpIm9Uaf3F4qs28TkccJGurG8QKOZ3xk4AUD1tYd1eiy6t9mp6XR4AbAsNInqyeaUogFPjXXpECzlRty34TmLPpiaE3mvtJfc/s400/IMG_5530.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Lunch time is happy time in Japan.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5358_zpsrz0t1pgu.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5358_zpsrz0t1pgu.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5358_zpsrz0t1pgu.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5401_zpsuhctjubq.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5401_zpsuhctjubq.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5401_zpsuhctjubq.jpg" /></a><br />
I love teishoku (set lunch).<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5445_zpsyfb4ywws.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5445_zpsyfb4ywws.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5445_zpsyfb4ywws.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5555_zpsadfdorh8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5555_zpsadfdorh8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5555_zpsadfdorh8.jpg" /></a><br />
I love soba. During winter time, I love hot soup soba.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5452_zpsg2zhy3cm.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5452_zpsg2zhy3cm.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5452_zpsg2zhy3cm.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5447_zpsifsoq7k4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5447_zpsifsoq7k4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5447_zpsifsoq7k4.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5453_zpshtb0ccg4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5453_zpshtb0ccg4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5453_zpshtb0ccg4.jpg" /></a><br />
Something I always look forward to about coming back to Japan is my sister's homemade dishes. We paired them with wines I brought back from Sardinia. Panevino was insane!<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5545_zps1jiuvjm6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5545_zps1jiuvjm6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5545_zps1jiuvjm6.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5560_zpsisyu00ed.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5560_zpsisyu00ed.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5560_zpsisyu00ed.jpg" /></a><br />
Dinner at a local sushi bar. Shirako (cod sperm), dressed in mentaiko (spicy cod roe) was so good.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5488_zps8sqmng5u.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5488_zps8sqmng5u.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5488_zps8sqmng5u.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5492_zpsulfhkd97.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5492_zpsulfhkd97.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5492_zpsulfhkd97.jpg" /></a><a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5531_zpsnp7ccthz.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5531_zpsnp7ccthz.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5531_zpsnp7ccthz.jpg" /></a><br />
Time with friends from high school is always so precious.Naokohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226761063088620827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348401938710654440.post-40901156123146119562016-12-20T14:56:00.002-08:002016-12-20T14:56:22.533-08:00Back in Japan (December 2016)...Sake night in Ebisu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbkaAIg-jNFhgDw-Tj390gz1EPSnP5g7T0NXfhN36bkG24dA3G0LEtyVDDCludm6mM1Ct6wPDbAFstKnO6JLS1pQduFY1OzDYU_n5S49CCGX6BnbXCFPoEJ489f5xNhbeO_HcvuV8iuQ/s1600/IMG_5396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbkaAIg-jNFhgDw-Tj390gz1EPSnP5g7T0NXfhN36bkG24dA3G0LEtyVDDCludm6mM1Ct6wPDbAFstKnO6JLS1pQduFY1OzDYU_n5S49CCGX6BnbXCFPoEJ489f5xNhbeO_HcvuV8iuQ/s400/IMG_5396.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I went back to Japan again...it was already the 5th time this year!<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5348_zpsevr5nlzf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5348_zpsevr5nlzf.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5348_zpsevr5nlzf.jpg" /></a><br />
I happened to be one of the first customers to experience United Polaris Business Class (UA's new business class service), so when I got to my seat, a cute teddy bear was waiting for me!<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5349_zps1pmjglqs.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5349_zps1pmjglqs.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5349_zps1pmjglqs.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5350_zpsw9s6r5xn.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5350_zpsw9s6r5xn.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5350_zpsw9s6r5xn.jpg" /></a><br />
New designs.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5351_zpsedvhlggk.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5351_zpsedvhlggk.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5351_zpsedvhlggk.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5352_zpspgoypvbe.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5352_zpspgoypvbe.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5352_zpspgoypvbe.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5354_zpszf8t5hcm.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5354_zpszf8t5hcm.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5354_zpszf8t5hcm.jpg" /></a><br />
But, the food quality was the same as before...<br />
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I arrived in cold winter Tokyo.<br />
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The next day, I had an interview and photo shoot with a culinary magazine. I hope I can make an announcement about it soon. After the interview, we went out for dinner.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5374_zpsiqjom6ie.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5374_zpsiqjom6ie.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5374_zpsiqjom6ie.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5363_zpsthpnx57p.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5363_zpsthpnx57p.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5363_zpsthpnx57p.jpg" /></a><br />
The place is called <b>Gem by Moto</b>. It's a hidden sake bar/ izakaya run by a sake specialist, Marie-san.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5376_zpsqcqdsgox.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5376_zpsqcqdsgox.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5376_zpsqcqdsgox.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5378_zpsb5hvnm4u.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5378_zpsb5hvnm4u.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5378_zpsb5hvnm4u.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5380_zpsxjlplxw6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5380_zpsxjlplxw6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5380_zpsxjlplxw6.jpg" /></a><br />
The menu is written in a chalkboard on the wall. Eclectic small plates have very high standard.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5381_zpsiomkefkf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5381_zpsiomkefkf.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5381_zpsiomkefkf.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5382_zpsbqcjyzu7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5382_zpsbqcjyzu7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5382_zpsbqcjyzu7.jpg" /></a><br />
Marie-san poured us different sake to pair with different dishes. Some sake are custom-made for her.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5388_zpsd9gxdzzn.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5388_zpsd9gxdzzn.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5388_zpsd9gxdzzn.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5390_zpsg5yrm0rq.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5390_zpsg5yrm0rq.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5390_zpsg5yrm0rq.jpg" /></a><br />
Cod and cod sperm ("shirako") nabe. A soothing donabe hot pot dish, was followed by smoked nibbles.<br />
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5392_zpshrvy9u3w.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5392_zpshrvy9u3w.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5392_zpshrvy9u3w.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5393_zpsshevdpuj.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5393_zpsshevdpuj.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5393_zpsshevdpuj.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/naokomoore/media/2016/IMG_5395_zpso3yy1ll6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5395_zpso3yy1ll6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/naokomoore/2016/IMG_5395_zpso3yy1ll6.jpg" /></a><br />
I loved the experience so much!<br />
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So happy to be back home.Naokohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226761063088620827noreply@blogger.com