A couple of weeks ago, author friend Jonelle Patrick and I headed out to Tokyo’s Harajuku district for a special springtime treat.
Read moreJiggly Souffle Pancakes and Sakura Soda at Tokyo’s Micasadeco Cafe
food
A Traditional Kaiseki Meal in the Heart of Kyoto’s “Floating World”
During the Golden Week holidays, I took a three-day trip to Kyoto, during which I booked a meal at Tousuiro, reputed to be one of the best restaurants in Kyoto. The experience proved to be every bit as spectacular as promised.
Read moreInarizushi – Sushi Without Fish
that I don’t go to sushi restaurants, and can’t eat most types of sushi, there are a few types that I can eat–including one that saved me a lot of embarrassment on a solo hike in 2016.
Read moreHappy Halloween Tea!
Themed high teas are very popular in Tokyo, and in the spirit of the season, I decided to try the “take home” Halloween High Tea from the Tokyo Grand Hyatt on Halloween Day.
Read moreVisiting Tō-ji: a Temple Tied to Kyoto’s Ancient Past (Part 1 of 3)
In 794, Kyoto (then renamed Heian-kyo) became the capital of Japan. At that time, the official entrance to the city was in the south (the direction visitors came when approaching from the former capital of Nara). A pair of guardian temples stood on either side of the entrance, at the start of an enormous, broad, flat road that led from the official city entrance all the way to the Imperial Palace in the northern part of the city.
Read moreBlueberry-Cinnamon Oatmeal With Chia
Since I’m currently undergoing chemotherapy following breast cancer surgery, I’ve cleaned up my act where my diet is concerned. No one can guarantee that a certain food, or diet plan, will prevent, cure, or even help with cancer treatment – but healthy foods are never a bad idea. On the days right after my treatment, I take joy in preparing my meals, and it helps my appetite (which chemo suppresses) too. In the interest of sharing – and hopefully helping other people looking for healthy, simple, and tasty recipes, I’m going to share a few of my favorites in the weeks
Read moreThe Joy of Tokyo’s Festival Foods
Last weekend, I went to the hagoita-ichi matsuri (festival) at Sensōji, in Tokyo. I love shrine and temple festivals for many reasons – and festival food is high on the list. On normal days, the wide pathways in Japanese shrine and temple yards offer visitors plenty of space to walk and meditate. At festivals, vendors line the paths. selling a wide assortment of treats.
Read moreShojin Ryori: Buddhist Temple Cuisine
In Japanese, shojin ryori (devotional cuisine) refers to a style of vegetarian cooking practiced at Buddhist temples. Like most forms of Japanese cooking. the dishes served in temples change with the seasons, and generally utilize local vegetables and regional specialties. Some temples offer abundant meals with dishes worthy of five-star chefs, while others serve more simple fare, but the shojin ryori visitors can taste in Japanese Buddhist temples generally adheres to a few universal rules: — The meal will not include any animal products. (This includes dairy products like milk and cheese as well as meat, fish, and eggs.) — Dishes do not include garlic, onions, hot peppers
Read moreWhat Did Ninjas Eat?
While researching my newest Hiro Hattori mystery, BETRAYAL AT IGA, I needed to learn a little more about 16th century Japanese cuisine. So … what did ninjas eat? Click through to my guest post on the No More Grumpy Bookseller blog to find out how I answered that all-important question. As a bonus, the blog is hosting a giveaway for a free copy of the novel – as long as you enter before July 30, 2017! (And I promise, unlike some clickbait headlines, I really do answer the question – without ads.)
Read moreFor Love of Manneken Waffles
Japanese rail and subway stations sell some of the best snack food anywhere. Case in point: Mannekin Waffles.
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