tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69276606027526562272024-03-13T18:04:25.150-05:00Eating in a boxBentos of every size and shapeIronjackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441887771747701206noreply@blogger.comBlogger351125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6927660602752656227.post-81241673137130870612022-01-23T14:34:00.001-06:002022-01-23T14:34:35.406-06:00Crispy Skin Soy Chicken Bento<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ne_wQZaO2Sg/Ye248Hzh4PI/AAAAAAAALD4/bZj4l_YKKDEKrCjriFzAQAL9zf-TqywPwCNcBGAsYHQ/IMG_7717.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Crispy Skin Soy Chicken Bento" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ne_wQZaO2Sg/Ye248Hzh4PI/AAAAAAAALD4/bZj4l_YKKDEKrCjriFzAQAL9zf-TqywPwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_7717.jpg" title="Crispy Skin Soy Chicken Bento" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Lunch for tomorrow. Crispy soy chicken with miso glazed kabocha squash, sauteed oyster mushroom and a korean broccoli and tofu in sesame oil banchan.</p><p>The soy chicken was suppose to be this tik tok recipe that was famous, but I ended up with the wrong type of bone in chicken thigh which was much harder to debone, anyhow with an adjustment of time this turned out pretty good.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YKCoHANcQz8/Ye25EsD7ExI/AAAAAAAALD8/yQGR4mVRBTsGFsUkX350NoNQj5K3JAaSACNcBGAsYHQ/IMG_7716.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Miso marinaded kabocha squash" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YKCoHANcQz8/Ye25EsD7ExI/AAAAAAAALD8/yQGR4mVRBTsGFsUkX350NoNQj5K3JAaSACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_7716.jpg" title="Miso marinaded kabocha squash" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Miso marinaded kabocha squash</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z8kL2tROk1o/Ye25KWGesvI/AAAAAAAALEA/g3nEKFwObqEju_9-D8xRDMFjikysnhC6wCNcBGAsYHQ/IMG_7680.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sautéed oyster mushroom with carrots" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z8kL2tROk1o/Ye25KWGesvI/AAAAAAAALEA/g3nEKFwObqEju_9-D8xRDMFjikysnhC6wCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_7680.jpg" title="Sautéed oyster mushroom with carrots" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>Sautéed oyster mushroom with carrots</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZI8iH_VGeEA/Ye25i6-M1FI/AAAAAAAALEM/FQwoj3qJIu4H3EKq4rpvjyjFNoT6L7MGwCNcBGAsYHQ/IMG_7689.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dubu Muchim Broccoli Tofu banchan" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZI8iH_VGeEA/Ye25i6-M1FI/AAAAAAAALEM/FQwoj3qJIu4H3EKq4rpvjyjFNoT6L7MGwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_7689.jpg" title="Dubu Muchim Broccoli Tofu banchan" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Dubu Muchim is a side dish that occasionally pops up at the korean bbq place and I really enjoy it. It's a simple dish coming from Buddhist temple cuisine. Temple cuisine usually has no onion, garlic, leeks, green onion etc. This is a simple side dish that goes well with the flavorful crispy soy chicken. I used bagged broccoli because I'm just lazy.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Dubu Muchim Banchan</h2><p style="text-align: left;">Literally "Tofu mixed", a better description is broccoli and tofu tossed with sesame oil and salt. I added soy sauce for a bit of umami and sometimes red pepper flake if I want some heat</p><p style="text-align: left;">Ingredients:<br />1 bag (12 oz) broccoli florets)<br />1 box (16 oz) firm Tofu (not silken)<br />1 tsp salt<br />1 tsp sesame oil<br />Optional: soy sauce (a few dashes for taste)<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Blanch the broccoli for 2 mins in boiling water. Immediately drain and rinse in cold water. (don't use ice, the dish is nice warm). The broccoli should retain some crunchiness.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Cube the tofu and crumble by hand<br />Mix Tofu, salt, sesame oil, sesame seed and broccoli together until mixed.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Optional: add a few dashes of soy sauce to taste, but not too much as it will spoil the color.</p>Ironjackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441887771747701206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6927660602752656227.post-84720240109966263352019-10-05T16:37:00.005-05:002019-10-05T16:37:42.314-05:00Instant Pot Ribs over spam caulflowered rice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1WXk5WsAUqo/XZkHM1rNIQI/AAAAAAAAKO4/BJt5NbUTOi0J0vGuxC72r0eBOEjKW8MhACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1WXk5WsAUqo/XZkHM1rNIQI/AAAAAAAAKO4/BJt5NbUTOi0J0vGuxC72r0eBOEjKW8MhACK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_1960.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I gave in about a year ago on an instant pot. I know, I'm late to the game but, it certainly is a life changer for me. I've been traveling a whole lot as a consultant over the past 18 months and it didn't leave me much time for cooking (or posting) but I did find the convenience significant. And as a vegan at the beginning of that time there were lots and lots of dishes that the instant pot helped save significant amounts of time. I've since been allowed to return to regular meat eating which opened up a huge catalogue of things to cook. The one dish that I had been eyeing was ribs.<br />
<br />
Ok I'm going to be completely up front and honest here. The ribs were only a partial success and I'm going to explain it right now up front. The ribs were incredibly tender but my approach lacked a lot of flavor and that's because of a couple of mistakes.<br />
<ul>
<li>I should have doubled the amount of salt. I think you lose some of the salt in the cooking process. </li>
<li>Either skip the liquid smoke or add a lot more. I'm not sure you'll get that smoke flavor from the liquid in the pot</li>
<li>Glaze the ribs before going into the oven to give it more flavor</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nK1HZfF1h4g/XZkHWK0Q6RI/AAAAAAAAKPA/6a0kecyQlC0fINmsVH-7vMCh5d1oVKyVwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nK1HZfF1h4g/XZkHWK0Q6RI/AAAAAAAAKPA/6a0kecyQlC0fINmsVH-7vMCh5d1oVKyVwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1933.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ok Onwards. Here's the Mise. pretty straight forward. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F8vvFStDQGw/XZkGgy-8cNI/AAAAAAAAKOs/LZtmNsKWpQAdNpPtu3irOFEoL0O9AmVdgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/classifying-pork-ribs-graphic_jpg__923%25C3%2597801_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F8vvFStDQGw/XZkGgy-8cNI/AAAAAAAAKOs/LZtmNsKWpQAdNpPtu3irOFEoL0O9AmVdgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/classifying-pork-ribs-graphic_jpg__923%25C3%2597801_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A quick education on ribs everyone has their own thing. There are 4 cuts of ribs you usually find in the grocery store. There's the country style rib which is not really a rib, but a shoulder loin cut. Then there's the baby back ribs. Those are cut from near the loin near the top of the pig. Then you have the spare rib which is the bottom half of the rib that goes down to the belly. Those are the big meaty ones with the cartilage (soft bone) at the top. If you cut off the soft bone tip and are left with just the meat and rib bone, that is called St. Louis style ribs. (I stole this image off google, I can't find the credit for the illustration. )</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6VeNOff7SOU/XZkHcYSr8iI/AAAAAAAAKPI/XCFognQiNlsSAmNPxrcRujyqdRyEmAj6gCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6VeNOff7SOU/XZkHcYSr8iI/AAAAAAAAKPI/XCFognQiNlsSAmNPxrcRujyqdRyEmAj6gCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1935.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So I chose St Louis style rib mainly because I wasn't convinced the spare rib would fit in the cooker. But this would still give my preferred meaty pork rib. (I'm not a fan of the leaner baby back rib). Either way with any rib, you need to trim the inside silver skin, if you don't this layer becomes very tough and really wreaks the ribs later.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-daS2AjXHMvA/XZkI9wk5-EI/AAAAAAAAKPc/ZYEawi7-V3gyk2DnwQUtvTfZIQBJ_CWNwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-daS2AjXHMvA/XZkI9wk5-EI/AAAAAAAAKPc/ZYEawi7-V3gyk2DnwQUtvTfZIQBJ_CWNwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1938.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For spices I went with Salt, Pepper, Chili powder, Garlic powder, Onion Powder. Remember add more salt and or salt it again before you put it into the oven.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yg6AE6Y1CoU/XZkJBnuuyGI/AAAAAAAAKPk/ConKngDvjbwZHuyqcJWT1zklAOecitb7wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yg6AE6Y1CoU/XZkJBnuuyGI/AAAAAAAAKPk/ConKngDvjbwZHuyqcJWT1zklAOecitb7wCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1941.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I went with a cup of beef broth (the instant pot requires that you have a minimum amount of liquid for pressure to be attained.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l3SBnk4X7ec/XZkJFisMOcI/AAAAAAAAKPs/_n8xE2rZL5suxXoiqNWW4YuDWUq2HpEMwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l3SBnk4X7ec/XZkJFisMOcI/AAAAAAAAKPs/_n8xE2rZL5suxXoiqNWW4YuDWUq2HpEMwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1945.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I added liquid smoke. (I should have either rubbed into into the ribs or tried to use more (or both)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zMN_L8nyPu0/XZkJKNRxn5I/AAAAAAAAKP0/v9LRgokn8MQfZmqZaDaiVVUW7x2vjbMWgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zMN_L8nyPu0/XZkJKNRxn5I/AAAAAAAAKP0/v9LRgokn8MQfZmqZaDaiVVUW7x2vjbMWgCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1947.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Cover every bit of those ribs with spices. Maybe some cumin next time too.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2BdUiPDs4Ew/XZkJOi1VCBI/AAAAAAAAKQA/mxb1IEWcSzYp-pSSEnf-_4un6393hPxewCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2BdUiPDs4Ew/XZkJOi1VCBI/AAAAAAAAKQA/mxb1IEWcSzYp-pSSEnf-_4un6393hPxewCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1948.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then I curled it up and set it on the rack in the pot</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tJtxAQLsjGE/XZkJSyjugiI/AAAAAAAAKQM/VjXtPj1ZJekv9set8YC5tmqYE_D2iawxACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tJtxAQLsjGE/XZkJSyjugiI/AAAAAAAAKQM/VjXtPj1ZJekv9set8YC5tmqYE_D2iawxACK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1950.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Set up for 30 mins. I gave it a 10 min wait afterwards before releasing out the steam</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oc3SVhiwWXI/XZkJXg4GcHI/AAAAAAAAKQU/hDstlJCXAyscK82NBPlwrC7-nmgFqJsOACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oc3SVhiwWXI/XZkJXg4GcHI/AAAAAAAAKQU/hDstlJCXAyscK82NBPlwrC7-nmgFqJsOACK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1951.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
While I waited. I stir fried some cauliflower rice with some cubed spam. This turned out to be quite a nice combo. I was going for a low carb version of spam fried rice, and could not have been happier. Next time I'll dice the spam smaller.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TKahhYu1yUo/XZkJgfCmlBI/AAAAAAAAKQk/l4EYH41cfkQ1pGFW3WFFlS02iqxSyxJlgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TKahhYu1yUo/XZkJgfCmlBI/AAAAAAAAKQk/l4EYH41cfkQ1pGFW3WFFlS02iqxSyxJlgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_1956.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ok once the ribs were ready I popped them in the oven. This is the point you would have glazed it first. But I broiled them for about 3-5 mins (checking on the how done you wanted them.) You can see how fall off the bone tender they were.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BBHYwuS5JPE/XZkJnbxevMI/AAAAAAAAKQw/lWsrdqAK5a08SdgIO3_o-UTY_21rbVAdgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BBHYwuS5JPE/XZkJnbxevMI/AAAAAAAAKQw/lWsrdqAK5a08SdgIO3_o-UTY_21rbVAdgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_1959.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And there you have it. Ribs out of the instant pot. It was truly a painless preparation. I'm as always amazed by this device. Are these going to result in BBQ joint quality ribs? No. But considering I'm cooking this in a small condo away from my main kitchen with all my gadgets and smokers etc. It's pretty darn good. Below is what I will use in my recipe for next time adjusting for seasoning.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Instant pot St Louis style Ribs</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Rub:</div>
<div>
2 Tbsp salt</div>
<div>
2 tsp paprika</div>
<div>
2 tsp chili powder</div>
<div>
2 tsp garlic powder</div>
<div>
2 tsp onion powder</div>
<div>
2 tsp black pepper</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1 Rack of St Louis Style Pork Ribs</div>
<div>
1 cup of beef broth</div>
<div>
1 tbsp of liquid smoke</div>
<div>
Bbq Sauce</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Trim the ribs and remove the silver skin on the back of the ribs. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Mix together all of the "rub" ingredients. Cover the ribs front and back in the rub. Once done sprinkle on the liquid smoke directly on to the ribs smooth over the surface of the ribs.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In the instant pot inner pot put in the rack at the bottom and add the beef broth. Curl the ribs with the rib "back" facing the center and stand it on top of the rack.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Close the lid and set for high pressure for 30 mins. Once complete let it depressurize naturally for 10 mins before manually releasing.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Pre heat the oven on hi broiler while you're waiting.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Remove the ribs from the cooker and place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Apply bbq sauce on the surface of the ribs as a glaze. And broil the ribs for 3-5 mins (checking frequently) and remove when the ribs achieve the desired color.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Ironjackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441887771747701206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6927660602752656227.post-19215939663816172592018-04-26T20:49:00.000-05:002018-04-26T20:56:02.625-05:00Vegan Portobello and Porcini Mushroom Stroganoff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-06FvygQbiyw/WuKBTpRqWpI/AAAAAAAAJxs/zSXt0tJiVUUr5ceeBZa2T6Yui0HYT8Q3gCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_4593f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-06FvygQbiyw/WuKBTpRqWpI/AAAAAAAAJxs/zSXt0tJiVUUr5ceeBZa2T6Yui0HYT8Q3gCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_4593f.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
One of the difficulties when I first started going with a plant based diet was finding dishes that provided a "satisfying" meal. I could eat a pile of rice, veggies and beans and still feel completely dis-satisfied with what I ate. On the other hand it's easy to fool yourself into thinking being "plant based" means you're free to eat all the oreo cookies you desire without consequence. I found the keys for me were texture and dietary fat. I saw this recipe in the forks over knives cookbook and it sounded pretty delicious. The dried porcinis had a "beefy" smell and mushrooms tend to have a good mouth chewy texture (I used <a href="http://www.eatinginabox.com/2014/11/soba-noodles-with-grilled-miso-abalone.html" target="_blank">abalone mushrooms</a> to great textural effect) and the use of a tofu "sour cream" gave the dish a good richness. So it checked all the boxes for good potential.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0mBRPsCMYBI/WuJ5os8wzrI/AAAAAAAAJwg/5nD9ZH8LxgogkKqeKyMiN-bmWucN3BgQQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_4561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0mBRPsCMYBI/WuJ5os8wzrI/AAAAAAAAJwg/5nD9ZH8LxgogkKqeKyMiN-bmWucN3BgQQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_4561.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Here are the ingredients, pretty simple: shallots, dry white wine, garlic, some eggless pasta (well they say they may have trace amounts of egg but it wasn't in the main ingredients list), rosemary, thyme, tofu sour cream, portobello caps and dried porcini mushrooms (being reconstituted in the picture)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pX6AjKk8n4Y/WuJ5-EFR8AI/AAAAAAAAJww/4c_cqJM6kY0DGF3vG9VGgHK5saqzFMH7wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_4566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pX6AjKk8n4Y/WuJ5-EFR8AI/AAAAAAAAJww/4c_cqJM6kY0DGF3vG9VGgHK5saqzFMH7wCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_4566.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mise en place. (I was playing with the filters on the phone to try to give me some color balance against the hood lights, I'm working getting some lights)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6-7ZDq82zA8/WuJ6jML7LLI/AAAAAAAAJw8/_kmXgS1Xl7E_vr6PyA694rUJABxsQYmlgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_4576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6-7ZDq82zA8/WuJ6jML7LLI/AAAAAAAAJw8/_kmXgS1Xl7E_vr6PyA694rUJABxsQYmlgCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_4576.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
You start sautéing the the aromatics and then the portobello. Adding a bit of water to keep things from burning (no oil was used, and I was using a non stick pan)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dAUIcclTV98/WuJ7WukEGiI/AAAAAAAAJxI/KC1eG2TMryoOopZ96syM1gG2kPIK5UQ0gCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_4579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dAUIcclTV98/WuJ7WukEGiI/AAAAAAAAJxI/KC1eG2TMryoOopZ96syM1gG2kPIK5UQ0gCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_4579.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Then you dump in the porcini with the soaking liquid and after bit the white wine and let it cook down. (I used a cheap sauvignon blanc) it will thicken up a bit. Give it a taste and adjust with salt and pepper.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IZLO1Rw1KR8/WuJ71LVfgRI/AAAAAAAAJxU/HTwVWyY78VoiSk88cqGCAOYgFeervfaEwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_4582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IZLO1Rw1KR8/WuJ71LVfgRI/AAAAAAAAJxU/HTwVWyY78VoiSk88cqGCAOYgFeervfaEwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_4582.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally off heat stir in the tofu sour cream. I found the sour cream at Natural Grocers but it's at Whole foods (and their 365 markets).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l2IH2S7jhYo/WuJ8obLkSrI/AAAAAAAAJxg/aSDApQRQI2sDzF448P5ldZcFfKr-XhfKQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_4586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l2IH2S7jhYo/WuJ8obLkSrI/AAAAAAAAJxg/aSDApQRQI2sDzF448P5ldZcFfKr-XhfKQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_4586.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And done. (well cook the pasta according to the directions while your sauce is simmering) I really enjoyed this dish. I recommend giving it a try for your next meatless Monday! I made some adjustments to the recipe but nothing too significant. (mainly for leftover ingredients convenience reasons and breaking apart the directions for readability)<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Mushroom Stroganoff</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Original recipe from Forks over Knives Cookbook</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 large shallots peeled and finely chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4 cloves of garlic minced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 tsp of minced thyme</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 Tbsp minced rosemary</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 pound of portobello mushrooms chopped into large pieces (1 inch pieces)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 ounce dried porcini mushrooms, soaked for 30 mins in 1.25 cups of boiling water roughly chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Salt and pepper to taste</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">187 ml dry white wine (one small bottle out of a "four pack" of wine)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">6 oz of tofu sour cream</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 lb fettuccine noodles (cooked according to package directions)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Place shallots in large skillet and turn heat up to medium heat. Cook until soft, constantly stirring and adding a couple of tablespoons of water to keep the shallots from burning. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Add garlic and thyme to the skillet and cook for an additional minute.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Stir in Mushroom and rosemary and cook until the mushroom pieces are soft about 8-10 mins.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Add porcini mushrooms with soaking liquid and wine. Turn heat to medium low and let simmer for 20 mins. The sauce should thicken a bit. (while this is happening Cook noodles according to instructions.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Turn off heat and add in Tofu sour cream and mix thoroughly, letting the residual heat warm up the sour cream. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Serve over pasta. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Serves 4</span><br />
<br />
<br />Ironjackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441887771747701206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6927660602752656227.post-14847821287579878932018-03-19T19:03:00.000-05:002018-03-20T08:16:01.376-05:00NIAB: Kimchi (Vegan)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EIXDl-0LwV4/WrBBROoca9I/AAAAAAAAJts/N8R9nNFXebA7iTZKFygoWcE3uvsri5uHwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_4149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EIXDl-0LwV4/WrBBROoca9I/AAAAAAAAJts/N8R9nNFXebA7iTZKFygoWcE3uvsri5uHwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_4149.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I've always been fascinated by fermentation, the idea of little critters that toil away and magically transform food from one form to something else is somehow magical to me. How did ancient man decide curdled milk could be made into cheese and then later yet the moldy blue cheese is edible and delicous? Or that bubbly fruit juice that sat in a jug a bit too long was worth drinking even if it made you feel a bit dizzy and good? I know a lot of it was a preservation technique but if you were the first to opened up a jar of kimchi or sauerkraut would you think to take a big bite of it?<br />
<br />
I've dabbled in various experiment, some successful, some less successful. But I happened to have a whole head of napa cabbage in my fridge and was pondering what to do with it. I floated the idea of turning it into kimchi with my wife and she was quite eager for me to give it a try. Now if you don't know what kimchi is (I'm not sure what rock you've been hiding under) it's a Korean dish typically served as a side dish (banchan) with your meal or cooked into a stew. If you've had Korean food or even a trendy taco these days, you've seen it, or at the very least you've "smelled it", it's quite unmistakeable. Kimchi is basically a category of fermented vegetables, what most people think of when you say kimchi is a mix of napa cabbage, radish and green onion with a lot of chili pepper, but you can have kimchi made of cucumber, radish, lotus root, carrot basically any vegetable you can cram into a jar and safely let ferment.<br />
<br />
As with most fermented foods this was a way to extend the life of vegetables when we didn't have refrigeration and vegetables available all year round. Kimchi hasn't always been the kimchi we commonly see today (at least in the west). Since the chili pepper was a "new world" ingredient that didn't happen until the after the 17th century, and to my surprise napa cabbage wasn't introduced into kimchi until the 19th century. It's aroma is quite indescribable, sour and "rotten" are some of the words I would use but that's not quite right since "rotten" has often a really negative connotation. Some people like their kimchi very sour, some not, some like a lot of chili and some prefer seafood as part of the fermentation, basically this is all to say that kimchi comes in a variety of forms and flavors.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A1Eque7Mb28/WrA9bNDUkvI/AAAAAAAAJtA/Yh-_O-kGjHA4KwM3Fb1DvMHs2r7ckJH4QCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_4219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A1Eque7Mb28/WrA9bNDUkvI/AAAAAAAAJtA/Yh-_O-kGjHA4KwM3Fb1DvMHs2r7ckJH4QCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_4219.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Ok onto the kimchi making. Since I've been following a vegan diet I did opt for a seafood-less version and I didn't replace it with any seaweed (kombu), I'm sure it would have added some extra umami flavor but I wanted to keep things simple. And this recipe is indeed simple, I cobbled together a few sources since everyone seemed to have their way of making kimchi and some instructions were not as clear as others on various steps. As with anything that you depend on micro-organism to do your work for you, you need to clean your containers well. I put my mason jars (and lids) thorough the dishwasher, you don't need to be quite as meticulous as you were brewing beer or wine and use a sterilizing wash. From the ingredients above in the title picture, I fully expected six jars but it turn out that I only needed two.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-teEgdvTrmRA/WrA9vIQSUbI/AAAAAAAAJtI/J-Eh6vabs5gaxwOBlowK-eMemkK5_PfCQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_4150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-teEgdvTrmRA/WrA9vIQSUbI/AAAAAAAAJtI/J-Eh6vabs5gaxwOBlowK-eMemkK5_PfCQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_4150.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
First things first, there's some prep to be done. First cut up the cabbage and give them a good rinse. I cut the whole head in half lengthwise and three lengthwise cuts *almost* to the root of the cabbage (so it would all stay together). And then cut two inch wide segments. Wash well to remove any dirt.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gblnlBtX6-A/WrA8NfYT7eI/AAAAAAAAJso/98mxBjBNzHsCgwWRO1AQMYmyOexpnb3AACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_4153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gblnlBtX6-A/WrA8NfYT7eI/AAAAAAAAJso/98mxBjBNzHsCgwWRO1AQMYmyOexpnb3AACK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_4153.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Use 1/4 cup of kosher salt (really any salt is fine, just not iodized salt since that can interfere with the microbes). I first salted the cabbage and gave them a really good toss in the bowl and let them sit for about 30 mins.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OJODpJnOi6w/WrA8Vchi6uI/AAAAAAAAJsw/ACI5wW8OKE4dvVoWXorz90dk8hGQIBy-wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_4162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OJODpJnOi6w/WrA8Vchi6uI/AAAAAAAAJsw/ACI5wW8OKE4dvVoWXorz90dk8hGQIBy-wCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_4162.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After 30 mins the cabbage wilted a good bit and I filled the bowl with enough water to cover and let it sit weighed down with a plate and a heavy mortar (or any weight). I let this sit a good four hours (three seemed to be the minimum from what I saw). The point is to get a lot of water out of the cabbage.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q21WOo_84D4/WrBAXvJ7ztI/AAAAAAAAJtU/GGXlRyRuNUcHf8FM282alFbHpvgYqxTNQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/OnionsandRadish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q21WOo_84D4/WrBAXvJ7ztI/AAAAAAAAJtU/GGXlRyRuNUcHf8FM282alFbHpvgYqxTNQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/OnionsandRadish.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
While that was happening I chopped the green onion (white and green parts) and half of the pictured Korean radish (or you can use daikon if that's what you have available). The various sources I used, specified matchstick size or larger, I think matchstick might be a bit small, I went with 1/4 inch by 2 inch sticks. (they'll shrink a bit while they are in the jar fermenting).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oCWnSObxB0A/WrBAn2fkhsI/AAAAAAAAJtc/28LRViueGvgEpFtNJMPOF_grX1nu3LWggCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_4156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oCWnSObxB0A/WrBAn2fkhsI/AAAAAAAAJtc/28LRViueGvgEpFtNJMPOF_grX1nu3LWggCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_4156.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I used a japanese style grater for the ginger and the garlic. I felt like raised ridges pulverized the ginger and garlic to release the juices which I was careful to preserve and use in the jars. I think a microplane or grater would have just shaved small bits. I *HIGHLY* recommend using gloves for the garlic part or you'll reek of garlic for days.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HpHUjUEctr4/WrBCWuA1H2I/AAAAAAAAJt4/mGsJDJDF8sQ6i3fdA9yf5zaDRMJnp9SYQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_4157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HpHUjUEctr4/WrBCWuA1H2I/AAAAAAAAJt4/mGsJDJDF8sQ6i3fdA9yf5zaDRMJnp9SYQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_4157.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Take the ginger, garlic, sugar and Korean red pepper flakes and mix them together. I ended up using one and half tablespoons of the pepper flake. The sugar's going to give your microbes something to start on. Don't worry you're kimchi will not come out sweet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e7zG9_8z2Vg/WrBCd8CDAoI/AAAAAAAAJuA/jCDmoPdxwgMv4oqISw67sI19U_j7WVJHgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_4159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e7zG9_8z2Vg/WrBCd8CDAoI/AAAAAAAAJuA/jCDmoPdxwgMv4oqISw67sI19U_j7WVJHgCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_4159.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This produces a mild kimchi, if you want more heat just add more pepper flake. Here's a picture of the final paste when it's all incorporated. Again, using the raised ridged grater on the ginger and the garlic gave me the liquid-y texture for the paste.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rN_ohQ08SGs/WrBDbmFCe3I/AAAAAAAAJuQ/alZX83oYNqEFBYsJ9svE0WmSFcAAPbcfwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_4163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rN_ohQ08SGs/WrBDbmFCe3I/AAAAAAAAJuQ/alZX83oYNqEFBYsJ9svE0WmSFcAAPbcfwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_4163.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
By now it's dark out so I've lost all the nice natural light for the rest of my photos. Anyhow. Drain the cabbage and make sure to reserve the liquid. If you forget that's ok. Mix two cups of water and 1 tablespoon of salt for a reserve brine. Quickly rinse the cabbage (you don't have to go crazy) and give the cabbage a good squeeze to get the excess moisture out. If you don't rinse your cabbage you're going to get really really salty kimchi (some people like that).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vuJ8ykBNjRA/WrBELoK9gvI/AAAAAAAAJuc/g1YxSu-dEGU05v-6E7Xeq4pA0o4lwVMnQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_4164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vuJ8ykBNjRA/WrBELoK9gvI/AAAAAAAAJuc/g1YxSu-dEGU05v-6E7Xeq4pA0o4lwVMnQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_4164.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Ingredients assemble!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qu9f-iHejt8/WrBEVlVDlfI/AAAAAAAAJuk/ZsI8gTcY40gSaa6CaxTsmiyik0OoW9BWgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_4166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qu9f-iHejt8/WrBEVlVDlfI/AAAAAAAAJuk/ZsI8gTcY40gSaa6CaxTsmiyik0OoW9BWgCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_4166.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Again, I *HIGHLY* recommend gloves for the next part. Give everything a very thorough mix and make sure all the vegetables get a coated. You might find some of your cabbage leaves somewhat stuck together from your squeezing them, this is the time to loosen them up. It's starting look and somewhat smell like kimchi.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xe6ou6vNxOE/WrBGw9DdaTI/AAAAAAAAJuw/o57o20dnFiw6kpwrtilV5Dk_T-dBE-p8QCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_4170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xe6ou6vNxOE/WrBGw9DdaTI/AAAAAAAAJuw/o57o20dnFiw6kpwrtilV5Dk_T-dBE-p8QCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_4170.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Time to pack them in the jar. When I say pack them in the jar I mean really jam them in there. Take handfuls of the vegetables and use a fist to push them down hard into the mason jar. We're going for compact tightness. As you push you'll notice liquid rising to the top. (that's a good thing). I left about 2 inches of headspace in the mason jars. And then take the reserve brine and cover the vegetables (if you don't already have liquid covering). You may find you have some floaters, I took some snack sized ziplock bags and filled them 1/3 way with brine, zipped them up and put it on top to make sure you don't have any vegetables floating. You want everything below the brine to prevent mold from forming on the vegetables, mold doesn't like salty water.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qpvAbtQl43k/WrBHC2BxPtI/AAAAAAAAJu4/s9Av2iYXd00gJkNQib5_cQjRgISZAfIjQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_4168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qpvAbtQl43k/WrBHC2BxPtI/AAAAAAAAJu4/s9Av2iYXd00gJkNQib5_cQjRgISZAfIjQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_4168.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It should look something like this (I put the brine bags in after this photo). I would put this somewhere cool/room temperature. With some sort of baking dish or pan underneath. Do *NOT* tighten the mason jar lids all the way, just give them a lose turn so the lid stays on. Be prepared, whatever space you put these jars in will smell like kimchi. You will find that some of the liquid spills out over the next few days. The reason is that there's going to be a bunch of gas that develops and because it's all packed in there the whole thing rises. Every day, I take a chopstick and jam it down the various sides of the the mason jar to get the gas to escape and repack everything down. (I called this "burping my kimchi"). Take a piece of vegetable and taste it, when it's reached your desired sourness (ours took 2.5 days) you can put everything in the fridge which should slow down the fermentation (it will continue to ferment and get more sour but slowly). At that time you can take out the baggies of brine and you won't have the problem of over flowing anymore but you should maybe vent the jars every once and again.<br />
<br />
Don't be alarmed at the number of steps it was actually quite easy. The active time was less than an hour you spent a lot of time waiting around for the cabbage to wilt.<br />
<br />
Here's the recipe:<br />
<br />
Kimchi (vegan)<br />
1 head of napa cabbage<br />
1/2 Korean radish or daikon radish (about 10 oz)<br />
1 bunch of green onion (roots removed and cleaned)<br />
1/4 cup of Kosher salt (or any non-iodized salt)<br />
1 teaspoon of sugar<br />
6 cloves of garlic<br />
1 inch knob of ginger (skin peeled)<br />
1.5 tbsp Gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)<br />
2 clean mason jars with Lids<br />
<br />
1) Cut Cabbage into half lengthwise and take each half and cut from the top nearly to the root but not through in to thirds. Then cut into two inch segments until you reach the core (discard the core)<br />
<br />
2) Wash the cabbage segments to remove any dirt and shake dry in a colander. Place the cabbage in a large mixing bowl and toss liberally with 1/4 cup of salt. Let sit for 30 mins. Then top with water until just covering leaves and cover with a plate to keep the cabbage submerged and weigh it down. Allow to sit for 4 hours.<br />
<br />
3) Chop radish into 2 inch by 1/4 inch sticks. Cut green onion in segments of 1.5 inches.<br />
<br />
4) Using gloves, Grate ginger and garlic, yielding approximately 1 tsp of each. In a small bowl mix with red pepper flake and sugar into a paste.<br />
<br />
5) Drain and reserve brine from cabbage. Rinse the cabbage briefly to remove salt. Squeeze the cabbage to remove excess moisture and return to mixing bowl.<br />
<br />
6) Again using gloves, add radish, green onion and Pepper paste to the mixing bowl with the cabbage and mix very thoroughly so that all of the vegetables are coated with paste.<br />
<br />
7) Take the mixed vegetables and pack into mason jars leaving 1.5 to 2 inches of headroom. Really squeeze the vegetables into the jar. Cover with reserved brine. If you have floating vegetables fill a small ziplock snack bag with brine and weigh down the vegetables making sure everything is covered in brine. Loosely screw on the lid of the mason jar and put mason jars in a baking dish.<br />
<br />
8) Allow the kimchi to stand in room temperature. Every day take a chopstick and stick it down the sides of the jar to allow excess gas to escape (be careful not to spill the brine) and taste a piece of vegetable. When the vegetable is at desired sourness remove the brine weight bags and place kimchi jars in the refrigerator.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Ironjackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441887771747701206noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6927660602752656227.post-43908050824731708482018-03-09T14:20:00.000-06:002018-03-09T14:25:55.160-06:00Hellos from a man of leisure.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K5Rd6jl6l7M/WqLoR0lw_gI/AAAAAAAAJrk/zyrK5KHkvccp_LX9qIRUjBBrSfK7RbBagCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_2126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K5Rd6jl6l7M/WqLoR0lw_gI/AAAAAAAAJrk/zyrK5KHkvccp_LX9qIRUjBBrSfK7RbBagCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_2126.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So yes I know it's been a while. After returning from Sydney back to Austin, my wife and I decided we should take time off together and travel. It's a rare thing for both of us to be off and not be constrained by vacation days left. We've seen some neat places and had some wonderful food. And as much as I have been posting about my trips here, it was far easier to post a few pictures on facebook. Long form posting is a tough thing to keep up with, and I was taking a break to recharge so that meant that this blog too had to take a break. It's hard taking pictures, touching up and choosing what you want to talk about. I am surprised I have been able to manage doing this for 10 years.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dyUhj6k2koA/WqLojzjrarI/AAAAAAAAJrs/UaI5N7rgZvIQlfeGjF4Jc9UI6zU1CIJ2gCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_7884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dyUhj6k2koA/WqLojzjrarI/AAAAAAAAJrs/UaI5N7rgZvIQlfeGjF4Jc9UI6zU1CIJ2gCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_7884.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Of course as a man of leisure there's much video game playing and lego building, a tough life to be sure, but I accept the responsibilities with great care and seriousness. (Zelda breath of the wild, zomg! you must play. )<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2vSDmvwOjRM/WqLsIGqaKBI/AAAAAAAAJsI/k_O5Ki1ni2E0nif-agdpSUn0UVt11EhtgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_4187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2vSDmvwOjRM/WqLsIGqaKBI/AAAAAAAAJsI/k_O5Ki1ni2E0nif-agdpSUn0UVt11EhtgCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_4187.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I've not been idle this whole time, just not full time. For instance there have been lots of helping with my friends' startup. (Warning: Shameless plug coming) If you need to setup a new business LLC go to <a href="https://zenbusiness.com/" target="_blank">ZenBusiness</a>! Setup is free and the team is super friendly and eager to help, you get personal attention where those other guys just shove a bunch of forms at you. (This will be an experiment, I want to see if they see my shameless plug here.)<br />
<br />
I'm still contemplating what I will do with this blog, obviously since I'm not working there's not much bento making happening these days. And during my time off I've made some lifestyle changes the biggest being that I'm now mostly Vegan for health reasons. (I remove the restrictions while traveling) It isn't that I'm opposed to eating meat and meat products (lord knows I really crave a steak and bbq all the time) but the move has done wonders for my cholesterol and blood pressure and trying to get off the meds would be a great thing. The results have been astounding. But it also means having to retrain how I cook and nourish myself.<br />
<br />
My hope is that at some point in the future I can get to the point of having meat-ful mondays (instead of meatless mondays) and still get a little meat back into my life. It's been about a year and it took about 3 months before it got easier. Granted giving myself a hall pass when I travel certainly helps keep me on the wagon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xc1Zr-Gb0Qo/WqLkc5OKxjI/AAAAAAAAJrU/OUpEaCAGv3oZMQve_8mqU9zJdMaD5bUDACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_3615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xc1Zr-Gb0Qo/WqLkc5OKxjI/AAAAAAAAJrU/OUpEaCAGv3oZMQve_8mqU9zJdMaD5bUDACK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_3615.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Above is one of my creations, I make it somewhat regularly in the toaster oven, it's sliced portabello with cashew ricotta, basil, oregano with some black truffle oil. I swear it hits that pizza craving spot dead on! It takes like a few mins to slam together 12 mins to bake. (I use ready made crust from the tomato sauce aisle.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HDOv12GcYy8/WqLrYM33sVI/AAAAAAAAJr8/m3yk_JxSpCc1y0Y2l_rYYMJ0XzcL-rQPwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_3820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HDOv12GcYy8/WqLrYM33sVI/AAAAAAAAJr8/m3yk_JxSpCc1y0Y2l_rYYMJ0XzcL-rQPwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_3820.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
There's still experimentation going on in the kitchen. I just made some kimchi. I'll probably post that at some point. I also did a pretty rock solid vegan chili that my friend said that if I hadn't said it was vegan chili he would have given me a good score on some meat chili, but learning it was actually vegan he was truly blown away.<br />
<br />
Ok wow, this turned out to be a longer hello than expected. Well this is Man of Leisure signing off for now. More soon(ish)!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Ironjackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441887771747701206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6927660602752656227.post-11310328786812822432017-05-30T15:00:00.001-05:002017-05-30T17:27:30.447-05:00Things I'll miss about Australia Pt 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8QfVBUpfeJc/WLn-i8o002I/AAAAAAAAIFc/H-ZJcG8hyQ4AdYusxW1ANc6oroeJDoNfgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8QfVBUpfeJc/WLn-i8o002I/AAAAAAAAIFc/H-ZJcG8hyQ4AdYusxW1ANc6oroeJDoNfgCLcB/s640/IMG_5591.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm telling you the Opera house pictures never get old for me. I'm not sure what it is but everytime I run across one of these I have a smile on my face. Home stretch here folks. These are the last of the pictures that highlight the things I'll miss about living in Sydney. I'm sure there's stuff I've left out. It's been 4 months now since our return and I'll confess that I miss it more and more. It was such a different life. Anyhow onwards and upwards. Apols (that's what they say there) in advance for jumping around but I went on a sweep for the last pictures I might have missed, so it's all over the place.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NVPFHGg6a2E/WLn_oi1_0PI/AAAAAAAAIFk/6ztIfES_aaM2M8UgeNvnvj6MJ3nUAeDzgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NVPFHGg6a2E/WLn_oi1_0PI/AAAAAAAAIFk/6ztIfES_aaM2M8UgeNvnvj6MJ3nUAeDzgCLcB/s320/IMG_1179.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Ok this is going to sound really really stupid. But that plastic box pictured above is a standard "take away" box. In other words if you order take out or ask for a box to take stuff home (beware some places don't let you) you will get your food in a container like the one above. Sometimes it's black on the bottom, sometimes it's twice the volume (deeper but same lid size) but for the most part it's always that container. Why is this awesome? Here's why: 1) it's re-useable/recyclable , 2) dishwasher safe, 3)microwaveable. 4)EVERY LID fits on EVERY OTHER box. The exception is the soup bowl type which is a similar bowl with a lid that is likewise more or less universal. BAM tupperware solved. Bam Bento Boxes solved. One more observation here, is that this little box is enough food for lunch. It won't fit "American" sized portions of food or lunch, but no restaurant in Australia serves the generous portions we're use to in the US.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kEPN3Wd36cs/WLpC4WrOW8I/AAAAAAAAIGM/dOmVU-bAqf0Kwu6zeZ94TNhyjKDfCnPPQCLcB/s1600/IMG_4005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kEPN3Wd36cs/WLpC4WrOW8I/AAAAAAAAIGM/dOmVU-bAqf0Kwu6zeZ94TNhyjKDfCnPPQCLcB/s400/IMG_4005.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
I never acquired the taste of Vegemite however Australians seem to really love the stuff. Here's a picture of our cupboard at work, full of Vegemite (the shelves above had Vegemite too)! It's got this weird mushroom taste to it. Ever quarter I would get some toast smear on butter and the thinnest veneer of Vegemite to see if it had grown on me. Nope.. As a parting gift my team gave me a custom jar with my name on it and sent me an extra tube of the stuff as a care package they mailed to me. I miss those folks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BhqGGv7tzWA/WLpA60BzZ8I/AAAAAAAAIGA/Sw6e-9REH7UGcdu89toe_-_zV7ZRlzbWACLcB/s1600/IMG_1172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BhqGGv7tzWA/WLpA60BzZ8I/AAAAAAAAIGA/Sw6e-9REH7UGcdu89toe_-_zV7ZRlzbWACLcB/s400/IMG_1172.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Favorite quick authentic chinese take out? Once again in world square: "Taste of Shanghai". Din Tai Fung still my favorite, but for the budget real deal Chinese food it was a goto.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TGMeuS_pLPA/WLpEJa-N5QI/AAAAAAAAIGY/j_qiMT_uXEgswNJdGNsW4ygYzUdavNGoQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TGMeuS_pLPA/WLpEJa-N5QI/AAAAAAAAIGY/j_qiMT_uXEgswNJdGNsW4ygYzUdavNGoQCLcB/s400/IMG_1170.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Daiso, it's a japanese dollar store. I managed to snap a picture of it. I realize they have Daiso in the US (just not here in Austin) but they had like 7 in Sydney. Basically it was a dollar (well $2.87) store with the best kitchen gadgets and stationary even minor tools.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yb1Zhah9D9w/WLpE6bEzmAI/AAAAAAAAIGk/jrdSNKUMvYQYxu7ZgMrzmvv-eH_6an9nACLcB/s1600/baodao.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yb1Zhah9D9w/WLpE6bEzmAI/AAAAAAAAIGk/jrdSNKUMvYQYxu7ZgMrzmvv-eH_6an9nACLcB/s400/baodao.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Bao Dao located in Chatswood (one of several predominantly Asian suburbs) serves some of the best Taiwanese food. My wife asked me to replicate several of the dishes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EEqU_6hApRw/WLpFqYuiM-I/AAAAAAAAIGs/9Pq4kXc4wP8yllyDoaL2H1IG5MxfbL1AgCLcB/s1600/IMG_4902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EEqU_6hApRw/WLpFqYuiM-I/AAAAAAAAIGs/9Pq4kXc4wP8yllyDoaL2H1IG5MxfbL1AgCLcB/s400/IMG_4902.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
One of the things I missed the most while over in Sydney was American BBQ. What they call BBQ in Australia is what we call grilling. There's no low and slow meats, however we did have Jazz city BBQ in Surry Hills, which was run by a guy from Michigan. His beef ribs were phenomenal (that giant "fred flinstone" rib on the right). It was quite unfortunate that he closed the location. There was frequently a line out of the door so I'm not sure what happened.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9QAOberOeoY/WLpGYZzqDTI/AAAAAAAAIG0/F3TC-O6MT9QoBxhHOLjPpmDgRZO9949JwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9QAOberOeoY/WLpGYZzqDTI/AAAAAAAAIG0/F3TC-O6MT9QoBxhHOLjPpmDgRZO9949JwCLcB/s400/IMG_5590.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
We made a lot of great friends while in Sydney and we'll miss them all. Especially this little guy, Milton is his name. He is our neighbor's dog and we baby sat him occasionally. He always loved coming to visit since I would give him bits of salami I had in the fridge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lF0gNfB2sgI/WS3wcAoE3fI/AAAAAAAAIPE/SjpsgOlkpTILZV6UIkYQtJROs3UrPm7pwCLcB/s1600/baccomatto.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lF0gNfB2sgI/WS3wcAoE3fI/AAAAAAAAIPE/SjpsgOlkpTILZV6UIkYQtJROs3UrPm7pwCLcB/s400/baccomatto.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Speaking of our awesome neighbors/friends: They introduced us to Baccomatto Osteria in Surry Hills. Our favorite Italian place the menu changes quite often and they have daily specials written up on their chalk board. We went to this place a lot.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FuEIOfFLRKE/WS3dNE602mI/AAAAAAAAILY/if5esPHpcbYf6e-FPyGfAbFfYKoSiAUtQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FuEIOfFLRKE/WS3dNE602mI/AAAAAAAAILY/if5esPHpcbYf6e-FPyGfAbFfYKoSiAUtQCLcB/s400/IMG_0136.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Momofuku was one of our best dining experiences in Sydney. It's located in "the Star" casino. I know there are David Chang restaurants in the US but we haven't tried them. This is definitely a must try for food lovers. It's an open kitchen and they you get to watch everything like a well choreographed dance.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z-lpfd8l_jI/WS3d2gTJXlI/AAAAAAAAILg/TLRg3L5xdgUFeDvjWksxS8B88ksGLkQRACLcB/s1600/IMG_0367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z-lpfd8l_jI/WS3d2gTJXlI/AAAAAAAAILg/TLRg3L5xdgUFeDvjWksxS8B88ksGLkQRACLcB/s400/IMG_0367.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The Australian Museum of Natural Science right off William street and park street (next to hyde park) is Australia's oldest museum. As my friend said, it's definitely an old school museum with dinosaur bones and all that but worth a look.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xpYExRSui6g/WS3edSzdQSI/AAAAAAAAILo/W8-yCIRxtK0fkcUboxU5wP5-QHOCFoadACLcB/s1600/IMG_3953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xpYExRSui6g/WS3edSzdQSI/AAAAAAAAILo/W8-yCIRxtK0fkcUboxU5wP5-QHOCFoadACLcB/s320/IMG_3953.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As I said before they really get into Lunar new year. Always very festive.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BJMM76k9Ook/WS3gLgUeAwI/AAAAAAAAIMI/7Tuz4rAm40k3OxJe3JRisWRRnKL9Bv_DgCLcB/s1600/IMG_4785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BJMM76k9Ook/WS3gLgUeAwI/AAAAAAAAIMI/7Tuz4rAm40k3OxJe3JRisWRRnKL9Bv_DgCLcB/s400/IMG_4785.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Dragon. Since it was the year of the Dragon our first year there.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VWQkHnBjGWo/WS3ehHNWv-I/AAAAAAAAILs/ZqV1pRPNsZA41IJaUd5-oucCR-Fp3P3yACLcB/s1600/IMG_4021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VWQkHnBjGWo/WS3ehHNWv-I/AAAAAAAAILs/ZqV1pRPNsZA41IJaUd5-oucCR-Fp3P3yACLcB/s320/IMG_4021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Long Grain restaurant in Surry hills was a favorite for the above "egg net" thai salad dish. The rest of the menu is quite good as well.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kAQIpJiwhJc/WS3fh57QCVI/AAAAAAAAIL4/jzYRDGa1TysHdn34PVjngbYcYX9f2KcMwCLcB/s1600/IMG_4165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kAQIpJiwhJc/WS3fh57QCVI/AAAAAAAAIL4/jzYRDGa1TysHdn34PVjngbYcYX9f2KcMwCLcB/s320/IMG_4165.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I never encountered a Turkish Gozleme until I visited Sydney, but they are everywhere here. It's something like a tex-mex Quesadilla that is stuffed with a variety of toppings and pan toasted but the "tortilla" is a thinly rolled out dough that is very crispy and flaky similar to a Chinese breakfast biscuit. I'm very partial to the eggs, Turkish sausage and feta from these guys up in "the Rocks" on Saturdays.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b0xISfbIbkE/WS3fmlhzKyI/AAAAAAAAIL8/3eF8G6UQIrEct2yxj3QLTdYoyINsHLcMgCLcB/s1600/IMG_4285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b0xISfbIbkE/WS3fmlhzKyI/AAAAAAAAIL8/3eF8G6UQIrEct2yxj3QLTdYoyINsHLcMgCLcB/s400/IMG_4285.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
While you're in Sydney go see an Opera. We didn't go into the opera house to see a show but we should have. Instead we did go see this great outdoor opera. The sets were elaborate and they did a wonderful job with acoustics despite the open air location.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uvOndyGRomw/WS3f5EtLv3I/AAAAAAAAIMA/2JOloy4hQ-4ABBqOKuRjBI3ril78xh4zACLcB/s1600/IMG_4441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uvOndyGRomw/WS3f5EtLv3I/AAAAAAAAIMA/2JOloy4hQ-4ABBqOKuRjBI3ril78xh4zACLcB/s400/IMG_4441.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Vivid Sydney is a time of year that the whole city is lit up in lights. It's a neat way to take in the night sights and get out.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qli-_r_27l4/WS3f8iTaSRI/AAAAAAAAIME/p6tXjGGVqrkzdoeXlGP17fDDIWJWivV1wCLcB/s1600/IMG_4443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qli-_r_27l4/WS3f8iTaSRI/AAAAAAAAIME/p6tXjGGVqrkzdoeXlGP17fDDIWJWivV1wCLcB/s400/IMG_4443.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
View of Vivid Sydney from Darlingharbour. Yes as always fireworks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PEGP78_MUB4/WS3gndtr5xI/AAAAAAAAIMM/itN1N1GrKCYz2BqdThl0DL2Uad3lDsZTgCLcB/s1600/IMG_4794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PEGP78_MUB4/WS3gndtr5xI/AAAAAAAAIMM/itN1N1GrKCYz2BqdThl0DL2Uad3lDsZTgCLcB/s400/IMG_4794.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Cafe Paci has been a "pop up" restaurant for quite some time now (does it still count as a popup?). When we went it was a 13 course meal. A bit pricey but very interesting food. I also like the fact that they named the popup after what was left of the sign of the previous restaurant. (Cafe Pacifico).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CjinC3QUQfI/WS3hLRVtmMI/AAAAAAAAIMU/8m7jPNqnFXc4e0X865d6_HCghSS4p66nwCLcB/s1600/IMG_4914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CjinC3QUQfI/WS3hLRVtmMI/AAAAAAAAIMU/8m7jPNqnFXc4e0X865d6_HCghSS4p66nwCLcB/s400/IMG_4914.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The Royal Botanical Gardens. This is a picture of the "governor's castle". As I mentioned in previous posts, there are lots of great big parks in the city, it's a great perk to have in such a big city. The Botanical Gardens are very nice, great place for a picnic and there's lots to explore.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h7RITsq6Q1k/WS3h6J_u5vI/AAAAAAAAIMc/23SYvqNofCk9VfkpD_dZViQ91RuECBnYgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h7RITsq6Q1k/WS3h6J_u5vI/AAAAAAAAIMc/23SYvqNofCk9VfkpD_dZViQ91RuECBnYgCLcB/s400/IMG_5022.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
There are a *lot* of sushi train or conveyor belt sushi restaurants in Sydney. Most of them are pretty meh and if you compare to say Uchi, Uchiko, or Soto here in Austin you'll be pretty disappointed. But if you need a quick sushi fix with a very reasonable price it's a good option. Our favorite was Umi sushi down by Haymarket. (there are multiple branches but this is one of their main ones). They have a pretty good variety of rolls and fish. The plates are color coded for plate prices.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwg29cdHxUIKzL99uO-pYdecDFIyGHEsHGr71KDwxLKqDXsFrV6UJWMq-nCgfaa_8CKNUiSTQ4nEebiElugyQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Here's a video of the chef making tamoyaki. It was hypnotizing and delicious.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cHLjWFluMpI/WS3j6tvwebI/AAAAAAAAIMo/hzD9fawx0Q4b6b1RRS5szVt00PMyUGSsgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cHLjWFluMpI/WS3j6tvwebI/AAAAAAAAIMo/hzD9fawx0Q4b6b1RRS5szVt00PMyUGSsgCLcB/s640/IMG_5414.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The Royal Randwick race course. Unfortunately I did not get to see a race here, but it was pretty cool to see it while it was completely empty. There's a pretty large national obsession with horse racing here. The Melbourne cup actually is basically a national holiday since everyone is off that day. I suppose it's pretty exciting but the race is over in 3-4 mins. I watched it and asked my friends, "so was that it? there's not more?"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MBGJX7h6SYY/WS3kmWaGwAI/AAAAAAAAIMw/XCxStG0AZ8saH5w1fDQo_LmbHBLELyecgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5416.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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MBGJX7h6SYY/WS3kmWaGwAI/AAAAAAAAIMw/XCxStG0AZ8saH5w1fDQo_LmbHBLELyecgCLcB/s400/IMG_5416.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We favor the East Phoenix but another great Dim Sum place Haymarket/Chinatown is the Marigold restaurant. As my cousin put it, "yup it's legit, good food and full of waiters that are rude to you". Truthfully the staff can be a bit pushy but it's all about efficiency here, you don't wait very long before the carts swarm you and your table is full of food.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8fyQbQyxb9g/WS3u7Cs-cKI/AAAAAAAAIO0/AML-mJL2wykC506WYZHdbwq7Ilf51m6cACLcB/s1600/luwei.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8fyQbQyxb9g/WS3u7Cs-cKI/AAAAAAAAIO0/AML-mJL2wykC506WYZHdbwq7Ilf51m6cACLcB/s400/luwei.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Ok this place is closed but I'm putting it up here because it was awesome. Lu Wei is a braised Taiwanese street food, basically you go around pick your ingredients and they braise it in this giant cauldron of soup filled with spices. Great for the winter. My wife was super excited when this opened and there were lines of people for a while but it didn't quite make it. There's lots better in Taiwan of course but this was the only thing like it in all of Sydney and the surrounding suburbs.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SfouxBDA72M/WS3u_56g9pI/AAAAAAAAIO4/zm2QJ6-jhzMRfjg32ErCLje6RdCWey0_wCLcB/s1600/mrcrackling.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SfouxBDA72M/WS3u_56g9pI/AAAAAAAAIO4/zm2QJ6-jhzMRfjg32ErCLje6RdCWey0_wCLcB/s400/mrcrackling.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mr Crackling. They sell you whole sheets of fresh pork crackling. There's not much else to say than that really.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mL3JqtKJvyY/WS3mbxUN53I/AAAAAAAAIM8/1oh7uYbwm9s0IzXkMeIE_sC8qqjaiPIoQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mL3JqtKJvyY/WS3mbxUN53I/AAAAAAAAIM8/1oh7uYbwm9s0IzXkMeIE_sC8qqjaiPIoQCLcB/s400/IMG_5662.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bHZV1dsBEwg/WS3mqYQnhRI/AAAAAAAAINA/l5ESpC_qxwQ89MLncQBUKM6yFUXjH6-4ACLcB/s1600/IMG_5670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bHZV1dsBEwg/WS3mqYQnhRI/AAAAAAAAINA/l5ESpC_qxwQ89MLncQBUKM6yFUXjH6-4ACLcB/s400/IMG_5670.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I realize this picture is a repeat. Sydney puts up a lot of food festivals, but our favorite is the Sydney Noodle night market. Lots and lots of food very festive best part it was right down the street at Hyde park every year.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uk99Jrz9nYk/WS3nbHiBicI/AAAAAAAAINM/BY1yuso82WM11xVxQ-ntcQbk795_CCHlwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uk99Jrz9nYk/WS3nbHiBicI/AAAAAAAAINM/BY1yuso82WM11xVxQ-ntcQbk795_CCHlwCLcB/s400/IMG_5756.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This is not the best picture of the tower but it's the best I could find. Pretty much every big city has a tower these days, but I really enjoyed visiting the Westfield tower, it was a nice view of all of Sydney and quite peaceful. Every visitor we had taken there seemed to enjoy it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k88nBs4ee5s/WS3nRfkAVaI/AAAAAAAAINI/o1a45fnWYHUbEH0Y7r5sJQ_oL8e3utuvwCLcB/s1600/IMG_6108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k88nBs4ee5s/WS3nRfkAVaI/AAAAAAAAINI/o1a45fnWYHUbEH0Y7r5sJQ_oL8e3utuvwCLcB/s400/IMG_6108.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Seriously, who has birds this color? beautiful! Much better than the grackles and pigeons we have here at home.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EjqJS1bbYM8/WS3oMH5KBUI/AAAAAAAAINY/3VbGo4gOeWIiV84SXgpqe2aXqEssAMvdACLcB/s1600/IMG_6198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EjqJS1bbYM8/WS3oMH5KBUI/AAAAAAAAINY/3VbGo4gOeWIiV84SXgpqe2aXqEssAMvdACLcB/s400/IMG_6198.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
QVB. The Queen Victoria Building, a place of high end shopping some hidden treasures for food a great hobby store and has an awesome 4 story christmas tree running up the middle decked out in Swarovski crystals. A night they don't close the building until late but all the shops are closed (it has an access to the train station) it's a great place to take a picture, it has an old school architecture and during the holidays the lights are pretty neat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O5HNqoishxg/WS3pLaNXVRI/AAAAAAAAINk/peUNiXsQQ_cv4nBdvi1825EEE2suWh_4wCLcB/s1600/IMG_6205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O5HNqoishxg/WS3pLaNXVRI/AAAAAAAAINk/peUNiXsQQ_cv4nBdvi1825EEE2suWh_4wCLcB/s400/IMG_6205.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Jacaranda tree. This tree is a transplant from South America apparently but they are everywhere. For several weeks during the year whole areas are this purple color.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xgI7OJHoq34/WS3qE6lhbSI/AAAAAAAAINw/zIhnnpEjy9gSwtz4lUoIF7M5FM4HvMk0wCLcB/s1600/IMG_6441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xgI7OJHoq34/WS3qE6lhbSI/AAAAAAAAINw/zIhnnpEjy9gSwtz4lUoIF7M5FM4HvMk0wCLcB/s320/IMG_6441.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I don't know why, but bottarga di muggine (the italian name) is a delicacy that is highly prized in Chinese cuisine, but I have found it very popular in Italian, Greek, Spanish and Portuguese cuisine. It's a cured egg roe sac of a black mullet. (the Italian do Tuna as well) easily found in lots of places around the world but not in the US. Anyhow I brought like 7 home if necessary I'll go back and get more :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PqTeOwKd_qo/WS3rJLXkLlI/AAAAAAAAIN8/9eh3JZ5MePIzVRzZXATHmfl4CKLmqWWGgCLcB/s1600/IMG_6502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PqTeOwKd_qo/WS3rJLXkLlI/AAAAAAAAIN8/9eh3JZ5MePIzVRzZXATHmfl4CKLmqWWGgCLcB/s400/IMG_6502.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
One of my friends would occasionally get us all together and take us to his favorite middle eastern restaurants. (he's moving to Austin, so I can't wait to see what he thinks of some of the local stuff here) Anyhow, I'll miss our outings and dinner talks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZoiYuF7G9k/WS3rQWL-vJI/AAAAAAAAIOA/jlbA8_B-r1wKt5eGCyvsLNnLDog11na3wCLcB/s1600/IMG_6545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="1600" height="217" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZoiYuF7G9k/WS3rQWL-vJI/AAAAAAAAIOA/jlbA8_B-r1wKt5eGCyvsLNnLDog11na3wCLcB/s640/IMG_6545.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There is an often missed gem that you should go see. On the south east pylon of the Sydney harbor bridge there is a museum where you can go all the way to the top of the pylon and learn about the building of the bridge and get a magnificent view of the harbor. The door way is very non-descript but it's worth a hike up to see, you get to it on the street level not the "bridge walk" where you go over the bridge. It's one of those things that even the locals don't seem to know about. When I told my coworkers about it the reply was, "oh? there's a museum up there? I've seen people go up there but never been myself".<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--p7EJlSK8MY/WS3r8XN5pnI/AAAAAAAAIOI/5FunDYW7UcIoeeOP0dbJjb98Q0iBj7jqQCLcB/s1600/IMG_7725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--p7EJlSK8MY/WS3r8XN5pnI/AAAAAAAAIOI/5FunDYW7UcIoeeOP0dbJjb98Q0iBj7jqQCLcB/s400/IMG_7725.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Pilu at freshwater (beach). We had brunch there. Sardianian food very yummy. This was the roast piglet which is *the* dish people get. I wish there were more of it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SkAu8efO3WI/WS3su5WYoLI/AAAAAAAAIOU/5-1rkWmcUWw-og3FBYGOgNG18IsApE_AgCLcB/s1600/IMG_8032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SkAu8efO3WI/WS3su5WYoLI/AAAAAAAAIOU/5-1rkWmcUWw-og3FBYGOgNG18IsApE_AgCLcB/s400/IMG_8032.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Cockatoos, they are everywhere. Cute but noisy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z8zbEH9AiiI/WS3w1AggOxI/AAAAAAAAIPI/WMkEkrrLtlMR89PRnKi7DnesyAqY5FG7wCLcB/s1600/Barrenjoey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="1600" height="190" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z8zbEH9AiiI/WS3w1AggOxI/AAAAAAAAIPI/WMkEkrrLtlMR89PRnKi7DnesyAqY5FG7wCLcB/s640/Barrenjoey.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
They let me rent a boat out in BarrenJoey. Lots to do in the Palm Beach area.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A7hp_uzSvLo/WS3sy_Gp46I/AAAAAAAAIOY/yI9P8yIzW6U7KRtfP4k0DIRFt4YP8esZQCLcB/s1600/IMG_8167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A7hp_uzSvLo/WS3sy_Gp46I/AAAAAAAAIOY/yI9P8yIzW6U7KRtfP4k0DIRFt4YP8esZQCLcB/s400/IMG_8167.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
I talked about St Mary's cathedral. You really need to go in and take a look. It's a beautiful church.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UsFNw2F66eo/WS3s24QsVoI/AAAAAAAAIOc/oHf9aG4BAr47JjNfBRSgumcxqYLQQjyNwCLcB/s1600/IMG_8221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UsFNw2F66eo/WS3s24QsVoI/AAAAAAAAIOc/oHf9aG4BAr47JjNfBRSgumcxqYLQQjyNwCLcB/s400/IMG_8221.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I know I've talked about the opera house but you should take a tour. The inside is as magnificent as the outside.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--3jzjUtzZHY/WS3s7dYekZI/AAAAAAAAIOg/TnxTqQCV-RULGaUSvqz_M-TjUgpibz-hACLcB/s1600/IMG_8243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--3jzjUtzZHY/WS3s7dYekZI/AAAAAAAAIOg/TnxTqQCV-RULGaUSvqz_M-TjUgpibz-hACLcB/s400/IMG_8243.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And there are so many more theatres and rooms than the three big auditoriums. The place goes levels deep and hosts a lots of smaller performances in various room tucked under the main platform that the main auditoriums sit on top of. Above is one of the smaller theaters where they do some TV productions. There are 1000 (!!!!) rooms in the Sydney Opera house!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j7nimbBMfGc/WS3tklfVauI/AAAAAAAAIOo/n9tpYPaWCHoHRGfexTuDVL6scWNJS2bGgCLcB/s1600/IMG_8282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j7nimbBMfGc/WS3tklfVauI/AAAAAAAAIOo/n9tpYPaWCHoHRGfexTuDVL6scWNJS2bGgCLcB/s400/IMG_8282.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
(I'm about to cause an argument. )Our favorite fish and chips place was Doyles at Watson's bay. It's kinda classier than their other establishments, but the fish was done really well here and there's lots of fish and preparations to choose from.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-svF3MwVQzXI/WS3w7ygYaHI/AAAAAAAAIPM/dey8hjX3mREBHWbmwTGHgw-K06XVUvHGACLcB/s1600/IMG_8334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-svF3MwVQzXI/WS3w7ygYaHI/AAAAAAAAIPM/dey8hjX3mREBHWbmwTGHgw-K06XVUvHGACLcB/s400/IMG_8334.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I did get to see a local Rugby game. It was a hoot. Something about being will get you cheering for the team, even if you know nothing about the game or how it's scored. Fortunately I had a friend to help me out there. (Thanks Woody!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-USWeTgXellw/WS3xCubBWwI/AAAAAAAAIPQ/Fx8k7fqVEwMTRjxjyBTeEYum5bAlzd6LgCLcB/s1600/IMG_8869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="1600" height="234" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-USWeTgXellw/WS3xCubBWwI/AAAAAAAAIPQ/Fx8k7fqVEwMTRjxjyBTeEYum5bAlzd6LgCLcB/s640/IMG_8869.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
More bridge and harbor. This is from the west side of the bridge from Dawes point. Less folks visit that part but there are some nice restaurants near there.<br />
<br />
Well start with the harbor and you end with the harbor. I'm sure there's a bunch of stuff I've missed, but these were definitely the minimum highlights. Two years flashes by really quickly and there's a lot to miss about my temporary home, if you go I hope you visit some of these places just make sure you take some time there, it's a long way to go and you might as well see everything while you're there!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Ironjackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441887771747701206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6927660602752656227.post-10026289574338923352017-03-05T09:00:00.000-06:002017-03-05T11:43:25.530-06:00Things I'll miss about Australia Pt 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m8fxn7u983E/WLh83ns6dqI/AAAAAAAAICA/RymQFi0ixK8hHReLSqgDHmYlhmmSZWdfwCLcB/s1600/Title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m8fxn7u983E/WLh83ns6dqI/AAAAAAAAICA/RymQFi0ixK8hHReLSqgDHmYlhmmSZWdfwCLcB/s640/Title.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm back in the US writing these final retrospective posts summarizing the highlights of my stay in Australia. Looking back at the photos, we managed to pack in some great memories and make some awesome friends. I'll confess there's a tug at the heart strings as I look at these pictures. The above shot is a picture from our 8th floor swimming pool area. The park below is hyde park which I walk through to get to work daily.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ow2p5CIYToo/WLh9aD94m8I/AAAAAAAAICE/WjDlvU0KX7MW9Tt4bP8IiG7-9xMvWd6HACLcB/s1600/Title2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ow2p5CIYToo/WLh9aD94m8I/AAAAAAAAICE/WjDlvU0KX7MW9Tt4bP8IiG7-9xMvWd6HACLcB/s400/Title2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's another shot from a building we *almost* decided to live in. (I was advised it was a party house and not to bother, I'm happy with our final selection).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RxZF6Fv51bk/WLnoJkp2HxI/AAAAAAAAIDE/F8bsQu_gHQcd847Y3RzL5DihlkFHj13oQCLcB/s1600/IMG_4035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RxZF6Fv51bk/WLnoJkp2HxI/AAAAAAAAIDE/F8bsQu_gHQcd847Y3RzL5DihlkFHj13oQCLcB/s400/IMG_4035.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
One of the nice benefits of living right by Hyde Park was that it was often a staging area for a lot of parades. Above is the "Mardi Gras" parade which is actually the Pride parade. This was confusing as it wasn't anywhere near Mardi Gras but the costumes and signs gave a big hint.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CZmZVLIpaKM/WLnu5R6fbyI/AAAAAAAAIDo/JUy-n_3EFWwvQplRoB1i4y9SR498mtCuwCLcB/s1600/IMG_4327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CZmZVLIpaKM/WLnu5R6fbyI/AAAAAAAAIDo/JUy-n_3EFWwvQplRoB1i4y9SR498mtCuwCLcB/s400/IMG_4327.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
One of the many unusual animals that are part of city life in Sydney. This is a picture of what they call a Possum. They look like giant squirrels and are a lot cuter than the ones we have in the US. You often see them scavenging in the trash cans around the park<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-unAaE2Tf9no/WLnq5zF5NAI/AAAAAAAAIDc/aprJZrxkR2g7Wd2iu2CtatEzwch_nHvLACLcB/s1600/IMG_5608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-unAaE2Tf9no/WLnq5zF5NAI/AAAAAAAAIDc/aprJZrxkR2g7Wd2iu2CtatEzwch_nHvLACLcB/s400/IMG_5608.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Right near hyde park on my daily walk to work was St. Mary's Cathedral. This isn't the usual front shot of the church, but I happened by and there was a great rainbow that crossed over it so I took a shot. The inside is pretty amazing as well. It was part of my walking tour of Sydney that would take visitors. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hw8QYmJnsO0/WLiHhOHEtNI/AAAAAAAAICQ/IgQszhIYa_cwYPkGYygOOy1TdArLa9bvQCLcB/s1600/IMG_6153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hw8QYmJnsO0/WLiHhOHEtNI/AAAAAAAAICQ/IgQszhIYa_cwYPkGYygOOy1TdArLa9bvQCLcB/s400/IMG_6153.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
I know there's a lot of jumping around here, it's kind of like the stories of Merlyn (Merlin) where he lives time backwards. So these posts are a bit like that I suppose since we are winding back the clock to the first things we visited. OK, on with the tour. If you hit Pyrmont Bridge/Darling Harbour area they have a great Maritime museum and parked right next to it are a few boats from the clipper ship era. For a small donation (we gave 5 AUD each) you get to walk through the ships and see the ships that would ship coal from the UK to Australia. It's hard to believe people sailed on these things for months at a time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kvOdqmJTF1M/WLnmkGb2Z7I/AAAAAAAAIC4/_8fkD9E5unAD3X3sNVuRipcg1gJ3wyBKACLcB/s1600/IMG_5945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kvOdqmJTF1M/WLnmkGb2Z7I/AAAAAAAAIC4/_8fkD9E5unAD3X3sNVuRipcg1gJ3wyBKACLcB/s400/IMG_5945.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
On the south end of Darling Harbour area is a Chinese Garden of Friendship. It's an interesting shot of a traditional imperial garden surrounded by high rises. From the outside it looks a bit janky but once inside it's quite nice! Great place to visit and have some tea and mooncakes. It was only $6 (AUD) to get in.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span id="goog_1431658366"></span><span id="goog_1431658367"></span><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/1pmLd5Zio1k/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1pmLd5Zio1k?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6mpz9NGBauc/WLnlXNvvZPI/AAAAAAAAICw/UAK_BI-581Qb9pagg8bDL1SJhhMwamU9wCLcB/s1600/IMG_6141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6mpz9NGBauc/WLnlXNvvZPI/AAAAAAAAICw/UAK_BI-581Qb9pagg8bDL1SJhhMwamU9wCLcB/s400/IMG_6141.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Also in Darling Harbour is the aquarium. It claims to be the only place to see a Dugong (a cousin of the North American Manatee). It was cute, nom nom noming away at the lettuce.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XxPdDFwkD2c/WLni7OW9LdI/AAAAAAAAICg/GF139TsZyTETkXSezZZZMCK1xgsYwBoHQCLcB/s1600/IMG_6147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XxPdDFwkD2c/WLni7OW9LdI/AAAAAAAAICg/GF139TsZyTETkXSezZZZMCK1xgsYwBoHQCLcB/s400/IMG_6147.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Nurse Shark<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wcJwQRrlE_I/WLnkd5A4DeI/AAAAAAAAICo/Lw9OnELXXIYVWyzwegIw9b90URlYxpwbgCLcB/s1600/mamak.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wcJwQRrlE_I/WLnkd5A4DeI/AAAAAAAAICo/Lw9OnELXXIYVWyzwegIw9b90URlYxpwbgCLcB/s400/mamak.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Walking back towards Chinatown, there is a restaurant that always seems to have a line: Mamak which features Malaysian food. They have a window up front where you can watch the guy making roti. The roti was quite good. I'm not sure I'd stand in line for it (we caught them just as they opened one day and got in quickly. They are located on Goulburn street right before you get to the Chinatown gates.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nyVG6EOYC4Q/WLnoy8f1HzI/AAAAAAAAIDI/57iwHc_a-ngwxBwOYKj7BupHCesrTeUTwCLcB/s1600/IMG_3928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nyVG6EOYC4Q/WLnoy8f1HzI/AAAAAAAAIDI/57iwHc_a-ngwxBwOYKj7BupHCesrTeUTwCLcB/s400/IMG_3928.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I talked a little about China town but it was certainly nice to live in a place that had an actual China town. Every Friday night there would be a night market with plenty of food and goods.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hw6R_rmxrjs/WLn1wQz4VSI/AAAAAAAAIEo/s_M_jjQwjIIMkj0CdefasKKCSQ37p2p3wCLcB/s1600/IMG_6082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hw6R_rmxrjs/WLn1wQz4VSI/AAAAAAAAIEo/s_M_jjQwjIIMkj0CdefasKKCSQ37p2p3wCLcB/s400/IMG_6082.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The market had a stall where someone was making traditional Dragon beard candy. Hand pulled into fine sugar threads with a peanut center.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BWgu0OsM5lI/WLnpT001thI/AAAAAAAAIDM/p5h59mqEvYABwWp5u8Z7Pf2sXLlVdR7SgCLcB/s1600/IMG_3860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BWgu0OsM5lI/WLnpT001thI/AAAAAAAAIDM/p5h59mqEvYABwWp5u8Z7Pf2sXLlVdR7SgCLcB/s400/IMG_3860.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I would say the anchor of Chinatown is Market City located at the end of Haymarket. Below you have Paddy's market. Open daily, it features a fresh vegetables, butcher and seafood market.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b9hKI9UqKgI/WLnpmVPfvZI/AAAAAAAAIDQ/5nXPv6wZ_j4J_U2JreaBr8_BVmncEB8CgCLcB/s1600/IMG_3861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b9hKI9UqKgI/WLnpmVPfvZI/AAAAAAAAIDQ/5nXPv6wZ_j4J_U2JreaBr8_BVmncEB8CgCLcB/s400/IMG_3861.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
On the same level is stall after stall of "knock off" goods. Pretty much anything you need from fake bags to clothes and sun glasses.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_K_7K0rNi9U/WLnqBcC16qI/AAAAAAAAIDU/nGE00qZmocIYWxPBYzM2wIbel9kU9TSyACLcB/s1600/IMG_4987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_K_7K0rNi9U/WLnqBcC16qI/AAAAAAAAIDU/nGE00qZmocIYWxPBYzM2wIbel9kU9TSyACLcB/s400/IMG_4987.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Including my favorite: "loz blocks", basically mini lego blocks produced in china that didn't seem to care about character licensing. I acquired a large collection to feed my lego habit since transporting them home doesn't present the problem lego blocks do.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wjAAuTQVLQo/WLnvvEqRrRI/AAAAAAAAIDw/LcNkytt7xngK5g2gIJlYfG4KujWf6iWnQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wjAAuTQVLQo/WLnvvEqRrRI/AAAAAAAAIDw/LcNkytt7xngK5g2gIJlYfG4KujWf6iWnQCLcB/s320/IMG_5893.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We did get to go to Melbourne a couple of times and we thoroughly enjoyed our experiences. Since we've been hitting the various towers in cities we figured it was worth hitting the Eureka Skydeck.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-74KfqcLCSTw/WLnv4areNiI/AAAAAAAAID0/b7lV3JQkh80tp_J_nxTVy43PZlppSOpSACLcB/s1600/IMG_5896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-74KfqcLCSTw/WLnv4areNiI/AAAAAAAAID0/b7lV3JQkh80tp_J_nxTVy43PZlppSOpSACLcB/s400/IMG_5896.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's a shot of the view. Melbourne is a neat place. I typically make the analogy of Sydney is much like Los Angeles as Melbourne is like San Francisco. Melbourne is much more well known for their cafes, culture and more gloomy weather.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l2mYPxS5UQk/WLnwZO2aFgI/AAAAAAAAID4/585du3P4BOgInMhlACsBi47LFSUg9ec2QCLcB/s1600/IMG_5902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l2mYPxS5UQk/WLnwZO2aFgI/AAAAAAAAID4/585du3P4BOgInMhlACsBi47LFSUg9ec2QCLcB/s400/IMG_5902.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
incidentally, you can find Australia's highest post office box in the Skydeck<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wRD23MUf-HA/WLnwr3JjFCI/AAAAAAAAID8/0qrzlkNYG4sz6EexNLzYd4eUiUYeUbEcACLcB/s1600/movida.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wRD23MUf-HA/WLnwr3JjFCI/AAAAAAAAID8/0qrzlkNYG4sz6EexNLzYd4eUiUYeUbEcACLcB/s400/movida.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
One of our favorite restaurants we visited was Movida Next Door. These are actually pictures of Movida Sydney, we were pretty bummed that it closed down. If you get a chance either Movida or Movida Next door are great tapas restaurants that you should check out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tc2_d_KjSbE/WLn2wDoePvI/AAAAAAAAIEw/0O2Olgohskk7CX73NLYccfO9ZGgRftIZgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tc2_d_KjSbE/WLn2wDoePvI/AAAAAAAAIEw/0O2Olgohskk7CX73NLYccfO9ZGgRftIZgCLcB/s400/IMG_5857.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Melbourne also had a nice zoo to visit. Here are some Lemurs sunning themselves. It was really weird they all started opening themselves up and sitting around looking very inappropriate. I mean come on who sits like that?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8P5BMsLA0E/WLn3AUVYDPI/AAAAAAAAIE0/n8sZ40GQCocy2LHs_S8djK2vyTBwYPzKACLcB/s1600/IMG_5968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8P5BMsLA0E/WLn3AUVYDPI/AAAAAAAAIE0/n8sZ40GQCocy2LHs_S8djK2vyTBwYPzKACLcB/s400/IMG_5968.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Wallabies<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_faxSQC3-YQ/WLn3XNGWb9I/AAAAAAAAIE4/oj9_KqHGdd4DSz4zdyKio3ylyhtWUPylgCLcB/s1600/IMG_6012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_faxSQC3-YQ/WLn3XNGWb9I/AAAAAAAAIE4/oj9_KqHGdd4DSz4zdyKio3ylyhtWUPylgCLcB/s400/IMG_6012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Fuzzy headed chickens called Silkies.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1JhAF-qOgIM/WLn3qxBNN-I/AAAAAAAAIE8/ZxmH5gkKky45MKLScuZRB-Z9L6564f9gwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1JhAF-qOgIM/WLn3qxBNN-I/AAAAAAAAIE8/ZxmH5gkKky45MKLScuZRB-Z9L6564f9gwCLcB/s400/IMG_5802.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
South Bank is a popular tourist destination. Lots of food and restaurants.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gttsK42xMIw/WLn4FgcMgSI/AAAAAAAAIFA/tOGutBj7Z90FsgUdjZGdksr2fwSDifo6QCLcB/s1600/IMG_5843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gttsK42xMIw/WLn4FgcMgSI/AAAAAAAAIFA/tOGutBj7Z90FsgUdjZGdksr2fwSDifo6QCLcB/s400/IMG_5843.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Australians (particularly Melbournites) are well known for their love of coffee. Australia was once a large tea drinking culture (and still are) but when the Italian immigrants landed the Ozzies went nuts over coffee, especially their "Flat white" somewhere in between a latte and a cappuccino. I have not had a good flat white since I've been back (several places have tried). The "drip" or "filter" coffee here is not quite the same anymore.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D9hfIBsZKpQ/WLnx0H4CJcI/AAAAAAAAIEE/0nSHan0IS2g8n4OUmCcJ-FXcH7wDB9WJgCLcB/s1600/IMG_4259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D9hfIBsZKpQ/WLnx0H4CJcI/AAAAAAAAIEE/0nSHan0IS2g8n4OUmCcJ-FXcH7wDB9WJgCLcB/s640/IMG_4259.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Ok technically it's not Australia but we did a couple of hops over to New Zealand. Ultimately we did hit a cruise around New Zealand but that's another post. NZ (N Zed as everyone calls it) is probably the only country easily accessible to Australia. We did visit a few places around the region but the others take 8 hours to get to (Japan, Singapore) or 5 hours (Fiji). The country is BEAUTIFUL! worth a visit if you're in the area.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YGo4tVGCcbs/WLnyvRZ82CI/AAAAAAAAIEM/bpsSDxrcQZAQaIP6E3n8nbSt7JAH1l9ngCLcB/s1600/IMG_4222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YGo4tVGCcbs/WLnyvRZ82CI/AAAAAAAAIEM/bpsSDxrcQZAQaIP6E3n8nbSt7JAH1l9ngCLcB/s400/IMG_4222.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
They have the closest Little fat Sheep Hot pot restaurant in ANZ. Turns out Sydney had a lot of hot pot restaurants but Little Fat Sheep has been our favorite since we first visited them in Houston.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IZAMh1ky41s/WLnzDk4yVGI/AAAAAAAAIEQ/LIG5_kKblt8no2Vfle7vPTQyoeK52esnACLcB/s1600/IMG_4220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IZAMh1ky41s/WLnzDk4yVGI/AAAAAAAAIEQ/LIG5_kKblt8no2Vfle7vPTQyoeK52esnACLcB/s400/IMG_4220.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Of course no visit to NZ is complete without a trip to the Hobbiton movie set. Pretty neat visit. They had folks constantly watering the land to keep it lush and green. I will warn you ahead of time "SPOILER ALERT:" you can't really go into any of the hobbit holes. They're just facades. A few open into umbrella closets for visitors. Bilbo's house actually went back 3 yards from the door. OK enough about NZ, there's plenty of time for that later. Back to Sydney<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ic2pxs3XUU4/WLnzwAOGBaI/AAAAAAAAIEY/c2iP5Jo27e44a6qqsSPltqtBozLItvOwwCLcB/s1600/IMG_4279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ic2pxs3XUU4/WLnzwAOGBaI/AAAAAAAAIEY/c2iP5Jo27e44a6qqsSPltqtBozLItvOwwCLcB/s400/IMG_4279.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
As I said, Sydney is more like LA in that there's tons of beaches and folks are very outdoors focused. Here's Manly beach. It's north of the bridge and just about as popular as Bondi Beach.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1fdLJ5kCBX0/WLn0t925fJI/AAAAAAAAIEg/GIWGAANIuZ8N8xEgy2zBa1OSKTjT6o5NgCLcB/s1600/IMG_4403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1fdLJ5kCBX0/WLn0t925fJI/AAAAAAAAIEg/GIWGAANIuZ8N8xEgy2zBa1OSKTjT6o5NgCLcB/s400/IMG_4403.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
while we're on the north of the bridge, Luna park is a popular attraction. It's an old boardwalk amusement park built in 1935. Of course it's nothing in comparison to today's amusement parks, but it's kept it's nostalgic feel with old school rides like bumper cars, house of mirrors and ferris wheels. It also features that crazy creepy face which you enter through it's mouth. It's the stuff of nightmares.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--HOmskNQNHw/WLn1ac3ryoI/AAAAAAAAIEk/npoo822yLqw9ag7Q445q0buKmXrXRL6vQCLcB/s1600/aqua.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--HOmskNQNHw/WLn1ac3ryoI/AAAAAAAAIEk/npoo822yLqw9ag7Q445q0buKmXrXRL6vQCLcB/s400/aqua.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Next door is probably our favorite restaurant in Sydney. Aqua, it overlooks the old Sydney Olympic Pool (which is in active use). The food was amazing, my favorite was the Uni pasta. It's too bad their menu rotates frequently otherwise I'd say "you must go have it".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dP1BYbeYzho/WLn2RE_4yVI/AAAAAAAAIEs/oTfdVt_1SYM9iE428DlyASGEz1Gg0KRBwCLcB/s1600/IMG_6257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dP1BYbeYzho/WLn2RE_4yVI/AAAAAAAAIEs/oTfdVt_1SYM9iE428DlyASGEz1Gg0KRBwCLcB/s400/IMG_6257.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
As I posted before we did go to the Blue mountains a few times. There's a lot of hiking to be done (I was clearly not in my fittest condition, as I huffed and puffed my way up and down the trails), but there's lots to do including rappelling down a waterfall.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Nc_4td0Fs0/WLn6925mGHI/AAAAAAAAIFM/USnJ-eK85GE8NaVlOXkQZQBJ9dlBrjiuACLcB/s1600/IMG_5553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Nc_4td0Fs0/WLn6925mGHI/AAAAAAAAIFM/USnJ-eK85GE8NaVlOXkQZQBJ9dlBrjiuACLcB/s400/IMG_5553.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
In nearby Katoomba you can dine at what claims to be the oldest cafe in Australia. The Parragon. I'm not sure if these old school registers were still in use but a lot of the cafe is.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vcEXmlvb_vE/WLn7H2NZIQI/AAAAAAAAIFQ/FRcRtS26LroRt5eSchbINwCZdaYG7riiACLcB/s1600/IMG_5556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vcEXmlvb_vE/WLn7H2NZIQI/AAAAAAAAIFQ/FRcRtS26LroRt5eSchbINwCZdaYG7riiACLcB/s400/IMG_5556.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And we had afternoon tea at the nearby Carrington Hotel. It was quite a "vintage" hotel. We were the first ones at tea which made it a bit creepy. It seemed like a scene from the Shining. It got better after there were more people.<br />
<br />
<br />
Holy cow there's still a lot of photos left. Well I guess this is where I'll stop for now. One final post to come!<br />
<br />
<br />Ironjackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441887771747701206noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6927660602752656227.post-61276282688404604402017-01-28T18:15:00.000-06:002017-01-28T18:15:21.914-06:00Things I'll Miss about Australia Pt 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O2gW3v5W5GY/WI0htvv8vMI/AAAAAAAAH8U/jvCp0vlULlcSrhBO8Fx5NhouLj94KZyAwCLcB/s1600/IMG_8772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O2gW3v5W5GY/WI0htvv8vMI/AAAAAAAAH8U/jvCp0vlULlcSrhBO8Fx5NhouLj94KZyAwCLcB/s640/IMG_8772.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I had to rename the post to things I'll miss about Australia especially since this title picture is a panorama of Newcastle beach. We actually visited Newcastle quite a bit. First about the beaches, so most beaches have have a shallow protected area for children and usually a concrete lap pool that is fed by the ocean waters. The water is very blue and beautiful. We really enjoyed Newcastle since it's a smaller city that has upgraded itself from the industrial coal harbor to be a bit more tourist friendly. You can walk from the Harbor side to the ocean beach side within five blocks. It reminds me of Austin in the late 90s, meaning small and slower paced.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-09lctQQ3GU8/WI0jivCz4lI/AAAAAAAAH8k/0lOVA2iP5yYJdR1J841hw5cR8iWor6naACLcB/s1600/IMG_8781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-09lctQQ3GU8/WI0jivCz4lI/AAAAAAAAH8k/0lOVA2iP5yYJdR1J841hw5cR8iWor6naACLcB/s400/IMG_8781.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
While in Newcastle take a walk on the ANZAC memorial walk.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-veScRHbu6bM/WI0kAKMkX8I/AAAAAAAAH8s/daLhxGN4RKIfoa4FACDY0c6ct_Gqpxs0gCLcB/s1600/IMG_8752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-veScRHbu6bM/WI0kAKMkX8I/AAAAAAAAH8s/daLhxGN4RKIfoa4FACDY0c6ct_Gqpxs0gCLcB/s400/IMG_8752.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Check out Habesha Ethiopian restaurant in the Newcastle CBD. I was surprised to find an Ethiopian restaurant in the middle of Newcastle.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-otFgeg3y_ok/WI0lBW-XTPI/AAAAAAAAH88/_cIVayCwdZkASTuGsXss1l5ndpifXT0mgCLcB/s1600/IMG_8692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-otFgeg3y_ok/WI0lBW-XTPI/AAAAAAAAH88/_cIVayCwdZkASTuGsXss1l5ndpifXT0mgCLcB/s400/IMG_8692.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Back to Sydney. World Square off Liverpool is an area we spent a lot of time especially because they had a Din Tai Fung there. The BEST soup dumplings, I was first introduced to this place in Taiwan. I was excited to find out there were like five of these places in close proximity here in Sydney. My first two weeks visiting here, I had soup dumplings for lunch or dinner seven times. No doubt I will miss this place the most. In the city they have a Din Tai Fung in the Westfield tower, Broadway shopping center, Star Casino and World Square.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sf0N7n9RWRs/WI0lbHCwrKI/AAAAAAAAH9A/TELhKRwaHlwlnaHqSIJ11PVSEN8jGzuwACLcB/s1600/IMG_8677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sf0N7n9RWRs/WI0lbHCwrKI/AAAAAAAAH9A/TELhKRwaHlwlnaHqSIJ11PVSEN8jGzuwACLcB/s400/IMG_8677.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Not for everyone, but Chinatown (Haymarket) had a lot of Chinese apothecaries that feature a wide variety of dried seafood delicacies. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bkY5a18ygWA/WI0l1sTM87I/AAAAAAAAH9I/thmdx1PmXicL8-H6-CZmY1iypib-vweLQCLcB/s1600/IMG_8658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bkY5a18ygWA/WI0l1sTM87I/AAAAAAAAH9I/thmdx1PmXicL8-H6-CZmY1iypib-vweLQCLcB/s400/IMG_8658.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I talked about the seafood at the fishmarket this is a shot of the sashimi/sushi you can get there.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T5ynKFWE-Kc/WI0mlylDeMI/AAAAAAAAH9Q/FcOz2b4aB6oQwmT9HrBuOxwww1u6y-QJgCLcB/s1600/IMG_8660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T5ynKFWE-Kc/WI0mlylDeMI/AAAAAAAAH9Q/FcOz2b4aB6oQwmT9HrBuOxwww1u6y-QJgCLcB/s400/IMG_8660.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Near St Mary's Cathedral off College street is Bodhi Restaurant. This place features vegetarian fare and in particular a vegetarian Dim Sum menu.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uHxAFMZPlrg/WI0mvn-dFUI/AAAAAAAAH9c/LRAEABPqPPQHAyY8WTEu2D3jODRIx-JCwCLcB/s1600/IMG_8664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uHxAFMZPlrg/WI0mvn-dFUI/AAAAAAAAH9c/LRAEABPqPPQHAyY8WTEu2D3jODRIx-JCwCLcB/s400/IMG_8664.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The dishes were very creative and if someone didn't tell me it was a vegetarian place, I wouldn't have questioned it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-s6AgYVYyA/WI0m-yp9teI/AAAAAAAAH9g/LHWuczSBo1QUliX5_USAN3HbVSIFqlZjQCLcB/s1600/IMG_8641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-s6AgYVYyA/WI0m-yp9teI/AAAAAAAAH9g/LHWuczSBo1QUliX5_USAN3HbVSIFqlZjQCLcB/s400/IMG_8641.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It was really close to work and we visited a few times. I was really impressed with this place hence the extra pictures.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C5KDWJRi3Ck/WI0ohC-Me5I/AAAAAAAAH9w/Fi4H1vAnWLEvl8gtmma1YrsRd3TBlKbcACLcB/s1600/IMG_8580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C5KDWJRi3Ck/WI0ohC-Me5I/AAAAAAAAH9w/Fi4H1vAnWLEvl8gtmma1YrsRd3TBlKbcACLcB/s400/IMG_8580.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Hunter valley is one of the Australian wine regions just about three hours out of Sydney. They have a hidden treasure: Hunter Valley Zoo. Originally an animal refuge/sanctuary it expanded to let the public in. You can actually feed the animals and interact with them. Uh and koalas.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g_XOUaZboVg/WI0o3m8SzII/AAAAAAAAH90/HERZSjamJVM_4AtPhNMO9zABJNZ9s-hlwCLcB/s1600/IMG_8539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g_XOUaZboVg/WI0o3m8SzII/AAAAAAAAH90/HERZSjamJVM_4AtPhNMO9zABJNZ9s-hlwCLcB/s400/IMG_8539.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And Wombats.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DNKyvjVAGOU/WI0pPEzR52I/AAAAAAAAH98/_2LDmP6Fmtcf-xFkhjCuZr_pjP9bkoWZgCLcB/s1600/IMG_8595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DNKyvjVAGOU/WI0pPEzR52I/AAAAAAAAH98/_2LDmP6Fmtcf-xFkhjCuZr_pjP9bkoWZgCLcB/s400/IMG_8595.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Visit Binnorie Dairy they have some wonderful Goat cheese Feta.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lR9G3fudmZQ/WI0p0aErvSI/AAAAAAAAH-I/URkt6Lx93NshOl4u2sZgFsS-RkZlkk29wCLcB/s1600/IMG_8515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lR9G3fudmZQ/WI0p0aErvSI/AAAAAAAAH-I/URkt6Lx93NshOl4u2sZgFsS-RkZlkk29wCLcB/s400/IMG_8515.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And of course do the winery thing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZJufo5IfHw/WI0wnml1R_I/AAAAAAAAH_8/8PvZCK3vSKw5OZ0R3f-n8GoZSEwbHodwQCLcB/s1600/IMG_7878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZJufo5IfHw/WI0wnml1R_I/AAAAAAAAH_8/8PvZCK3vSKw5OZ0R3f-n8GoZSEwbHodwQCLcB/s400/IMG_7878.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Exp. Restaurant is one of the restaurants that we really enjoyed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kHU2xWeyvqk/WI0qN_VBTDI/AAAAAAAAH-Q/66tcPkvRKJYPdNP-tDFbyRNcK7k5pHsbwCLcB/s1600/IMG_8479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kHU2xWeyvqk/WI0qN_VBTDI/AAAAAAAAH-Q/66tcPkvRKJYPdNP-tDFbyRNcK7k5pHsbwCLcB/s400/IMG_8479.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Check out <a href="http://www.cornersmith.com.au/" target="_blank">Cornersmith</a>, we took a miso and tofu making class there (they had other classes that we wished we had time for). They also feature a lot of locally made goods (jams, kombucha etc). We saw that folks bartered with their garden grown produce and fruits.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0nVxXRIX4NE/WI0rLpa72MI/AAAAAAAAH-g/8FjZMOwXOFEOTbZmUcq9YUPXFaWs1BXbwCLcB/s1600/IMG_8428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0nVxXRIX4NE/WI0rLpa72MI/AAAAAAAAH-g/8FjZMOwXOFEOTbZmUcq9YUPXFaWs1BXbwCLcB/s400/IMG_8428.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
At Dawes point we dined at Seawall Bar and Restaurant. They had a nice Tapas menu and I really enjoyed the lamb ribs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s_JoxeuFlTw/WI0sFzeIGfI/AAAAAAAAH-w/GRjOPSisf6MetBTclV5RAhnQofIuinkCQCLcB/s1600/IMG_8283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s_JoxeuFlTw/WI0sFzeIGfI/AAAAAAAAH-w/GRjOPSisf6MetBTclV5RAhnQofIuinkCQCLcB/s400/IMG_8283.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This maybe a controversial statement: Best Fish and Chips was at Watson's bay at Doyles, beautiful view of the bay and some of the best Fish and Chips.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CZ5nOAcyzrM/WI0s_-jCzSI/AAAAAAAAH-8/dc4X61CQwIc6sVE6314S2nQAl34620aZgCLcB/s1600/IMG_8246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CZ5nOAcyzrM/WI0s_-jCzSI/AAAAAAAAH-8/dc4X61CQwIc6sVE6314S2nQAl34620aZgCLcB/s640/IMG_8246.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There really isn't a bad picture of the harbor.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XX40dRgPl24/WI0tYWfiiLI/AAAAAAAAH_E/qrZHw97RwX4WEPAsk2trS5UHPrXN8t2PACLcB/s1600/IMG_8197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XX40dRgPl24/WI0tYWfiiLI/AAAAAAAAH_E/qrZHw97RwX4WEPAsk2trS5UHPrXN8t2PACLcB/s400/IMG_8197.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Chaco Bar off Crown street and Yurong is another tucked away izakaya (only at night) that had a great decor and atmosphere. During the day they only serve Ramen.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mhXKQmUA65I/WI0tygIVS_I/AAAAAAAAH_M/Ml15nQjzyvYk_aX6oV4DcbYacOwbIAL9ACLcB/s1600/IMG_8185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mhXKQmUA65I/WI0tygIVS_I/AAAAAAAAH_M/Ml15nQjzyvYk_aX6oV4DcbYacOwbIAL9ACLcB/s400/IMG_8185.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Unfortunately this one is closed now, but the coffee bar downstairs at work had this chicken soup which was awesome on a winter day. I managed to get the loose recipe from the chef before they closed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fW185R50tAc/WI0uSgKjutI/AAAAAAAAH_U/8pH-jbUlQt4VqLqp6DnAC5dhxEJM60hvACLcB/s1600/IMG_8086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fW185R50tAc/WI0uSgKjutI/AAAAAAAAH_U/8pH-jbUlQt4VqLqp6DnAC5dhxEJM60hvACLcB/s400/IMG_8086.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This is a picture of Whitsunday beach where we had a picnic lunch (after a helicopter ride) the sand is so fine it's like flour. Again, I'm so behind on posts but If you get a chance go visit the Great Barrier Reef. It's amazing!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0K4cV6CBRJI/WI0vEw0u4lI/AAAAAAAAH_k/QYnBh78lBUwS39y1n2Zr_41Xe0_ZJIygACLcB/s1600/IMG_8017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0K4cV6CBRJI/WI0vEw0u4lI/AAAAAAAAH_k/QYnBh78lBUwS39y1n2Zr_41Xe0_ZJIygACLcB/s640/IMG_8017.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Hamilton Island is where we stayed when we visited the Great Barrier Reef. It's a resort island that had you drive around on a golf cart. Great place to stay and we were told a lot less touristy than Cairns. You can charter boats to take you out to scuba/snorkel the reef.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-drA8CQD2D5M/WI0vkvymbtI/AAAAAAAAH_o/Fg6cFpGzrVQscNZzHQk_cwce8FhaR6d3ACLcB/s1600/IMG_7939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-drA8CQD2D5M/WI0vkvymbtI/AAAAAAAAH_o/Fg6cFpGzrVQscNZzHQk_cwce8FhaR6d3ACLcB/s400/IMG_7939.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We only spent a couple of nights in Brisbane, it seemed a lot more laid back. We went to Madam Wu's for dinner and it's worth a check out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--X7Sd6yztkI/WI0wUuTBUtI/AAAAAAAAH_w/BKcJT0sQ1Hcz_24C_d47HD0wIp43Hi3DQCLcB/s1600/IMG_7895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--X7Sd6yztkI/WI0wUuTBUtI/AAAAAAAAH_w/BKcJT0sQ1Hcz_24C_d47HD0wIp43Hi3DQCLcB/s400/IMG_7895.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tim Ho Wan is probably the most affordable michelin star restaurant they are famous for their bbq buns which is not usually the bready fluffy bbq pork bun. The bun has a crispy sweet outer shell and a stew of bbq beef in the center. They opened two in the CBD area one in the Westfield tower and one by George street off the Townhall train station between bathurst and liverpool.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KSr1jZNZH34/WI0xYIik2II/AAAAAAAAIAM/yv5ba3ALHdQHUI8B-yxOi7GyduWkeizPgCLcB/s1600/IMG_7774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KSr1jZNZH34/WI0xYIik2II/AAAAAAAAIAM/yv5ba3ALHdQHUI8B-yxOi7GyduWkeizPgCLcB/s400/IMG_7774.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mama Buoi in Surry Hills. They had this delicious Coconut Tamarind curry. Pumpkin, eggplant, sweet potato and mushroom. So very delicious. I really need to figure out this dish.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dwWkyVTOFDA/WI0x7-CqAxI/AAAAAAAAIAQ/wXemlTyHdgU9m7HzPf0keIijDLc_OCMXgCLcB/s1600/IMG_7723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dwWkyVTOFDA/WI0x7-CqAxI/AAAAAAAAIAQ/wXemlTyHdgU9m7HzPf0keIijDLc_OCMXgCLcB/s400/IMG_7723.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Pilu at Freshwater. Great place for brunch, delicious food, check out the suckling pig.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7uRmZRGtsFM/WI0yXglcTCI/AAAAAAAAIAY/DZdYzl11dssnpqgcL6zmK7Q_GLJGuwAswCLcB/s1600/IMG_7682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7uRmZRGtsFM/WI0yXglcTCI/AAAAAAAAIAY/DZdYzl11dssnpqgcL6zmK7Q_GLJGuwAswCLcB/s400/IMG_7682.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
This is more of a tourist one, but Harry's Cafe de Wheels. They are famous for their pies. So I had a pie, with mushy peas, gravy and chili on top.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxy8Zg0WZwk/WI0zTjGroYI/AAAAAAAAIAk/msMMCAdX-G8IwcPvPH8Z6y-u20yymw-PACLcB/s1600/IMG_7262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxy8Zg0WZwk/WI0zTjGroYI/AAAAAAAAIAk/msMMCAdX-G8IwcPvPH8Z6y-u20yymw-PACLcB/s400/IMG_7262.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
If you get out to "The Rocks" markets during the weekend there is a licorice shop, the guy is super passionate about licorice and all the unique flavors he makes. It's awesome.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q2nXu2Icl5o/WI0zxUohrNI/AAAAAAAAIAs/5oPhboe02FQcv674KOOmenmfmU_LCzRpwCLcB/s1600/IMG_7191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q2nXu2Icl5o/WI0zxUohrNI/AAAAAAAAIAs/5oPhboe02FQcv674KOOmenmfmU_LCzRpwCLcB/s400/IMG_7191.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Gumshara is another famous Ramen shop located in Haymarket off Dixon street. It's my second favorite only because it's farther out.<br />
<br />
<br />
Wow Pt 2 only took me one year back on my camera roll.<br />
<br />
<br />Ironjackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441887771747701206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6927660602752656227.post-33356263222669443442017-01-28T16:29:00.002-06:002017-01-28T17:43:48.279-06:00Things I'll miss about Australia Pt 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D4ZIoaC-Yng/WI0D0Zij42I/AAAAAAAAH2Q/YvhSutvlN8QeK_x5egIB4M4pF0pkzzM7QCLcB/s1600/IMG_8234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D4ZIoaC-Yng/WI0D0Zij42I/AAAAAAAAH2Q/YvhSutvlN8QeK_x5egIB4M4pF0pkzzM7QCLcB/s640/IMG_8234.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So I'm sitting here on our last full day in Sydney, Australia. It's hard to believe that two years have come and gone so quickly and yet here I am ready to return home. Without a doubt this has been one of the best experiences I've embarked on. Somehow it's appropriate that I found this picture of the sun setting on the Harbor (Harbour) bridge for my title shot. We visited a lot of places while we were here and got to experience a lot of food. I'm going to try to summarize the things I'll miss the most. (this might take two posts). I'll try to be specific about the places each photo was taken just in case someone wants a list of places to visit.<br />
<br />
<i>Edit: I renamed the title, things I'll miss about Australia is more accurate than just Sydney.</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2U8QOCgOghU/WI0FnOMneaI/AAAAAAAAH2o/dahlmFIHA241MjZuk886AwQkqlnaXnVEgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2U8QOCgOghU/WI0FnOMneaI/AAAAAAAAH2o/dahlmFIHA241MjZuk886AwQkqlnaXnVEgCLcB/s400/IMG_0985.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We're going to go back to front since we're hitting my phone's camera roll. Ok so fireworks, they LOVE fireworks here, pretty much every occasion has fireworks. During the summer for a period every Saturday, you guessed it, fireworks. This is of Chinese New Year Eve. They lit up the opera house red and at some random time started in with fireworks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yh429m2FFYc/WI0Ga9nsZ-I/AAAAAAAAH24/LartsptgfxwIcgh9f5tcU2Ikcx-tvnCKwCK4B/s1600/IMG_1052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yh429m2FFYc/WI0Ga9nsZ-I/AAAAAAAAH24/LartsptgfxwIcgh9f5tcU2Ikcx-tvnCKwCK4B/s400/IMG_1052.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Chinese New Year, it's a big production here. I've never lived in an area where there are so many Asian people and they actually have the city decorated for Chinese New Year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bz5Nd5u_9bA/WI0HGd-DHNI/AAAAAAAAH3E/ZWQHDPPIhbUyVItD0c3aA4cp06OOJllgQCK4B/s1600/IMG_0926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bz5Nd5u_9bA/WI0HGd-DHNI/AAAAAAAAH3E/ZWQHDPPIhbUyVItD0c3aA4cp06OOJllgQCK4B/s400/IMG_0926.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Gozleme, Turkish "pizza", I call it a Turkish quesadilla. I usually get the Sucuk (pronouced Soozjook)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--4xNxGpJD6o/WI0Hp-BZDMI/AAAAAAAAH3Q/A7J164VJAfURpIa70dB0o7iw4WQ10vb2wCK4B/s1600/IMG_0915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--4xNxGpJD6o/WI0Hp-BZDMI/AAAAAAAAH3Q/A7J164VJAfURpIa70dB0o7iw4WQ10vb2wCK4B/s400/IMG_0915.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Walking to work and green space. Sydney has parks everywhere! And they aren't just piddly little parks they are BIG parks. Despite the limits of space in the city (people are densely packed) they find the room to have a lot of green space. People crowd these spaces when the weather is sunny and nice.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-59lF_oj3cFM/WI0IXH_ViwI/AAAAAAAAH3c/IxD7ercVzr8WxMMf9wwwwvyXoId4a15tgCK4B/s1600/IMG_0535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-59lF_oj3cFM/WI0IXH_ViwI/AAAAAAAAH3c/IxD7ercVzr8WxMMf9wwwwvyXoId4a15tgCK4B/s400/IMG_0535.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mappen City Udon noodles. A recent find but delcious. Located off George street near Liverpool</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-84ZdAi1tACw/WI0JDqRNL0I/AAAAAAAAH30/daqstJPT7-cpq4q2xN9vZA5RjkLUdpTkgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-84ZdAi1tACw/WI0JDqRNL0I/AAAAAAAAH30/daqstJPT7-cpq4q2xN9vZA5RjkLUdpTkgCLcB/s400/IMG_0530.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dim Sum at East Phoenix at East Village. We went to a lot of dim sum places, but we always ended up here. The place was nice and clean the food was delicious and the roast duck very yummy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ecoaq20FE3U/WI0J-sAm2sI/AAAAAAAAH4E/xyP28ScFP7AI9RRCLBeFR8X19tObG2aFQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ecoaq20FE3U/WI0J-sAm2sI/AAAAAAAAH4E/xyP28ScFP7AI9RRCLBeFR8X19tObG2aFQCLcB/s640/IMG_0488.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This was in Kooragang near Newcastle (2 hours north of Sydney) we went 4x4-ing and sandboarding around the sand dunes. I've never been in a dessert, but seeing nothing but dunes and sand is quite an experience.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fvFel-DnWdg/WI0KvSsAdWI/AAAAAAAAH4Q/c2sTb1dQNvkVG2t3vEgh8T_ReiRMlzTdACLcB/s1600/IMG_0405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fvFel-DnWdg/WI0KvSsAdWI/AAAAAAAAH4Q/c2sTb1dQNvkVG2t3vEgh8T_ReiRMlzTdACLcB/s400/IMG_0405.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Afternoon Tea. I know a lot of folks find this idea to be stuffy, but my wife and I really enjoy civilized afternoon tea. Don't let those three little platters fool you, it's a LOT of food. There's something to be said about sitting around having snacks and tea and great conversation. Our favorite spot was the Palm Court restaurant at the Langham up near Barangaroo in the city.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ogF-vHJfqvw/WI0LitD2vlI/AAAAAAAAH4k/HdKD6NKS7M0cHFbX_XCtEgF_ID8z8WgPACLcB/s1600/IMG_0332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ogF-vHJfqvw/WI0LitD2vlI/AAAAAAAAH4k/HdKD6NKS7M0cHFbX_XCtEgF_ID8z8WgPACLcB/s400/IMG_0332.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This isn't a place but a photo of a portion of our sale's team's Star Wars lego collection. it's impressive *almost* rivaling my own :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J4dxoq3SMdM/WI0L3M5GdwI/AAAAAAAAH4o/xE8i1-UPKkQnICbUsbnygZHd8R19ZwFTACLcB/s1600/IMG_0321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J4dxoq3SMdM/WI0L3M5GdwI/AAAAAAAAH4o/xE8i1-UPKkQnICbUsbnygZHd8R19ZwFTACLcB/s400/IMG_0321.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Growing up my parents had a restaurant. If I ever made straight A's I was allowed to pick one thing for my father to make and it was always Peking Duck. There's a lot of Peking duck here, but my favorite is Mr. Wong's on Bridge Street in the CBD area.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AmGrrJXdTrs/WI0sqbosCvI/AAAAAAAAH-0/jQyVJBHYURgDtKohT5ITzQW7JHMHvW76ACLcB/s1600/IMG_8260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AmGrrJXdTrs/WI0sqbosCvI/AAAAAAAAH-0/jQyVJBHYURgDtKohT5ITzQW7JHMHvW76ACLcB/s320/IMG_8260.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You know it's legit when there's a glass cooler with lots and lots of ducks air drying. Duck, it's what they do.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a_XRAhlzvSE/WI0Mb6m7EYI/AAAAAAAAH4w/KQfMl0zgR40OLpvyTBBgRfo9dldehBm7QCLcB/s1600/IMG_0317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a_XRAhlzvSE/WI0Mb6m7EYI/AAAAAAAAH4w/KQfMl0zgR40OLpvyTBBgRfo9dldehBm7QCLcB/s400/IMG_0317.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Not sure what tree this is, but they have some really beautiful colored trees that flower at different periods in the spring, parks will turn purple or red for a few weeks. This is near my office is Woolloomooloo. (yea it's a mouthful)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wcPSB-SCSqU/WI0NDOse-FI/AAAAAAAAH44/H5oxubeoeTIqq5cNW43HsJ7uHLPOBn-8ACLcB/s1600/IMG_0291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wcPSB-SCSqU/WI0NDOse-FI/AAAAAAAAH44/H5oxubeoeTIqq5cNW43HsJ7uHLPOBn-8ACLcB/s400/IMG_0291.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is the evening photo of the Anzac memorial in Hyde park just outside our apartment. The night shot of this is pretty neat. Our building was the tall one on the right.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NckbpDTduik/WI0Nj1-DBiI/AAAAAAAAH5A/0gQ858ya0JgxnUTKf0HtfursJ7hjVUmmQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NckbpDTduik/WI0Nj1-DBiI/AAAAAAAAH5A/0gQ858ya0JgxnUTKf0HtfursJ7hjVUmmQCLcB/s400/IMG_0266.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
New Years fireworks off the bridge and Opera house. Our office has a spectacular view of the harbor and it's the best place to catch the New Years fireworks.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x96qRZ5kHaI/WI0N7R-3LcI/AAAAAAAAH5I/KqaStKEu2wgmGr_Bs1oHa8zyrc245rh7gCLcB/s1600/IMG_0239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x96qRZ5kHaI/WI0N7R-3LcI/AAAAAAAAH5I/KqaStKEu2wgmGr_Bs1oHa8zyrc245rh7gCLcB/s400/IMG_0239.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bill's is a cafe (off Crown street) we went to for breakfast on occasion, their ricotta (home made) hotcakes were pretty good. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cj4tkpsgTt0/WI0OXMdg1tI/AAAAAAAAH5Q/JmeA_-XCYuYl0SgolXqMYEYo40dfmNGGACLcB/s1600/IMG_0236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cj4tkpsgTt0/WI0OXMdg1tI/AAAAAAAAH5Q/JmeA_-XCYuYl0SgolXqMYEYo40dfmNGGACLcB/s400/IMG_0236.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Hokkaido style "cheese cakes", this stand was located in the basement of World Square. It's more like a pudding tart. You gotta try it fresh out of the oven hot.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TOO8o-foCWk/WI0OnoPRHYI/AAAAAAAAH5Y/t4ex7ztOtDIrpwwbKbK4wPK4jXPAQ-2NwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TOO8o-foCWk/WI0OnoPRHYI/AAAAAAAAH5Y/t4ex7ztOtDIrpwwbKbK4wPK4jXPAQ-2NwCLcB/s400/IMG_0226.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The bull statue at World Square. We passed it all the time since World square had our local grocery store (Coles) and a regular place to find something to eat (they had everything there). Often you would find tourists having their toddlers pose in inappropriate ways with the bull for pictures, it usually involved being under the bull. (sigh)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JLoh0-R0yvA/WI0PnoqXEgI/AAAAAAAAH5k/-wtxvSfmXNQZ_0XYSseE1PUMzO4mLI2PgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JLoh0-R0yvA/WI0PnoqXEgI/AAAAAAAAH5k/-wtxvSfmXNQZ_0XYSseE1PUMzO4mLI2PgCLcB/s400/IMG_0216.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Izakaya Yebisu in Regent's Place (off George and Bathurst). Probably our most regular haunt. They feature Japanese grilled skewers and some of the best little plates. My wife particularly loves that you order completely off the tablet menu. I'm very partial to the Takowasa and the Mentaiko Tamagoyaki.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ocVJcANBuCk/WI0QphzSmYI/AAAAAAAAH50/How84bm_GZ0tysZdbDgys2F5KVTvU2i4gCLcB/s1600/IMG_0162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ocVJcANBuCk/WI0QphzSmYI/AAAAAAAAH50/How84bm_GZ0tysZdbDgys2F5KVTvU2i4gCLcB/s400/IMG_0162.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Momofuku Seibo at the Star (Casino) in Pyrmont next to Darling Harbour. WOW! I think it was my favorite restaurant while we visited here. It was pricey but I thought the food was well worth the price. It was a long dinner set menu. I've neglected posting but I do owe a post on our experience at this restaurant. MUST go but you gotta get a reservation early.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t7OxEHCmfic/WI0SJdn0i3I/AAAAAAAAH6A/nelrWXCfGDgBBRoUoJw4-ITWo99IgA6NgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t7OxEHCmfic/WI0SJdn0i3I/AAAAAAAAH6A/nelrWXCfGDgBBRoUoJw4-ITWo99IgA6NgCLcB/s400/IMG_0124.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Uncle Tetsu's Japanese cheese cake at Regent Place. I don't eat much in the way of sweets but this is something I make an exception for.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xkusup3elyI/WI0qnKB-mkI/AAAAAAAAH-Y/2j6M3OmG5dc1apcvVDCDCH1seCY_lVk2wCLcB/s1600/IMG_8470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xkusup3elyI/WI0qnKB-mkI/AAAAAAAAH-Y/2j6M3OmG5dc1apcvVDCDCH1seCY_lVk2wCLcB/s400/IMG_8470.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It's not a NY style cheese cake, it's light fluffy spoungy cheesecake. The downstairs cafe also serves crepes and other items. It's next to the Daiso (Japanese dollar store) which I unfortunately didn't take a picture of.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OUR-TLYsp2M/WI0TlPBzOFI/AAAAAAAAH6M/7btp5ZgiJJkK_G8xz8APyCI24vbXnKalQCLcB/s1600/IMG_9309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OUR-TLYsp2M/WI0TlPBzOFI/AAAAAAAAH6M/7btp5ZgiJJkK_G8xz8APyCI24vbXnKalQCLcB/s400/IMG_9309.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Ramen at Yasaka ramen. I posted about this place before. They make their noodles at the front window of the restaurant. It's located on Liverpool street between Castlereagh and Pitt near the Museum station. Sydney has a lot of Ramen shops but I loved the noodles and the broth here, that and it was close.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CC_swQelw_M/WI0UaQEKjOI/AAAAAAAAH6Y/2SER1otUwdgfGCUylBczknBb4V7KIr-tgCLcB/s1600/IMG_9244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CC_swQelw_M/WI0UaQEKjOI/AAAAAAAAH6Y/2SER1otUwdgfGCUylBczknBb4V7KIr-tgCLcB/s400/IMG_9244.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Quokka, they are cute. There are a couple of zoo's that we visited. This was from our work Christmas party at the Wildlife zoo in Darling Harbour.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oul80FUQN5I/WI0U2s3fVfI/AAAAAAAAH6c/IrJttiO1TuMc6zOJjCDYOD4WDc7LSyB6ACLcB/s1600/IMG_9134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oul80FUQN5I/WI0U2s3fVfI/AAAAAAAAH6c/IrJttiO1TuMc6zOJjCDYOD4WDc7LSyB6ACLcB/s640/IMG_9134.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Balmoral Beach. I caught a lot of Pikachus here. :) All the beaches were amazing. I guess coming from Austin, you don't get much in the way of beaches so each one was pretty magical to me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-998TzZK07xI/WI0VeIWNbjI/AAAAAAAAH6k/C__hrnE2sTARYCwbVVxnvNudhn6MjjoAACLcB/s1600/IMG_9043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-998TzZK07xI/WI0VeIWNbjI/AAAAAAAAH6k/C__hrnE2sTARYCwbVVxnvNudhn6MjjoAACLcB/s640/IMG_9043.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Manly Beach. one of the larger touristy beaches.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i-JUkZOqw8E/WI0V5GnyAKI/AAAAAAAAH6s/5k4OPHpb1nYtnZaGWtroJhVMrcDSOccmQCLcB/s1600/IMG_9031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i-JUkZOqw8E/WI0V5GnyAKI/AAAAAAAAH6s/5k4OPHpb1nYtnZaGWtroJhVMrcDSOccmQCLcB/s400/IMG_9031.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Longrain is a fusion Thai/Asian restaurant. We particularly like their egg net salad. Located in Surry Hills.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S0lQPGmXH7E/WI0WmGAg_QI/AAAAAAAAH64/LgizPAJZoqgXMkOA6iWv1RicJjtfeyvpQCLcB/s1600/IMG_9016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S0lQPGmXH7E/WI0WmGAg_QI/AAAAAAAAH64/LgizPAJZoqgXMkOA6iWv1RicJjtfeyvpQCLcB/s400/IMG_9016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Sydney Opera House. It goes without saying you should visit this place. Take the tour, there is a LOT more going on in and under that place than meets the eye.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YYqIGDPmbu8/WI0XcgSAiKI/AAAAAAAAH7E/WC3Y_qPE6YosbW87ERUog8XGe6KZu_yGgCLcB/s1600/IMG_9008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YYqIGDPmbu8/WI0XcgSAiKI/AAAAAAAAH7E/WC3Y_qPE6YosbW87ERUog8XGe6KZu_yGgCLcB/s400/IMG_9008.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Coffee, Australians went nuts on coffee after the Italian immigrants brought it to the country. Before that it was the freeze dried instant stuff. I've cut back on drinking coffee but I will say after having coffee here, coffee back home really isn't the same. The "flat white" somewhere between a latte and a cappuccino is the universal morning drink.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OmqjjESHf-Q/WI0X0s4s5UI/AAAAAAAAH7I/mna2r2eOks0oZr86vv_1mKE4nnonzc38wCLcB/s1600/IMG_9004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OmqjjESHf-Q/WI0X0s4s5UI/AAAAAAAAH7I/mna2r2eOks0oZr86vv_1mKE4nnonzc38wCLcB/s400/IMG_9004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Sydney Fish Market: There is nothing like waking up and going shopping for the freshest fish around. There were fish/shellfish that we had never seen before. They offer classes and there's a seafood dim sum place up stairs. I bought many an octopus here.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RRORvEuTLM8/WI0YWhOda4I/AAAAAAAAH7Q/sGKdbfmxrfYZZbPex1neWfsohE5Y-pqkACLcB/s1600/IMG_9003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RRORvEuTLM8/WI0YWhOda4I/AAAAAAAAH7Q/sGKdbfmxrfYZZbPex1neWfsohE5Y-pqkACLcB/s400/IMG_9003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Speaking of we had many a sashimi breakfast here as well. They cut it right there and you eat it right in the market.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IAYoWRKdgUU/WI0Yw0hZp2I/AAAAAAAAH7Y/joTbLXPSnrwfn8Bzd2anGtSlGq-kh1WBgCLcB/s1600/IMG_8995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IAYoWRKdgUU/WI0Yw0hZp2I/AAAAAAAAH7Y/joTbLXPSnrwfn8Bzd2anGtSlGq-kh1WBgCLcB/s400/IMG_8995.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The Blue Mountains. This is a picture of the "three sisters". The blue mountains is a really beautiful area about three hours north of Sydney, lots of hiking and picture taking definitely worth a look.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SwhWm-_BcaI/WI0ZNY2evaI/AAAAAAAAH7k/Tu5WjkKSSpMQX036Rgb2dhNezq22jCxQgCLcB/s1600/IMG_8983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SwhWm-_BcaI/WI0ZNY2evaI/AAAAAAAAH7k/Tu5WjkKSSpMQX036Rgb2dhNezq22jCxQgCLcB/s400/IMG_8983.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
While you're in the blue mountains go by the Conservation Hut. The trout hash with fried egg is my favorite.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PCzEgr52b9M/WI0Z-7NM4bI/AAAAAAAAH7w/3AppooOW6Vgyn2IIasWDX-Futd4c1odUACLcB/s1600/IMG_8900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PCzEgr52b9M/WI0Z-7NM4bI/AAAAAAAAH7w/3AppooOW6Vgyn2IIasWDX-Futd4c1odUACLcB/s400/IMG_8900.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Ipot hotpot restaurant in Haymarket off Goulburn street. Chinese hotpot where you order the ingredients you cook right at your table. They have a dizzying array of sauces that you can put together.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hqn9MA1r44s/WI0aomxNXlI/AAAAAAAAH74/jQ5-VYWZVLwdCBzH2_WOFB8v6ZF8EBC5wCLcB/s1600/IMG_8838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hqn9MA1r44s/WI0aomxNXlI/AAAAAAAAH74/jQ5-VYWZVLwdCBzH2_WOFB8v6ZF8EBC5wCLcB/s400/IMG_8838.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Big Brekky" it's a "full on" breakfast, this is one we had at Deviate Cafe in Clovelly.<br />
<br />
<br />
Ok that's a lot of pictures. I'm going to have to break it up into another post.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Ironjackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441887771747701206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6927660602752656227.post-71211850478860866802016-11-20T05:50:00.000-06:002016-11-20T05:50:38.793-06:00Sous Vide Beef Roast<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FzQbH6ic-CE/WDGL6VHfUSI/AAAAAAAAHz8/VZxU67HB-g4Woh4rqiyMYFG2CJvSgpuHwCK4B/s1600/IMG_2243.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FzQbH6ic-CE/WDGL6VHfUSI/AAAAAAAAHz8/VZxU67HB-g4Woh4rqiyMYFG2CJvSgpuHwCK4B/s640/IMG_2243.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Lots of work travel, but I finally got a weekend at home and managed to whip up something to take to work during the week.<br />
<br />
Marinade: salt, pepper, red chili flake, misc "italian seasoning blend"<br />
<br />
Sous Vide temp: 134F (56.6C)<br />
<br />
Time: 6 Hours<br />
<br />
Came out super tender, a tad salty. Yum.<br />
<br />
More to come.Ironjackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441887771747701206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6927660602752656227.post-40082945650781715262016-09-12T17:14:00.000-05:002016-09-12T17:14:11.097-05:00Travel<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yVUDsr0-Dw4/V9cnPm6deII/AAAAAAAAHw4/jQKA46KXOA8kBd-aKiqJ9hFSGRU2Bj5QQCLcB/s1600/IMG_8402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yVUDsr0-Dw4/V9cnPm6deII/AAAAAAAAHw4/jQKA46KXOA8kBd-aKiqJ9hFSGRU2Bj5QQCLcB/s640/IMG_8402.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Work travel to Singapore, Clarke Quay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I've got a post about a miso and tofu class but have been so busy traveling (work and fun) there's just been no time. Anyhow, I've put up a new blog where I can dump in pictures from the places I'm visiting where it's not all about food. It's going to be more pictures than words. I put up my last trip to the Hunter Valley a few weeks ago. <a href="http://www.ironjack.com/">www.ironjack.com</a><br />
<br />
<br />Ironjackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441887771747701206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6927660602752656227.post-4187828446698624582016-08-10T01:44:00.000-05:002016-08-10T03:54:10.611-05:00My Food Bag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AZ0MSe43C2M/V6rrpUvwrwI/AAAAAAAAHvA/k1b0LBJ2QiYuWX6ygIFl78c2FWwo1z_bQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AZ0MSe43C2M/V6rrpUvwrwI/AAAAAAAAHvA/k1b0LBJ2QiYuWX6ygIFl78c2FWwo1z_bQCLcB/s640/IMG_1774.jpg" width="474" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
So, a friend of mine had a free week to give away for me to try out <a href="https://www.myfoodbag.com.au/" target="_blank">My Food Bag</a>. They are in both Australia and New Zealand I know there are similar services in the US. </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
The high level idea is that they deliver a box (or boxes) of groceries that have been pre-portioned and partially prepped with a series of recipes. It saves you a trip to the grocery store and simplifies meal preparation which is nice after a hard day at work. I really love the process, you pick your box type: classic, family, gourmet, or own (single diner) on the website, and they send you a mail and follow up text on when they will delivery and it just shows up. You get another email during the week to let you know the recipes so you can read through and buy any staples you might be out of. This box is four meals for two people (the different boxes feed different amounts).</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Disclaimer: this was provided free for me, but no one asked me to post anything, it's just my honest impression of the service.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2XhyI7ZmqI0/V6qExaDi2-I/AAAAAAAAHtQ/PU1kufG9CVomsaUi9zvz4KwPyp8rbATmgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2XhyI7ZmqI0/V6qExaDi2-I/AAAAAAAAHtQ/PU1kufG9CVomsaUi9zvz4KwPyp8rbATmgCLcB/s400/IMG_1779.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Food Bag Chill box</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p1">
As you can see I got two boxes. The first box was a "chill" box which contained all the cold goods packed with a reusable ice block, if you're not home they'll stash the box somewhere out of the way so the ice bag helps keep your meats and perishables intact until you're able to get to your goods. </div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eWB_OauDcPU/V6qFPZfg1eI/AAAAAAAAHtY/Plhiy9lXz0EQ_X-gwHtX7jqaSvBsJ70rwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eWB_OauDcPU/V6qFPZfg1eI/AAAAAAAAHtY/Plhiy9lXz0EQ_X-gwHtX7jqaSvBsJ70rwCLcB/s400/IMG_1783.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Food Bag Produce box</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Picture of the second 'non chill' box. As you can see, stuff is portioned out for cooking. Some of the ingredients are more than you need for the recipes, some are used for multiple recipes. There are some staple items that they expect you to have on hand. It's denoted in the recipe legend. Spices are pre-measured and bagged as well as any sauces or marinades, super handy!</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V7Mh48UIPvs/V6qlQ10kRXI/AAAAAAAAHtw/584dm4G5xSsj9qtHxX3K7GzJ0k412JUlwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V7Mh48UIPvs/V6qlQ10kRXI/AAAAAAAAHtw/584dm4G5xSsj9qtHxX3K7GzJ0k412JUlwCLcB/s400/IMG_1777.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
For the first delivery they also give you this great little binder to collect all the recipes you cook. It contains a brief overview of the service, staples you should be stocking. They even talk about food safety. This is a nice touch, we've tried other services and the cards are all over the place. </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IpLuYOOa-OE/V6qlwshy8lI/AAAAAAAAHt0/bjP1rFvcbCg7TH0kJhoceZhDKBHGKyA0QCLcB/s1600/IMG_1786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IpLuYOOa-OE/V6qlwshy8lI/AAAAAAAAHt0/bjP1rFvcbCg7TH0kJhoceZhDKBHGKyA0QCLcB/s400/IMG_1786.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
So what are the recipes like? Well, as soon as I got the box it was nearly lunch time so I broke out the first recipe: Crispy Skin Salmon with Alpine Pesto Freekeh and Greens. I gathered the simple ingredients (I had to supply butter/ghee) and below are literally the six steps I followed to getting lunch done. (OK I lied, the broccolini needed to be cut into three segments but that's the only pre-prep other than washing stuff.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cm8FHc3Q1T0/V6qoysRsgPI/AAAAAAAAHuk/PfYfc7Z55Mk7x_33Wm-puoLHn8zejdL4QCLcB/s1600/IMG_1813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cm8FHc3Q1T0/V6qoysRsgPI/AAAAAAAAHuk/PfYfc7Z55Mk7x_33Wm-puoLHn8zejdL4QCLcB/s400/IMG_1813.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
1) Boil the freekeh for 20 mins. when it's done drain and mix in the pesto</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eg7gFmjXu_8/V6qmpZoam_I/AAAAAAAAHuA/HMESwf37tGw1rB3XjgvxX4SA2CN23Wy7QCLcB/s1600/IMG_1790a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eg7gFmjXu_8/V6qmpZoam_I/AAAAAAAAHuA/HMESwf37tGw1rB3XjgvxX4SA2CN23Wy7QCLcB/s400/IMG_1790a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
2) while the freekeh is going cover the snow peas and broccolini in boiling water from the kettle.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ddHlcAz2y0/V6qnISVeAII/AAAAAAAAHuE/dwQGD9lkq30A2DaobHk9teihSOWyXwTYACLcB/s1600/IMG_1798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ddHlcAz2y0/V6qnISVeAII/AAAAAAAAHuE/dwQGD9lkq30A2DaobHk9teihSOWyXwTYACLcB/s400/IMG_1798.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
3) clean the salmon and cut it in two pieces</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_aveVSBPNvQ/V6qnpMviAPI/AAAAAAAAHuQ/SOGlca6NpJouoxI-GEyhv81t9psSfUgjQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_aveVSBPNvQ/V6qnpMviAPI/AAAAAAAAHuQ/SOGlca6NpJouoxI-GEyhv81t9psSfUgjQCLcB/s400/IMG_1801.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
4) Pan fry the salmon skin side first then flip and finish (total 5 mins)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u7YoUjQ5aBA/V6qn6i8Q4BI/AAAAAAAAHuY/GooZcRj-17obKDsMxNnqCaGA4V9kKrHuQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u7YoUjQ5aBA/V6qn6i8Q4BI/AAAAAAAAHuY/GooZcRj-17obKDsMxNnqCaGA4V9kKrHuQCLcB/s400/IMG_1809.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
5 and 6) (melting butter is not an exciting picture) wipe off pan, melt butter saute the snowpeas broccolini and spinach. I deviated here and used the "full punnet" since the spinach wasn't being used anywhere else. I made the mistake of using all of the snow peas I didn't notice the icon that it was being used in another recipe.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TU_2Zp9LMZ0/V6qpG8YJlMI/AAAAAAAAHus/vqzSPA7oehsSOSDKguPTi5_gTHld_MTNgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TU_2Zp9LMZ0/V6qpG8YJlMI/AAAAAAAAHus/vqzSPA7oehsSOSDKguPTi5_gTHld_MTNgCLcB/s400/IMG_1820.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
It was as easy as It sounds. The recipe card said 25 mins cooking time. I seriously doubt it took me that long. </div>
<div class="p1">
<br />
I really like the convenience of the service. The folks at My Food Bag take you through the entire service. The produce was fresh and well packaged. Living in Sydney, I’ve learned the value of groceries being delivered. I was very accustomed to living back home where I could pile just about anything I wanted into my car and drive it back. When you have to carry everything home you start getting pretty picky about what you buy and stock at the house. Having everything basically prepped and ready for you was a huge benefit as well, it made cooking a breeze. The “Missus” even found it pleasant to cook so it was nice that it helped her enjoy cooking. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
My only wishes would be: </div>
<div class="p1">
Some of the ingredients say thing like 1/2 a punnet of XYZ. (punnet is a tray, or container) It would be nice to have an actual weight measurement. I realize you're cooking from their service, but I think the point of giving us the recipe cards is that we might want to re-create the meal one day even if it's not in "my food bag" for the week. It'd be nice to know how much half a punnet of spinach was because the it didn't seem like a standard size of spinach (100 grams) since the grocery sells it in bags (350grams). Not a big deal since I just wrote my own notes on the card just a nitpick.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
The other thing is, since we’re trying to live a low carb lifestyle I kind of wish they had that type of option for a bag but I understand that it creates another variation and complexity to their service. That said each recipe is created with “healthy” in mind and they even list the nutritional facts.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
Would I recommend the service? Absolutely! Would I personally continue the service? I definitely think I would, we’d have to reconcile the low carb thing. The price of the bag I picked (the gourmet) was $140 AUD (Australian dollar). I think it’s worth the price if you divide it out it’s cheaper than going out to eat About $17.38 per person. There were other bags that brought the dinner price down to $6.36. Can you do better shopping for yourself? Sure, but the price of convenience and prep goes a long way. We try our best to cook for the week but with both of us working it’s tough so cooking becomes a production and spending time in the grocery store cuts down on our weekend time so we either burn time or go out to eat. </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Go check it out!</div>
Ironjackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441887771747701206noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6927660602752656227.post-91177148019439083942016-06-19T06:58:00.000-05:002016-06-19T06:58:33.111-05:00Sous vide lamb chops<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gHHq546lyVQ/V2aIiHPggYI/AAAAAAAAHqI/Txm_sikh84Ezha4ZECP86TOohmxDHQ2ewCLcB/s1600/IMG_1688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gHHq546lyVQ/V2aIiHPggYI/AAAAAAAAHqI/Txm_sikh84Ezha4ZECP86TOohmxDHQ2ewCLcB/s640/IMG_1688.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Just threw together this quick lunchbox for tomorrow. Sous vide rack of lamb: Fresh chopped rosemary, thyme and oregano cooked at 134F (56C) for four hours. Accompanied with Sauteed mushrooms (button and golden needle), garlic spinach and zoodles with tomato sauce.Ironjackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441887771747701206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6927660602752656227.post-67533782154831335212016-06-04T22:18:00.000-05:002016-06-04T22:18:47.115-05:00Microwave and Mugs: brunch in a box<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ViA5Ge1boFw/V1OVcyoc2hI/AAAAAAAAHos/TbAXXBoYr1ct_hXkt9hxZ5thshX_ZK7bQCLcB/s1600/MugmadeBento.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ViA5Ge1boFw/V1OVcyoc2hI/AAAAAAAAHos/TbAXXBoYr1ct_hXkt9hxZ5thshX_ZK7bQCLcB/s640/MugmadeBento.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So this paleo/gluten-free friendly mug bread has been making the rounds on facebook recently. Mug/microwave cooking has been around for a bit but people have gotten pretty creative over the years. I mentioned that I should created a bento box out of mug items made in a microwave. Since it's a rainy crappy day outside I decided to play in the kitchen.<br />
<br />
The microwave is a surprisingly versatile piece of equipment. I usually use it to reheat items (never to my satisfaction). There's some debate what the nuke box does to nutrients, some say it preserves them, other say they get nuked to death. All the supporting scientifically measured evidence I've read seems to support the former. Anyhow, that's not the subject of this post, the challenge: make a bento box around items you make in a mug and a microwave.<br />
<br />
I settled on brunch because it's probably the easiest thing to do because eggs are easy and most every other recipe out there sort of dessert or cake so brunch is the closest thing I could use to compose a meal. I already had a bread so I figured on some sort of "golden arches" type breakfast muffin with an accompaniment. I'll admit I cheated and used a ramekin because it has a wider mouth and allowed for better pictures, it's just a large handleless mug.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6jhndYUjFGs/V1OWGm_e4BI/AAAAAAAAHo4/fi1PIpJMD9M7CCz2tEcp_D7c91LFUyqrwCLcB/s1600/MugMuffin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6jhndYUjFGs/V1OWGm_e4BI/AAAAAAAAHo4/fi1PIpJMD9M7CCz2tEcp_D7c91LFUyqrwCLcB/s400/MugMuffin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
First up I had to test the english muffin. All of these recipes were pretty simple. Ingredients: 1/4 cup almond flour, 1/8 tsp baking powder, 1 egg, 1 tbsp butter, and a pinch of salt. I nuked the butter for 30 seconds in the microwave and stirred the butter until it was fully melted. I then tipped the mug on it's side and coated the edges. Stir in the ingredients and mixed until incorporated. Set the microwave for 90 seconds on full power and let it go.<br />
<br />
The resulting bread was pretty dry, not exactly like an english muffin, but it had air pockets and was pretty springy. It's definitely a gluten free bread. As one of my friends pointed it looked like the insta-bread that Rey made in the new Star Wars movie.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hQCNNvsZEqI/V1OXL2IyYuI/AAAAAAAAHpI/XGZfpN6jxAonrkVFM6MAjgv0_zZtd23WgCLcB/s1600/MugScrambledEggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hQCNNvsZEqI/V1OXL2IyYuI/AAAAAAAAHpI/XGZfpN6jxAonrkVFM6MAjgv0_zZtd23WgCLcB/s400/MugScrambledEggs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Ok bread: check. Best thing to do with this thing was some sort of egg type muffin. And the easiest was a scrambled egg. I didn't have any milk on hand but I did have some coconut milk since we're doing the paleo thing. Ingredients: 2 eggs, 2 tbsp coconut milk, a pinch of salt. I sprayed the mug with cooking spray and whisked everything together and put it in the mug. I set the microwave to 70% power and nuked it in 30 second increments stirring along the way. After the third trip the egg was as you see in the photo, still a little runny but the carryover heat from the mug and egg let it set nicely. The eggs were well cooked and still soft. Beware overcooking, they become tough and rubbery if you nuke them too long.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kNVR_Dq7o8k/V1OXYjqmwCI/AAAAAAAAHpQ/8OlJSMLAEr4vRJUeQvDm0mwed8TUfBaWwCLcB/s1600/MugGreenBeans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kNVR_Dq7o8k/V1OXYjqmwCI/AAAAAAAAHpQ/8OlJSMLAEr4vRJUeQvDm0mwed8TUfBaWwCLcB/s400/MugGreenBeans.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Now for a side. Veggies are the easiest thing to prepare in a microwave. Many super markets sell broccoli and cauliflower in a bag and you microwave them for 2 mins and they steam in their own baggies. I figured I could probably do the same thing with green beans. Ingredients: 1/2 tbsp butter (optional), pinch of salt, 1/2 cup green beans, 2 tsp water. I hand snapped the green beans to fit in the mug, dropped in the butter, pinch of salt and added a bit of water to the bottom of the mug to help with steaming. I sealed the mug with cling wrap and poked a few holes at the top and set the microwave to 90 seconds. The green beans were soft and retained their color I think 60 seconds would be fine if you still want some snap to your beans.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aF0_FehfsTE/V1OYDVHGuvI/AAAAAAAAHpc/pwUVtgVo0AAhHt3hFkvw3_BFuenSItorwCLcB/s1600/MugTomatoSauce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aF0_FehfsTE/V1OYDVHGuvI/AAAAAAAAHpc/pwUVtgVo0AAhHt3hFkvw3_BFuenSItorwCLcB/s400/MugTomatoSauce.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I thought the egg muffin was probably too dry on it's own. I figured a topping of a simple tomato sauce would probably spice things up a bit. I had some left over crushed tomatoes from a can, garlic in a tube (I'm not too proud of that one) and fresh thyme, so I went to work. Ingredients: 1/2 cup crushed tomato (or diced), 1 sprig of thyme, 1 tsp minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil (not pictured). If you want some dried oregano and basil would go well here too. I mixed everything up and added a splash of olive oil. I covered the mug in cling wrap and poked some holes and set the microwave to 60 seconds. I gave it a final stir before topping.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-htY_8lTiZdk/V1OYngktIeI/AAAAAAAAHpo/pS8MTeKb3-MKrY9vkCOiOstiR7N1ghjYgCLcB/s1600/plate.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-htY_8lTiZdk/V1OYngktIeI/AAAAAAAAHpo/pS8MTeKb3-MKrY9vkCOiOstiR7N1ghjYgCLcB/s400/plate.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's the meal plated. Total cooking time: 10 mins with prep. I wouldn't call this a masterpiece but, if you have a few mins and are at the office I could see how you could make this happen. It's definitely tastier than some of the microwave breakfast items I've had from the freezer. For the speed and convenience I'd give it a thumbs up. Ironjackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441887771747701206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6927660602752656227.post-34048497531827038212016-06-01T23:47:00.000-05:002016-06-01T23:47:12.088-05:00Korean Beef Short rib over Zoodles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cBUjWjZsJS0/V0-3hVtdB4I/AAAAAAAAHnk/gRaFycyUhIA9z3oWXOP0-97NcFsNrrWkwCLcB/s1600/KoreanBeefRibwithZoodlesBox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cBUjWjZsJS0/V0-3hVtdB4I/AAAAAAAAHnk/gRaFycyUhIA9z3oWXOP0-97NcFsNrrWkwCLcB/s640/KoreanBeefRibwithZoodlesBox.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As usual it's been a busy work season, but that really hasn't prevented me from cooking. In fact I've been doing a lot of cooking over the last few months and I have a pretty big backlog of posts to put up, just no time to post. We've been doing a lot of paleo cooking, it's had modest results on the waistline but done wonders in terms of saving money. Living in a big city it's often easier to walk down the street to grab some food than to buy a ton of groceries and prepare it yourself (especially after a long day at work). I try my best to do a lot of cooking over the weekend but there's only so much leftover I can take. First world problems, I know.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jce_vlkDZmw/V0-32dXJqlI/AAAAAAAAHno/MR597c_oeHUDIKLn9D5FnCQHNoMJxJ8ogCLcB/s1600/KoreanBeefRibIngredients.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jce_vlkDZmw/V0-32dXJqlI/AAAAAAAAHno/MR597c_oeHUDIKLn9D5FnCQHNoMJxJ8ogCLcB/s400/KoreanBeefRibIngredients.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Anyways, I saw this Slow cooker Korean Grass fed short rib from <a href="http://nomnompaleo.com/post/3762844557/slow-cooker-korean-grass-fed-short-ribs" target="_blank">Nom Nom paleo</a> (they modded it from America's Test Kitchen), and as you know I'm a big fan of using the <a href="http://www.eatinginabox.com/search/label/slow%20cook" target="_blank">slow cooker</a> so I wasn't going to pass it up. I couldn't get grass fed beef or some of the paleo friendly sauces but I was able to gather most of it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sIrxOMPLR0s/V0-4IL2g3SI/AAAAAAAAHnw/yhVEszqVyPw6d9Sn1WIQwQ9SO4v6mDXBQCLcB/s1600/BeefRibBrowning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sIrxOMPLR0s/V0-4IL2g3SI/AAAAAAAAHnw/yhVEszqVyPw6d9Sn1WIQwQ9SO4v6mDXBQCLcB/s400/BeefRibBrowning.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The recipe called for broiling the ribs to get them brown, this is a great way to brown the meat, as six pounds of beef rib is a bit unwieldy and messy to brown up in a skillet. The Test Kitchen's book suggest microwaving which also helps brown the bones, something I'll have to try next time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sWnW34Rw2jA/V0-4TrmhRiI/AAAAAAAAHn0/jjXLnwrsdLAujRC44UmTIKVlYTorIGRzwCLcB/s1600/AsianPearSauce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sWnW34Rw2jA/V0-4TrmhRiI/AAAAAAAAHn0/jjXLnwrsdLAujRC44UmTIKVlYTorIGRzwCLcB/s400/AsianPearSauce.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
The braising liquid was a sauce made of vinegar, asian pear, ginger, garlic, scallions, fish sauce, and cilantro whizzed together. They used the cilantro as garnish but I decided to put into the sauce.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JuMB7NVwpA4/V0-41A3dRQI/AAAAAAAAHn8/ShFupRQIaDoygXzBA8U1WpSlqhz59hE1wCLcB/s1600/BeefRibBefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JuMB7NVwpA4/V0-41A3dRQI/AAAAAAAAHn8/ShFupRQIaDoygXzBA8U1WpSlqhz59hE1wCLcB/s400/BeefRibBefore.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Toss it all together in the slow cooker and let it go.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oe6iFS5FCPI/V0-5SgrFKGI/AAAAAAAAHoE/Jyn0R3JaRWEuXpiOP4WiaoyTsoYw4AJYQCLcB/s1600/KoreanBeefRibdone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oe6iFS5FCPI/V0-5SgrFKGI/AAAAAAAAHoE/Jyn0R3JaRWEuXpiOP4WiaoyTsoYw4AJYQCLcB/s400/KoreanBeefRibdone.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Nine to Eleven hours was the cooking time, I would probably go with closer to eight on low. The beef was a little *too* fall apart. The fat renders and there's a surprising amount of liquid when it's all done, so don't worry about the possibility of it drying out.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vHzmwKECWDw/V0-5fFUEshI/AAAAAAAAHoM/VTg6BnbmUwswh-jflXwo7RZHX6oXxHFjwCLcB/s1600/BeefRibDone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vHzmwKECWDw/V0-5fFUEshI/AAAAAAAAHoM/VTg6BnbmUwswh-jflXwo7RZHX6oXxHFjwCLcB/s400/BeefRibDone.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Not the prettiest of pictures but very tender and the asian pear gave the beef a slightly sweet taste. I was quite happy with the results. I served the beef rib with a helping of sauteed "zoodles" to round out my lunch box. This time the zoodles were less about the noodle effect and more of a vegetable component. I think if you wanted to go with a more "classical" side dish you could do a roasted vegetable or cauliflower mash, I was pretty happy with the zoodles though.<br />
<br />
Slow Cooker Asian Pear Beef Ribs over Zoodles from Nom Nom Paleo<br />
6 pounds of Beef Ribs<br />
1 Asian pear, peeled and cored<br />
6 cloves of garlic<br />
1/2 cup coconut aminos<br />
1" of garlic<br />
2 teaspoons of fish sauce<br />
1 tablespoon coconut vinegar<br />
1 cup chicken stock<br />
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro<br />
7 zucchini<br />
<br />
Set oven to broil. Salt and pepper all sides of the beef rib and place on a foil lined baking sheet. Broil for 5-7 mins per side (depends on your broil setting) until meat is browned and fat has some crispy bits.<br />
<br />
Place pear, garlic, coconut aminos garlic, fish sauce, coconut vinegar, chicken stock and cilantro in a blender and puree until smooth.<br />
<br />
Place beef in a single layer in the bottom of the slow cooker and pour sauce over the ribs.<br />
<br />
Cook on low heat for 8 hours or longer depending on your desired texture.<br />
<br />
Spiral slice zucchini and place in a colander. Liberally sprinkle with salt and let stand for 30 mins. Shake dry.<br />
<br />
Pan fry zucchini noodles for until soft. <br />
<br />Ironjackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441887771747701206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6927660602752656227.post-53056437879903562592016-05-06T04:01:00.001-05:002016-05-06T04:01:55.667-05:00TRIP: Memorable meals in Tokyo (2/2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uB-hb_jD7y4/VyxZIok3upI/AAAAAAAAHlY/zKY5pcwoqa4dXdSr_TpsrEYry8dTA_OUwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uB-hb_jD7y4/VyxZIok3upI/AAAAAAAAHlY/zKY5pcwoqa4dXdSr_TpsrEYry8dTA_OUwCLcB/s640/IMG_0373.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Finally getting around to posting our second fabulous meal in Tokyo. We met another friend for lunch near in the Ginza area. She suggested Aya and booked us a seat for an Omakase lunch. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
We had a little trouble finding the rest</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-seMdB97agOE/VyxZYerZyxI/AAAAAAAAHlc/izqf-uDGpCAAjZHbujeKiUr7XN7d1AbnACLcB/s1600/IMG_0375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-seMdB97agOE/VyxZYerZyxI/AAAAAAAAHlc/izqf-uDGpCAAjZHbujeKiUr7XN7d1AbnACLcB/s320/IMG_0375.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
aurant, as you can see the front door is a little tucked into the building and just like the other place you probably wouldn’t have thought the door lead to a restaurant.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8b2xUusn82M/VyxZofI5cfI/AAAAAAAAHlg/m3b2mpht0A8H2_21GYEx4zAu7bciAffSQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8b2xUusn82M/VyxZofI5cfI/AAAAAAAAHlg/m3b2mpht0A8H2_21GYEx4zAu7bciAffSQCLcB/s400/IMG_0372.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Inside the restaurant sat a total of eight people. The Chef worked in the center and as you can see there was a wall of beautiful dishes that he plated his creations, the space was very efficiently used. There were two waitstaff that assisted with bringing out things from the back as well as tending to your needs. I really like this style of eating, you feel very close to the restaurant and the people designing the wonderful food and ambiance that you are enjoying. Although the chef didn’t speak much english between ingredients and words I was familiar with (and gestures) I was able to understand most of his meaning even when our friend had to leave (lunch took a few hours and it was a working day). Every course wait ate was a work of art and the dedication and these folks brought to their craft was amazing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IrBwwaF8KR4/VyxZ5RVGyOI/AAAAAAAAHlo/IYbIHZceBAMxOqqzvEPRCMAnKTP-T5jTgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IrBwwaF8KR4/VyxZ5RVGyOI/AAAAAAAAHlo/IYbIHZceBAMxOqqzvEPRCMAnKTP-T5jTgCLcB/s400/IMG_0253.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Opening course: steamed broccoli and potato with miso dressing, young white eel in a soy ponzu sauce, and salmon roe with seaweed and braised bamboo shoot. The eel was similar to the white fish we ate for <a href="http://www.eatinginabox.com/2016/03/trip-memorable-meals-in-tokyo-12.html" target="_blank">dinner</a>, except not live this time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bu4SMRmNC9Q/VyxaQCZwntI/AAAAAAAAHlw/gAyUNW5KZeEIl1-ify0NjBta-wtHAhalgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bu4SMRmNC9Q/VyxaQCZwntI/AAAAAAAAHlw/gAyUNW5KZeEIl1-ify0NjBta-wtHAhalgCLcB/s400/IMG_0267.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Sashimi course of tuna and scallops. it was served with a citrus soy dressing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OqgLNihaa0A/Vyxaa_ZafTI/AAAAAAAAHl0/JS0tlbOZNusCCyc9KH3wMPzIMoL_AMxIQCLcB/s1600/ushiojiru.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OqgLNihaa0A/Vyxaa_ZafTI/AAAAAAAAHl0/JS0tlbOZNusCCyc9KH3wMPzIMoL_AMxIQCLcB/s400/ushiojiru.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Next came a soup course, it was a flavorful broth with fresh shiitake tofu shrimp and a fresh clam. The serving vessel was brought out and unveiled the stand heated the soup vessel to boiling and the clam slowly opened up. The chef explained that this soup is also served as part of “Hinamatsuri” or girl’s day and the clam symbolized a wish for a finding your true love, as both halves of the clam shell can only match the original whole. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5bAQ-iwpguY/VyxavPDBuuI/AAAAAAAAHl8/GW5un8UCX8syRg6PUKjDu5VZGyrGGvhPgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5bAQ-iwpguY/VyxavPDBuuI/AAAAAAAAHl8/GW5un8UCX8syRg6PUKjDu5VZGyrGGvhPgCLcB/s400/IMG_0302.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Sea urchin with mushroom and seaweed terrine. There wasn’t a lot of flavor to the terrine jelly, but there were some interesting textures going on, I think the jelly was achieved using agar agar, which makes sense with the whole seaweed theme. The sea urchin was (just like every sea urchin I ate in Japan) deliciously rich with a hit of brine. </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dfIY-VXN1C8/Vyxc4ErEOyI/AAAAAAAAHmo/E7GJ42iHc6Um5QFllPZozOEvpJ65oSs8gCLcB/s1600/IMG_0299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dfIY-VXN1C8/Vyxc4ErEOyI/AAAAAAAAHmo/E7GJ42iHc6Um5QFllPZozOEvpJ65oSs8gCLcB/s400/IMG_0299.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching the chef work was a treat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PRi0eRzscKs/VyxbFyy5aHI/AAAAAAAAHmE/8cRHqrh2rEcqrxETyELdrw6FCZewbQzCgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PRi0eRzscKs/VyxbFyy5aHI/AAAAAAAAHmE/8cRHqrh2rEcqrxETyELdrw6FCZewbQzCgCLcB/s400/IMG_0323.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Self grilled selection of Wagyu and Kobe beef. The Kobe beef (show on the bottom of the grill) was extremely marbled, I’ve never seen anything like it and the flavor was rich, meaty, I know it looks like you’d be eating a solid piece of fat but it was nothing of the sort. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-83W3hB-PyuU/VyxbXKjSVSI/AAAAAAAAHmM/-2SjMX2TgiQV604_46evEt26AjvSLniEACLcB/s1600/IMG_0342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-83W3hB-PyuU/VyxbXKjSVSI/AAAAAAAAHmM/-2SjMX2TgiQV604_46evEt26AjvSLniEACLcB/s400/IMG_0342.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Next came a rice course called Takikomi gohan I had the chef spell it out for me so i could try to make it myself, he said it was pretty simple dish. He explained that rice was cooked in a earthenware bowl and the cooking liquid was a dashi and a bit of soy sauce. The brown pickle to the side was a daikon radish that had been buried in Sake Kasu (the left over rice when they make sake) for three years. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UPBNPVTCf_Q/VyxcBDa9RFI/AAAAAAAAHmY/6duq8eChy0oXMbAZF7r3FSGZLSsRrYF1ACLcB/s1600/IMG_0350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UPBNPVTCf_Q/VyxcBDa9RFI/AAAAAAAAHmY/6duq8eChy0oXMbAZF7r3FSGZLSsRrYF1ACLcB/s320/IMG_0350.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
This was the earthenware pot that the rice was cooked in and it was full of rice.We were getting full at this point and gratefully took the extra rice home (which made for a delicious morning breakfast with some miso soup). </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ED04nnQiG0s/VyxbrUtrPfI/AAAAAAAAHmQ/6LZgk4rd5R4GVOY-oXk2mpyOZYtyJlttwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ED04nnQiG0s/VyxbrUtrPfI/AAAAAAAAHmQ/6LZgk4rd5R4GVOY-oXk2mpyOZYtyJlttwCLcB/s400/IMG_0359.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
To finish things off we had a bit of Matcha Warabi mocha in a syrup with fresh strawberry and what looked like a large kumquat. The fruit was larger and sweeter than a kumquat. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pcUmGp7ImWU/VyxcksGrCgI/AAAAAAAAHmg/SJ7HB34H8wI21yoPEUANI7sqG6kZffJMACLcB/s1600/IMG_0368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pcUmGp7ImWU/VyxcksGrCgI/AAAAAAAAHmg/SJ7HB34H8wI21yoPEUANI7sqG6kZffJMACLcB/s400/IMG_0368.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Finally we end with some Matcha and a single sweet bean, literally a bitter/sweet end to our meal. We enjoyed it so much we hated to leave but after three hours we were quite full! As I said, this was one of our most memorable meals in Japan. I can’t imagine that folks can normally spend three hours on lunch here, but the experience was phenomenal. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Man I miss Japan, I want to go back as soon as possible!</div>
<br />
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
Ironjackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441887771747701206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6927660602752656227.post-45083055441931662902016-03-30T06:29:00.002-05:002016-04-24T22:16:22.558-05:00TRIP: Kyoto<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ek8AHMZ-y_U/VvuzdvZ4ULI/AAAAAAAAHhk/bwI8B-7SSp8HBICOh5YZmA0BIMN1dcIHQ/s1600/img_0585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ek8AHMZ-y_U/VvuzdvZ4ULI/AAAAAAAAHhk/bwI8B-7SSp8HBICOh5YZmA0BIMN1dcIHQ/s640/img_0585.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
In the middle of our trip we took a four day excursion to Kyoto. The city once was the capital of Japan until the Emperor relocated the capital to Tokyo. Kyoto is a very different city compared to Tokyo, it has a fraction of the population (1.5 million) and as a result is not nearly as busy. Kyoto is known for old architectural buildings as well as lots and lots of temples and shrines.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QeTb4nBeajQ/Vvtoev98hvI/AAAAAAAAHeA/-oGPdHKQcDMTHHyAYQRLsi-jHT4UTpE2A/s1600/IMG_7492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QeTb4nBeajQ/Vvtoev98hvI/AAAAAAAAHeA/-oGPdHKQcDMTHHyAYQRLsi-jHT4UTpE2A/s400/IMG_7492.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We passed Mt. Fuji while on the bullet train.<br />
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GEOKTe2RGHQ/VvuxOKRL_II/AAAAAAAAHhM/lFgcEtHS3EUHDUeavoNs7DeepZyoTTUBQ/s1600/IMG_7508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GEOKTe2RGHQ/VvuxOKRL_II/AAAAAAAAHhM/lFgcEtHS3EUHDUeavoNs7DeepZyoTTUBQ/s400/IMG_7508.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kyoto Tower (it's more impressive at night)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-13gH7qA-8JY/VvtMsVjSF6I/AAAAAAAAHcE/CLNdGojTRccF6Nl4qLLB6WNU_9VBIXMzg/s1600/img_0388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-13gH7qA-8JY/VvtMsVjSF6I/AAAAAAAAHcE/CLNdGojTRccF6Nl4qLLB6WNU_9VBIXMzg/s400/img_0388.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
We only had two solid days in the city since the first and fourth days were consumed with travel. Riding the Shinkansen (Bullet train) it took us 2.5 hours to get to Tokyo not bad for covering 320 miles. Kyoto train station is every bit as large as Tokyo's. It's got at least two department stores and a hotel attached to it with a huge variety of restaurants. This picture really doesn't cover it, I just liked the roof structure.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q1CgQ_hL15w/VvtO0J3KCsI/AAAAAAAAHcY/dery1pZFEAM2v9z-r19SSe-XUgg3AU1bg/s1600/KyotoCenturyHotel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q1CgQ_hL15w/VvtO0J3KCsI/AAAAAAAAHcY/dery1pZFEAM2v9z-r19SSe-XUgg3AU1bg/s400/KyotoCenturyHotel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We stayed near the station at an older hotel, the <a href="http://www.kyoto-centuryhotel.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Kyoto Century Hotel</a>. Despite being older and less expensive it was still immaculate and the service (just like everywhere else in Japan) impeccable. The pastries were from the shop in the hotel. Breakfast offered a choice of western style or Japanese style breakfast buffet.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UMM_qE0Wx7Q/VvtQ37lWtmI/AAAAAAAAHcs/FuWkp4rZgRwUAWs4b_TcWqCmIg5Sg1WVA/s1600/img_0423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UMM_qE0Wx7Q/VvtQ37lWtmI/AAAAAAAAHcs/FuWkp4rZgRwUAWs4b_TcWqCmIg5Sg1WVA/s400/img_0423.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
They had a great what I called "old school" cocktail bar. I don't mean that from a disparaging sense, it was very well kept classy with the bartender well versed in all manner of cocktail.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-88X_84abrUQ/VvtPaDTNz7I/AAAAAAAAHcg/kPWoTU4qctYIHMyzM3W9pVb0yI2IWFq3g/s1600/img_0408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-88X_84abrUQ/VvtPaDTNz7I/AAAAAAAAHcg/kPWoTU4qctYIHMyzM3W9pVb0yI2IWFq3g/s400/img_0408.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Of course our first stop was lunch. We randomly picked a restaurant in the station (I swear there is not a bad restaurant in Japan) "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aoi-Jaya/475417905823679" target="_blank">Aoi-jaya</a>". Their speciality was a bamboo steamed basket, I picked the beef hotpot, it came with seasoned rice, sashimi Japanese pickle and warabi mochi for desert. The egg is used to cool the beef from the cauldron. We added some tempura since we had yet to have any while we were here. This is considered a "traditional" Japanese lunch called washoku. It was a very light and well balanced meal a great way to start our visit. Washoku always consists of rice, miso soup and a bunch of seasonal side dishes. There are various sets that change up the "main dish" and as a result the complementing side dishes but you get the idea. (more examples to come)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-La3ldx3P2wA/VvtSUX9zTlI/AAAAAAAAHc4/Ejhi2-Kw7YMVpl9loxAe_dca-c4XxnQxw/s1600/img_0439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-La3ldx3P2wA/VvtSUX9zTlI/AAAAAAAAHc4/Ejhi2-Kw7YMVpl9loxAe_dca-c4XxnQxw/s400/img_0439.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
That night we took a bus into city and walked around. Wandering around the city was pretty busy at night. Lots of shops and restaurants, almost every one we visit was solid with reservations booked all night. We managed to get a seat it a Korean BBQ place featuring wagyu beef. I want to take a moment to say that there was no where in this country that I felt the least bit unsafe. We remarked at the fact that people parked their bikes unlocked on the city streets here. I'm sure there's a "bad" part somewhere but for the most part it's not like anywhere else I've ever been. Most places if you don't have your bike seat chained up folks will steal it, not here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3UuXXwYVMmU/VvtTxXgCKoI/AAAAAAAAHdA/xo2UMrhkM50sY0mSfsyb7mjinvmpBUo9w/s1600/img_0517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3UuXXwYVMmU/VvtTxXgCKoI/AAAAAAAAHdA/xo2UMrhkM50sY0mSfsyb7mjinvmpBUo9w/s400/img_0517.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
The next morning we attended a traditional tea ceremony class. Our instructor was dressed in a full kimono and walked us through the "simple" ceremony (the full one takes up to four hours). She talked us through the significance of each of the implements as well as the preparation of the tea. This is a photo of the poem and flowers that adorn the tea room. The poem talks about the uniqueness of the gathering like the alignments of the planets is something to be treasured and honored. That's the really short summary of it, our host was far more eloquent. (I wish I had recorded it)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xT40g11g3vk/VvtUCsMekkI/AAAAAAAAHdE/VCthLiAygQ466m5JuMFSVpbL5EBrzapOA/s1600/img_0455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xT40g11g3vk/VvtUCsMekkI/AAAAAAAAHdE/VCthLiAygQ466m5JuMFSVpbL5EBrzapOA/s400/img_0455.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Here our instructor showed us what guests bring to a ceremony. A small fan which is presented and you bow with to upon entry. A small knife for cutting the desserts, and paper used as a plate for the sweets served. To teach the tea ceremony in Kyoto you need a teaching certificate from one of the tea masters of the city who trace their lineage back to the original tea master that first developed the ceremony.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nwiUiTUbflQ/VvtUV3ic50I/AAAAAAAAHdM/TLtoZ3jvAYcdpGpQnauLgmBsZuXtP-2lA/s1600/img_0456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nwiUiTUbflQ/VvtUV3ic50I/AAAAAAAAHdM/TLtoZ3jvAYcdpGpQnauLgmBsZuXtP-2lA/s400/img_0456.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The selection of the tea powder vessel, temperature of the water, and even the tea scoop are all deliberate to show respect for the guests as well as to the day and season.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3wz6uE1cheM/VvtVAcHwBEI/AAAAAAAAHdU/XtGVQqON5dYl11gkJXES3MkbeRj8xHKFA/s1600/teabowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3wz6uE1cheM/VvtVAcHwBEI/AAAAAAAAHdU/XtGVQqON5dYl11gkJXES3MkbeRj8xHKFA/s400/teabowl.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The tea cup has a front and back. After the host prepares the tea they make two turns of the cup to present the nice front to the guest and likewise as the guest finishes they make two turns and presents the front to the host as they place back on the tatami.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-teCF3axLm3s/VvtVTR5eVMI/AAAAAAAAHdc/GSeRpnNQ56gSt9IApcNhWPZhrE6FYFE6Q/s1600/img_0475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-teCF3axLm3s/VvtVTR5eVMI/AAAAAAAAHdc/GSeRpnNQ56gSt9IApcNhWPZhrE6FYFE6Q/s400/img_0475.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's a selection of sweets, the larger ones were a jelly sugary confection and the small dots were made of a special ultra fine sugar that melt in your mouth. I think the sugar helps alleviate the bitterness of the macha.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KIJTndr29zY/VvtVhjJlkeI/AAAAAAAAHdg/q-JBArAkpjAtrsxnxV9gaIJDGyE3jHqlg/s1600/img_0485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KIJTndr29zY/VvtVhjJlkeI/AAAAAAAAHdg/q-JBArAkpjAtrsxnxV9gaIJDGyE3jHqlg/s400/img_0485.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
For a small cup of tea you use a fairly large scoop of tea.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_TcFxFhnPhk/VvtnVVapHAI/AAAAAAAAHd0/1S-atDLPD7ojQp0GTp4V2MgXgKKAudiUw/s1600/img_0509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_TcFxFhnPhk/VvtnVVapHAI/AAAAAAAAHd0/1S-atDLPD7ojQp0GTp4V2MgXgKKAudiUw/s400/img_0509.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
As you whisk the tea you make two clockwise circles and then a "W" shape whisking motion until you get a frothy tea. My guess is to aerate the tea and help reduce the bitterness. Matcha is made from grinding up young dried tea leaves. It has a very high antioxidant content and is considered very good for you. If you have free time in Kyoto you should definitely check out the <a href="http://www.teaceremonykyoto.com/" target="_blank">Tea Ceremony room Ju-An</a> it was a great education and we had a wonderful time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rdxfgeI5L8M/VvtpO67ujGI/AAAAAAAAHeI/28iacVXyCwUNz2LorkaMflb9IgVEa_RSA/s1600/img_0533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rdxfgeI5L8M/VvtpO67ujGI/AAAAAAAAHeI/28iacVXyCwUNz2LorkaMflb9IgVEa_RSA/s400/img_0533.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
After tea class we walked around a bit and saw the Higashi Honganji temple. On the way there we were greeted by this beautiful Grey Heron.<br />
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1SrFPOYm2Ks/Vvtpac6zUdI/AAAAAAAAHeM/sbXGFUZrVV8Uc_4vtMUPpuNWFQgMSN5Vw/s1600/img_0551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1SrFPOYm2Ks/Vvtpac6zUdI/AAAAAAAAHeM/sbXGFUZrVV8Uc_4vtMUPpuNWFQgMSN5Vw/s400/img_0551.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front Gate of Higashi Honganji</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wkH2lQYZtjQ/VvtpltVhBnI/AAAAAAAAHeQ/Dm_Yx0g8kQ45aX8rQ6dyh9hc2w7aksywA/s1600/img_0539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wkH2lQYZtjQ/VvtpltVhBnI/AAAAAAAAHeQ/Dm_Yx0g8kQ45aX8rQ6dyh9hc2w7aksywA/s400/img_0539.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The temple was a massive walled off compound that is actively in use. We observed an prayer ceremony. This is one of the two largest temples in Kyoto and considered the “head” temple built just over 400 years ago.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5P4iwvP04FA/Vvtp5c9paII/AAAAAAAAHeY/NAetmmVFnrkImJT15-oKz3I1jP3Iy_iAg/s1600/img_0568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5P4iwvP04FA/Vvtp5c9paII/AAAAAAAAHeY/NAetmmVFnrkImJT15-oKz3I1jP3Iy_iAg/s400/img_0568.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We went and visited the Shosei-en Garden just a few blocks away. It was originally built as a second residence for the Chief Priest of the Higashi Hongan-ji 370 years ago.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-obi0RdVGs/VvtqND4ISwI/AAAAAAAAHeg/QkVmx3aDwREQzscB8PklPKWV54ketLI6g/s1600/img_0584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-obi0RdVGs/VvtqND4ISwI/AAAAAAAAHeg/QkVmx3aDwREQzscB8PklPKWV54ketLI6g/s400/img_0584.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Although we were early for cherry blossom season (by about two weeks) we did manage to catch a couple of early blooming trees here in the garden. The one tree was quite a sight to behold, I can only imagine what it looks like to have them all in bloom.<br />
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sUhq0OtCfzc/VvtqkI3hSbI/AAAAAAAAHeo/PYAAF85fjNwfvIBt47-avPunBxjqZbJig/s1600/img_0632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sUhq0OtCfzc/VvtqkI3hSbI/AAAAAAAAHeo/PYAAF85fjNwfvIBt47-avPunBxjqZbJig/s400/img_0632.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closeup of the Sakura</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0-dnCiiKYKQ/Vvtq7UHEfvI/AAAAAAAAHew/sl2HE8R2Sk4kDu9dUGIyij8BVdhnhp-3Q/s1600/img_0647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0-dnCiiKYKQ/Vvtq7UHEfvI/AAAAAAAAHew/sl2HE8R2Sk4kDu9dUGIyij8BVdhnhp-3Q/s400/img_0647.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Another traditional Japanese lunch. Sashimi over rice with dried white fish and shredded egg with the accoutrements to make it a Chazuke (tea rice). The side dishes included a fresh made tofu, some chicken karaga, smoked fish and azure bean and mocha dessert.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MtBMfxQsaGE/VvtrWqo18TI/AAAAAAAAHe0/eydh3K-EIvwQB_2bgM0OJdBPT4hw-m5_Q/s1600/img_0663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MtBMfxQsaGE/VvtrWqo18TI/AAAAAAAAHe0/eydh3K-EIvwQB_2bgM0OJdBPT4hw-m5_Q/s400/img_0663.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
More temples: we took a taxi to visit the Kiyomizu-dera temple. The temple is about 1238 years old and has been constructed without a single nail. It’s massive in scale and spreads out across the mountain side. It’s known for it’s cherry blossoms as well which we were again lucky enough to catch a couple of blossoming trees. (I think the front ones were actually plum blossoms). This is the front gate.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ehSgVku0Ick/VvtruYt7hGI/AAAAAAAAHe8/yHc43P8DzkYuggPbVkoo3WIFfwhbqiRjQ/s1600/img_0691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ehSgVku0Ick/VvtruYt7hGI/AAAAAAAAHe8/yHc43P8DzkYuggPbVkoo3WIFfwhbqiRjQ/s400/img_0691.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Here's a distance shot from the garden that includes the main temple, it's too bad part of it was under restoration.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lASUpneN2ls/VvtsMSqRckI/AAAAAAAAHfI/yyuswJFUnl4zXahHQYTyzc3fUYjttdECA/s1600/img_0701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lASUpneN2ls/VvtsMSqRckI/AAAAAAAAHfI/yyuswJFUnl4zXahHQYTyzc3fUYjttdECA/s400/img_0701.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The streets leading to the temple were lined with shops and various food vendors. Particularly popular were vendors of triangular sweet called Yatsuhashi. They came in mocha like sheets or folded in triangles filled with red bean or sesame and red bean (our favorite).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8kzPyy2rRzc/VvtsdEK48JI/AAAAAAAAHfQ/ykBJkcSUCQsz2s-P96fj4NxpF_FGvZsug/s1600/img_0707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8kzPyy2rRzc/VvtsdEK48JI/AAAAAAAAHfQ/ykBJkcSUCQsz2s-P96fj4NxpF_FGvZsug/s400/img_0707.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
An interesting Pate a choux like pastry stuffed with a matcha cream.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8pvFeYVjofM/VvtspzP302I/AAAAAAAAHfU/1E4Tw5w7opkSlIk8r9witOlTkxBXTliQA/s1600/img_0717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8pvFeYVjofM/VvtspzP302I/AAAAAAAAHfU/1E4Tw5w7opkSlIk8r9witOlTkxBXTliQA/s400/img_0717.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Baumkuchen is a popular cake here brought over from Germany.The rings resemble the rings of a tree and hence the German name of "tree cake". We had some of this at the tea ceremony class as well.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uqxFOz_b7dY/VvttBfkUH4I/AAAAAAAAHfc/RTSuQ43CBZ0UkZo2xfq_FeYXgynMvgAOQ/s1600/img_0727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uqxFOz_b7dY/VvttBfkUH4I/AAAAAAAAHfc/RTSuQ43CBZ0UkZo2xfq_FeYXgynMvgAOQ/s400/img_0727.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Restaurant that makes their own tofu, the bottom poster show the process. This wasn't the only restaurant we encountered that served all tofu but we didn't get a chance to actually dine at one.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9K201WCTzRA/VvtterjFGzI/AAAAAAAAHfo/NcUGqf9kOW48tOhCNa5w6SOed1kuaWvyA/s1600/img_0754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9K201WCTzRA/VvtterjFGzI/AAAAAAAAHfo/NcUGqf9kOW48tOhCNa5w6SOed1kuaWvyA/s400/img_0754.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
Walking around further you can get a really view of the historical architecture of the buildings in Kyoto. Everything was illuminated by lanterns.<br />
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3I_UIjEydzg/Vvtt24dcG6I/AAAAAAAAHfw/fQ_HWQObuEApVRtszgD5J7MSYhgCv94dQ/s1600/img_0748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3I_UIjEydzg/Vvtt24dcG6I/AAAAAAAAHfw/fQ_HWQObuEApVRtszgD5J7MSYhgCv94dQ/s400/img_0748.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ume (Plum) Blossoms</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TDVdJtskOjI/VvturoHr4DI/AAAAAAAAHf8/g0jyyK7IaDkKWFHcPmiQ0GVSL9DOf21zA/s1600/KetchupFriedRice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TDVdJtskOjI/VvturoHr4DI/AAAAAAAAHf8/g0jyyK7IaDkKWFHcPmiQ0GVSL9DOf21zA/s400/KetchupFriedRice.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We returned back to Kyoto station and found dinner at a restaurant serving Omelette rice. Rice fried with ketchup wrapped in an thin egg wrapper. This is actually a very popular dish in Taiwan as well. My Mom would make this for us growing up and it was on my wife’s “To eat” list while we were here. I’ve made it before for a <a href="http://www.eatinginabox.com/2010/05/ketchup-bento.html" target="_blank">bento</a>, the ketchup gives a sweet and tangy flavor to the fried rice it’s actually quite good (don’t knock it till you try it).<br />
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vnMBw4IaIgs/Vvtu_mMSkAI/AAAAAAAAHgE/Vzuwbt2v76MxSbiKdtXBR0DptzweiUhvQ/s1600/img_0802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vnMBw4IaIgs/Vvtu_mMSkAI/AAAAAAAAHgE/Vzuwbt2v76MxSbiKdtXBR0DptzweiUhvQ/s400/img_0802.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Night View of Kyoto Station</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lrpLcrMeSrk/VvtvK1MeWeI/AAAAAAAAHgI/yt8DTSJQ2esEL3rPUZvqzq4v2mkxuvCCg/s1600/img_0812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lrpLcrMeSrk/VvtvK1MeWeI/AAAAAAAAHgI/yt8DTSJQ2esEL3rPUZvqzq4v2mkxuvCCg/s400/img_0812.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reverse view of the illuminated steps</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E80SOv5ofEk/VvtwoinP1cI/AAAAAAAAHgY/wBnbYzpD9-s5zNNxSAk_nlo3KsT3M3Stw/s1600/KinkakuJi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E80SOv5ofEk/VvtwoinP1cI/AAAAAAAAHgY/wBnbYzpD9-s5zNNxSAk_nlo3KsT3M3Stw/s400/KinkakuJi.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Next day we visited the famous Temple of the golden pavilion: Kinkaku-ji. It was a residence of a previous Shogun who had the building converted to a Zen temple after he passed away.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DUf3P6c_VTg/Vvut0oRuYxI/AAAAAAAAHgo/PN55zCVcPTQzd9nGIWG7xpXyLW9OKf-fA/s1600/img_0859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DUf3P6c_VTg/Vvut0oRuYxI/AAAAAAAAHgo/PN55zCVcPTQzd9nGIWG7xpXyLW9OKf-fA/s400/img_0859.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The garden still features preserved structures like the Shogun’s tea room.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yFtRY-P_Czw/Vvuuev2cDkI/AAAAAAAAHgs/UBrm_tAmcWUTmP2aQijbIoPPNyA2SqbVw/s1600/img_0867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yFtRY-P_Czw/Vvuuev2cDkI/AAAAAAAAHgs/UBrm_tAmcWUTmP2aQijbIoPPNyA2SqbVw/s320/img_0867.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Prayer candles where you can pray for a variety of things. There are predefined inscriptions on candles that you pay a donation to light, so anything you need: good grades, safe travels, fortune etc it's covered. (I could have used these things when I was in school) They even have the label in english for us tourists.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-auNK5D5SSyI/VvuwZGUwT-I/AAAAAAAAHhE/-JKuJEba3j0NCoEfGOTCz7etWPTb4I8ag/s1600/img_0882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-auNK5D5SSyI/VvuwZGUwT-I/AAAAAAAAHhE/-JKuJEba3j0NCoEfGOTCz7etWPTb4I8ag/s400/img_0882.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally, my wife wanted to do pictures in full traditional gear. There were lots of photo studios that provided this service so we picked one with the best reviews. There were also plenty of kimono rentals that you could dress up in traditional gear to go to visit temples. There were quite a few folks decked out while we were visiting but we were also told that during graduation many women dress up in formal kimonos as part of the graduation ceremony. The guys were stuck with their standard school uniform. So no telling if it was graduation or the "thing to do" while we were there.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rxsHUX-NZfU/VvuvOeig8II/AAAAAAAAHg4/HolF1b8q_ZYsofa4HpOpwdvRganMft7Ag/s1600/img_0943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rxsHUX-NZfU/VvuvOeig8II/AAAAAAAAHg4/HolF1b8q_ZYsofa4HpOpwdvRganMft7Ag/s400/img_0943.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally after an exhausting amount of walking we finished and went back to Kyoto station and dined at a Washoku restaurant Eijuan. Fresh tofu salad with a ginger dressing, Tamoyagi (omelette) with soy daikon, Tsukemono (japanese pickle), sashimi, Mushroom miso soup, grilled Alfonsino. I’ve never had Alfonsino, it’s a firm fleshed white fish which kind of reminded me of a thin version of cod and has a bright red skin. Every dinner here has been just as much a feast for the eyes as for the stomach. I’ve always left feeling quite satisfied and “light” unlike some of the “food coma” inducing meals I’ve had back home. As much as carbs seem to be on my enemy list these days for food, it does make a case that maybe it’s not the carbs that are bad. After all, everyone here seems pretty healthy, but then again it maybe all that walking they do here.<br />
<br />
We had a great time in Kyoto, it’s definitely very different from Tokyo. It’s a slower pace and more of a chance to see what traditional Japan looked like. Lots of temples… LOTS of temples. But each one was unique and they were a lot of fun to visit.<br />
<br />
You know when you've gone on a long vacation and on the last day you get that "No place like home" kind of feeling? I didn't have that at the end of our trip. I definitely could have stayed a lot longer. There's so many more sights to see that we're pretty sure we're going back sometime soon. I've got one more post about our second fabulous meal so that's coming up, but this wraps up my post on our two city tour of Japan. I highly recommend a visit!<br />
<br />
Oh yeah. I did get a photo while we were doing the dress up thing....<br />
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rhHos9AGG_Q/Vvuye-IEKLI/AAAAAAAAHhY/gHgBZfGbaVgRkvvlLOWTtlZYppynQkWsg/s1600/037%25EF%25BC%25BF2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rhHos9AGG_Q/Vvuye-IEKLI/AAAAAAAAHhY/gHgBZfGbaVgRkvvlLOWTtlZYppynQkWsg/s400/037%25EF%25BC%25BF2.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samurai Jack</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
Ironjackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441887771747701206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6927660602752656227.post-71224766987246987212016-03-23T17:03:00.001-05:002016-03-23T17:03:33.505-05:00TRIP: Memorable meals in Tokyo (1/2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f84GfZX4k-M/VvKPPUlwhmI/AAAAAAAAHaM/cR9iK3HgeRE1StouAwe7cVsphwTeYFJzw/s1600/img_0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f84GfZX4k-M/VvKPPUlwhmI/AAAAAAAAHaM/cR9iK3HgeRE1StouAwe7cVsphwTeYFJzw/s640/img_0013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Best meal I had while in Tokyo? Well there were two and this is one of them. Our friend that took us on a mini tour of Tokyo over the weekend took us to his favorite lunch place for dinner. During lunch they serve a bustling crowd with Kaisen Don (a Sashimi rice bowl). He had never been here for dinner and reserved us a space for an Omakase dinner, the chef's selection, the literal translation is "I'll leave it up to you". I couldn't for the life of me tell you the name or where this restaurant is, the only thing I have is the above picture of the sign outside the building.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-inzJZwB3Cfs/VvKPqx2NkmI/AAAAAAAAHaQ/dG_aUMDu5w4veT-frO3vd9WGaf0qKqbSQ/s1600/img_0015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-inzJZwB3Cfs/VvKPqx2NkmI/AAAAAAAAHaQ/dG_aUMDu5w4veT-frO3vd9WGaf0qKqbSQ/s400/img_0015.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The restaurant is very nondescript, it was on the third floor right around a stairwell and had I been walking around I would have missed it. It's really close to the Parliament building so the part of town is nearly deserted during the evening.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHYSL2mpySg/VvKQFc0wX7I/AAAAAAAAHaY/9uEguDW69ScGIv0md9E8SIG_48StKXO9A/s1600/img_0016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHYSL2mpySg/VvKQFc0wX7I/AAAAAAAAHaY/9uEguDW69ScGIv0md9E8SIG_48StKXO9A/s400/img_0016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's the photo of the restaurant, it's shot from our table of four and there's a four seat behind the screen. 20 seats. The place was tiny. I'm not sure that they normally open for dinner, we were the only customers for the evening and it appeared that they were doing the books.Dinner was a total of a eight course .<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ieGDK7ySTGk/VvKQY3CRDFI/AAAAAAAAHag/KPA4S1KOGDwYOxe1hpZUVJUr7l9mCDI7g/s1600/img_0018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ieGDK7ySTGk/VvKQY3CRDFI/AAAAAAAAHag/KPA4S1KOGDwYOxe1hpZUVJUr7l9mCDI7g/s400/img_0018.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Our first course was a scored squid quickly blanched to create a flower effect, simply beautiful. The squid was blanched in a salt water to give it flavor. The texture was very soft without any trace of rubbery over cook-ness.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yDcnh-HolSg/VvKQsH6aXxI/AAAAAAAAHao/IltP-wWY-yUqL0pfmS_CNMd-Djy95rD1Q/s1600/img_0019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yDcnh-HolSg/VvKQsH6aXxI/AAAAAAAAHao/IltP-wWY-yUqL0pfmS_CNMd-Djy95rD1Q/s400/img_0019.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Next was a chu-toro with sea salt and a sliver of raw garlic. I've never had sashimi this way. No soy sauce needed since it was already salted. As you can see the tuna was a beautiful red color and the tell tale white stripes indicating a medium fatty belly cut. The Chu-toro was melt in your mouth and the garlic gave it meaty "flavor". I guess I usually associate garlic with beef. If I had closed my eyes I would have believed I was eating some sort of well marbled beef. My mouth is watering as I write this.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/s_vi/x9WJcwXjINo/default.jpg?sqp=COCjzLcF&rs=AOn4CLCoWbZviP3MrMyeKLs4UHKnx2ZgIQ" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x9WJcwXjINo?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
There was a flurry of conversation with the Chef and our friend. Our friend translated asking if we eat "alive fish". I wasn't exactly sure what to make of this, I was envisioning Gollum with a fresh catch "raw and wriggling". My intrepid wife responded without hesitation "of course!" I really only draw the line at insects and even then I'd try anything at least once. Upon seeing the dish, I now understand the fish tank on top of the sushi counter, it was not for decoration. This is the first video I've ever actually posted so I hope this works. I'll admit I was a little intimidated at first. Do you swallow them whole? Give them a chew? Envisioning sci-fi horror movies, I opted for the latter to be safe. The white fish were dressed, in a soy ponzu sauce. The chef came by to explain that the fish were just now in season to be eaten this way. This one is a hard one to explain, the fish itself didn't impart much flavor so mainly soy ponzu with a hint of fish, the texture was like eating konyaku noodles (a low calorie noodle made from yam) slippery with bursting texture like salmon eggs. It was actually quite delicious and unique.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zPD-vEndPmA/VvKSVZcfY9I/AAAAAAAAHa0/EBtdKvkQUtku6rdSBHUpAQ97mRmCJP0Ng/s1600/img_0025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zPD-vEndPmA/VvKSVZcfY9I/AAAAAAAAHa0/EBtdKvkQUtku6rdSBHUpAQ97mRmCJP0Ng/s400/img_0025.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Grilled mackerel, the fish was first marinated and then quickly grilled. The skin was edible and fattiness of the fish came out with the grilling.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mmOcvmJpBFg/VvKSp6Jz-hI/AAAAAAAAHa4/8OQG_yzW8uYs8e8FhU8tfV3kkIsy9FDRw/s1600/img_0029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mmOcvmJpBFg/VvKSp6Jz-hI/AAAAAAAAHa4/8OQG_yzW8uYs8e8FhU8tfV3kkIsy9FDRw/s400/img_0029.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Sashimi course featuring yellow tail, surf clam and sweet shrimp. Most of the time surf claim is served cooked in sushi bars in the US it features a red tip and the wider part is white. Also shrimp tends to be cooked as well, so it's been a neat experience eating the shrimp raw. Both were a very different textural experience. The spicy radish greens went well with the naturally sweet shrimp. The Chef's wife poured some dark soy for us to eat with the sashimi.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pqRLRXyis1E/VvKTP1tk3II/AAAAAAAAHbE/rFOIfdUfvJMTSGgTOX--BKe7eEtb3Q8GQ/s1600/img_0031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pqRLRXyis1E/VvKTP1tk3II/AAAAAAAAHbE/rFOIfdUfvJMTSGgTOX--BKe7eEtb3Q8GQ/s400/img_0031.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Which leads us to the soy sauce. There were two containers of soy sauce one for light soy sauce and one for the dark. Both soy sauces were brewed by the chef here in his restaurant. There was a hint of sweetness to both of the soy sauces and something missing in the after taste that I normally associate with soy sauce. It was explained to us that the thicker dark soy sauce was for sashimi and the light for sushi.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cteM_bwNQsE/VvKTne1bKwI/AAAAAAAAHbI/-4TFZALEVR0DTzGH78Hh4iQ7SWcfHcGnA/s1600/img_0034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cteM_bwNQsE/VvKTne1bKwI/AAAAAAAAHbI/-4TFZALEVR0DTzGH78Hh4iQ7SWcfHcGnA/s400/img_0034.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Poached snapper with grated daikon soy sauce chives and grated chili. The chili gave the fish a nice amount of heat.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JOL5uwAg4JM/VvKT2tRQnpI/AAAAAAAAHbQ/UcX0PDgxgo4tp9Fp0wW2NbjwjMIUXzB6w/s1600/img_0036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JOL5uwAg4JM/VvKT2tRQnpI/AAAAAAAAHbQ/UcX0PDgxgo4tp9Fp0wW2NbjwjMIUXzB6w/s400/img_0036.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A quick palate cleanser. Tomato, just under the size of a golf ball. I could get the variety of tomato, it was very sweet and more fruity and no tartness.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-znwt03Sh6fc/VvKUPkTfhBI/AAAAAAAAHbY/dLysllSW2uE8T5cQWpgl5wOoDi_tUoNkg/s1600/img_0039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-znwt03Sh6fc/VvKUPkTfhBI/AAAAAAAAHbY/dLysllSW2uE8T5cQWpgl5wOoDi_tUoNkg/s400/img_0039.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The final course was sushi. From the top left. Tuna, scallop, another type of clam, squid and a gunkan of qual egg and chives. This was served with the light soy sauce.<br />
<br />
<br />
Oishii! This was a perfect amount of food, our friend asked if we needed more food and we both declined, we both felt perfectly content, not uncomfortably full and not hungry. The meal lasted two and a half hours and we enjoyed every morsel of food and every minute of conversation. The chef and his wife were such wonderful hosts and a great thanks to our friend to show us this gem that we would never have had an opportunity to try otherwise.<br />
<br />
Still need to post Kyoto and our second epic meal.<br />
<br />
<br />Ironjackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441887771747701206noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6927660602752656227.post-54910753954757942812016-03-19T09:15:00.000-05:002016-03-19T09:15:14.219-05:00TRIP: Tokyo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LQ4B-ghp0-E/VuzRL0MWzNI/AAAAAAAAHSU/36cZ1KBqKe0kc8lv_let6khzuUxunCl7Q/s1600/img_0118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LQ4B-ghp0-E/VuzRL0MWzNI/AAAAAAAAHSU/36cZ1KBqKe0kc8lv_let6khzuUxunCl7Q/s640/img_0118.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Everyday has seemed to be non stop here, not in a bad way but there is simply so much to see and try. I've decided to condense my posts into our Tokyo stop, Kyoto stop and a couple of meal high lights. So this is a long one, but there's lots of pictures.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LYq4dNRDUrg/VuzTBQGqmvI/AAAAAAAAHSw/d7pLaB2Eza8tkIo3nWLTMg8D0fnSVvTTA/s1600/IMG_7288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LYq4dNRDUrg/VuzTBQGqmvI/AAAAAAAAHSw/d7pLaB2Eza8tkIo3nWLTMg8D0fnSVvTTA/s400/IMG_7288.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Our first night in we got in pretty late and managed only to explore the area around our hotel. We chose a hotel right on the train station to make it easier to run around town. (a very wise choice by my wife) Above is a picture from our room of the Tokyo tower.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2DexDJ0eIqk/VuzRtzi6IBI/AAAAAAAAHSg/I9RX9fXn9ZQb3IRxAAoEIO3z6I5_o1nDg/s1600/IMG_7311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2DexDJ0eIqk/VuzRtzi6IBI/AAAAAAAAHSg/I9RX9fXn9ZQb3IRxAAoEIO3z6I5_o1nDg/s400/IMG_7311.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We were located near the Shiodome station, it's located near the fish market and has a large number of offices near by and thus a lot of convenient eateries and shops. We ran across this <a href="https://www.abc-cooking.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">ABC cooking studio</a>, it's a chain (we saw one in Kyoto as well). Reading up on it, it's a cooking school where you can pick online the courses you want and select the location that's most convenient to you. The classes look to be small groups of six and you have an instructor for<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oGz5Zqg1w6c/VuzRcCbiLPI/AAAAAAAAHSY/z-upILb_6jk6ubOY4fhO14NfGdZ55SaOQ/s1600/IMG_7609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oGz5Zqg1w6c/VuzRcCbiLPI/AAAAAAAAHSY/z-upILb_6jk6ubOY4fhO14NfGdZ55SaOQ/s400/IMG_7609.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
For dinner we picked our place by looking at the famous "plastic food menu". Basically each restaurant has a full menu recreated in very realistic plastic representations. I opted for the sashimi set, my wife picked the Chazuke marinated snapper. Her tray came with a carafe of hot tea that you pour over your bowl of rice, fish and condimente, like a soup/stew.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YIgPdZeL_pk/VuzTiD226JI/AAAAAAAAHS0/i3ujnM2jhf4QpX2m1mdtC4COsIJW7lUDw/s1600/IMG_7466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YIgPdZeL_pk/VuzTiD226JI/AAAAAAAAHS0/i3ujnM2jhf4QpX2m1mdtC4COsIJW7lUDw/s400/IMG_7466.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We particularly enjoyed this "Bakudan mix" side dish of Natto, pickles, minced tuna, okra, quail egg and daikon radish. Asian food features texture as a large component of a dish, I never really noticed how much use of the "slimey" texture there is here, this dish is indeed very viscous. Natto is a type of fermented soybean which is very sticky if you think about cooked sliced okra it's about like that, so the whole dish was pretty um.. "slimey", but tasty. It reminds me of another favorite of mine Takowasa.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zn27zGzeDGM/VuzUlUYhy8I/AAAAAAAAHTE/6naST_rMFYcGXl9D1gwo6-KcEQ0adAz7A/s1600/IMG_7344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zn27zGzeDGM/VuzUlUYhy8I/AAAAAAAAHTE/6naST_rMFYcGXl9D1gwo6-KcEQ0adAz7A/s400/IMG_7344.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The next day we hit the <a href="http://www.eatinginabox.com/2016/03/trip-visit-to-tsujiki-fish-market-tokyo.html" target="_blank">fish market</a> and in the afternoon visited what I call "the happiest place on earth": Akihabara, the anime and electronics district.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aiTwMLiv_dc/VuzVJRroe8I/AAAAAAAAHTU/3U9wIz17EjchdGWgtjJ2s6MrkBnBMa5hw/s1600/IMG_7342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aiTwMLiv_dc/VuzVJRroe8I/AAAAAAAAHTU/3U9wIz17EjchdGWgtjJ2s6MrkBnBMa5hw/s400/IMG_7342.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The UDX building is a paradise of Anime shops and museums. We didn't get a chance to go in there.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9A5F7Hch9oA/VuzWS9AyDjI/AAAAAAAAHTo/XenF7UU5zhoOo-sQlARBB0C4M87xgb07A/s1600/IMG_7339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9A5F7Hch9oA/VuzWS9AyDjI/AAAAAAAAHTo/XenF7UU5zhoOo-sQlARBB0C4M87xgb07A/s320/IMG_7339.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's a picture of the AK4B "maid cafe" sounded like a big show was going on, basically it's a cafe where all the servers are pretty young girls dressed in french maid costumes. We didn't go in there either, although my wife was encouraging I felt like the place was going to be like this middle eastern restaurant I went to where they had belly dancers dancing next to you and I just felt uncomfortable the entire evening. The place seemed to have a lot of folks going in and out so it was definitely hopping.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ilBKwiMBOtA/VuzUx14HLyI/AAAAAAAAHTM/0ZEo55k1xaoSrzpPnCq7ACekwviOaw9iQ/s1600/IMG_7349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ilBKwiMBOtA/VuzUx14HLyI/AAAAAAAAHTM/0ZEo55k1xaoSrzpPnCq7ACekwviOaw9iQ/s400/IMG_7349.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Basically every store in the area was a Tax free electronic store. You won't necessarily find a good deal, but you will find the latest and greatest of gadgets that aren't sold anywhere outside of Japan. It just so happened the US dollar is currently very strong so I picked up new camera.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Q65gjKiVIU/VuzWb5CnAcI/AAAAAAAAHTs/ZaOkUfy1KycbC-69sjpJlI6ZOYUip8vTQ/s1600/IMG_7352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Q65gjKiVIU/VuzWb5CnAcI/AAAAAAAAHTs/ZaOkUfy1KycbC-69sjpJlI6ZOYUip8vTQ/s400/IMG_7352.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The stores didn't just carry video games and electronic gizmos but also kitchen wares, cosmetics, food courts and even an arcade, the one store we were in had at least 11 floors.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GAgUVjeBXSw/VuzWxIotXVI/AAAAAAAAHT0/EeDBhShwTkcr3teRSYPs3EA8VOv_uiOxA/s1600/dscn4366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GAgUVjeBXSw/VuzWxIotXVI/AAAAAAAAHT0/EeDBhShwTkcr3teRSYPs3EA8VOv_uiOxA/s400/dscn4366.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After a full day we went back to Shiodome station and grabbed some Ramen at Kitakata Ramen Bannai. I opted for the wonton Ramen and my wife got the char sui set that included grilled pork char siu and soft boiled egg. None of the ramen here featured the thick broth style that we've come to know as "real ramen" back home, evidently everyone has their own style which includes broth thickness, noodle type and condiments they are served with.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jF-diXpce6Y/VuzXDdLPBYI/AAAAAAAAHT8/zI1-zurrLdEAERAMvgcb3qQJGDgEGtrEA/s1600/img_0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jF-diXpce6Y/VuzXDdLPBYI/AAAAAAAAHT8/zI1-zurrLdEAERAMvgcb3qQJGDgEGtrEA/s400/img_0008.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We started our third day at a Japanese Onsen. It's actually a relaxation wonderland.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qto9bN0S2_c/VuzXR-1DX_I/AAAAAAAAHUE/eiIVpYwEGYoSkkx79jCxWEwMiHO3ShwAg/s1600/IMG_7357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qto9bN0S2_c/VuzXR-1DX_I/AAAAAAAAHUE/eiIVpYwEGYoSkkx79jCxWEwMiHO3ShwAg/s400/IMG_7357.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
When you arrive you are given a Yukata to wear, it's a light robe and sash for a belt and everyone walks bare foot around the facility. The pictures all look like we were outdoors at night but this was actually a giant indoor complex (it was just before noon).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GJLDSyiDdvk/VuzXdOpBCWI/AAAAAAAAHUM/EqcUH1IR8RAnno_afZYgm4FtdjOSpc47g/s1600/IMG_7379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GJLDSyiDdvk/VuzXdOpBCWI/AAAAAAAAHUM/EqcUH1IR8RAnno_afZYgm4FtdjOSpc47g/s400/IMG_7379.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It Featured both indoor and outdoor baths (guys and girls side separate of course), foot pool, salt room (for napping), massage, amusement park like games.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_w3Ic6ftHnE/VuzXul-cFlI/AAAAAAAAHUU/6sjYLgnDF-MRxcwBqNmCw9e3hg-x4U8gw/s1600/IMG_7356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_w3Ic6ftHnE/VuzXul-cFlI/AAAAAAAAHUU/6sjYLgnDF-MRxcwBqNmCw9e3hg-x4U8gw/s400/IMG_7356.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And of course a giant food court, with lots of different restaurants.<br />
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7VLkGKOJVAg/VuzYCs63T7I/AAAAAAAAHUc/yR52ka-vvh0Z0jNrg9kmAbynm_Fa-WDOw/s1600/IMG_7375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7VLkGKOJVAg/VuzYCs63T7I/AAAAAAAAHUc/yR52ka-vvh0Z0jNrg9kmAbynm_Fa-WDOw/s400/IMG_7375.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's my lunch at the Onsen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DVrzYSeE-Cw/VuzYQl01ZjI/AAAAAAAAHUg/8Qho6px2jokrAsXc4k-bbPpxLBp4LmL-Q/s1600/IMG_7404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DVrzYSeE-Cw/VuzYQl01ZjI/AAAAAAAAHUg/8Qho6px2jokrAsXc4k-bbPpxLBp4LmL-Q/s400/IMG_7404.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shaved Matcha Ice with milk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FyREsvA3mcY/VuzYphuKQeI/AAAAAAAAHUo/YB6eXXi3wHsfbloup5Clk0fJzcQV-H43Q/s1600/IMG_7397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FyREsvA3mcY/VuzYphuKQeI/AAAAAAAAHUo/YB6eXXi3wHsfbloup5Clk0fJzcQV-H43Q/s400/IMG_7397.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
For dessert we had some shaved green tea ice with powdered matcha and condensed milk. The ice was very light and fluffy, like freshly fallen snow.<br />
<br />
You could easily spend a whole day and evening here. The facilities open until the AM the next morning ("if you stay later than 2am there's a extra fee charged") and there is a hotel onsite where you can stay in a room with private onsen which we would have gladly done but we had dinner plans with a friend (more on that later because it was awesome and deserves it's own post).<br />
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LxMl-ad-NNM/VuzY9PY6S5I/AAAAAAAAHUw/ADe4AEYyv0Uw2SUbGXAy8czBhfN-VEmlQ/s1600/Diptic%2B%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LxMl-ad-NNM/VuzY9PY6S5I/AAAAAAAAHUw/ADe4AEYyv0Uw2SUbGXAy8czBhfN-VEmlQ/s400/Diptic%2B%25284%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cat Cafe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
For our fourth day we hit a "cat cafe". I had envisioned a typical coffee shop atmosphere with loads of cats wandering around. It was more like a giant room for cats where people were wandering around. Very unique experience, however it made me miss my own cat that I had to leave behind in the US. I superstitiously asked all the cats to send their well wishes to mine since she is old and ill. I think it would have worked better I bribed them with food.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OZW49vXJN1o/VuzZt-3RMDI/AAAAAAAAHVE/rbHZv7MyGzoPzjv1ZPOzHY4nIXkPMc2Iw/s1600/img_0105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OZW49vXJN1o/VuzZt-3RMDI/AAAAAAAAHVE/rbHZv7MyGzoPzjv1ZPOzHY4nIXkPMc2Iw/s400/img_0105.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We met up with our friend who was nice enough to show us around. We went to the restaurant supply district which was next to the "fake food" district.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EOdvp6F1k98/VuzZ6hR1MJI/AAAAAAAAHVI/BUrkCWs7s7IxgplXoymweG2NPyw8v3uQA/s1600/img_0104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EOdvp6F1k98/VuzZ6hR1MJI/AAAAAAAAHVI/BUrkCWs7s7IxgplXoymweG2NPyw8v3uQA/s400/img_0104.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Fake food is surprisingly expensive. But they make fake representations of everything.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YkD6GMblfgI/VuzaWEg4tPI/AAAAAAAAHVQ/WhVnsa8trKYhK09SMl07AwpqGK_TinzMg/s1600/img_0126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YkD6GMblfgI/VuzaWEg4tPI/AAAAAAAAHVQ/WhVnsa8trKYhK09SMl07AwpqGK_TinzMg/s400/img_0126.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
We moved on to visit a few temples where we prayed for good luck, health and fortune. I believe this was a picture of the wind god. I learned at each of these temples there's always two guardians one with an open mouth and one with a closed mouth.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8HUQT9boEKs/Vuza0aWqOOI/AAAAAAAAHVY/TF33RcSRxt8jJE7C7piBHvimhlUAvPbmw/s1600/img_0149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8HUQT9boEKs/Vuza0aWqOOI/AAAAAAAAHVY/TF33RcSRxt8jJE7C7piBHvimhlUAvPbmw/s400/img_0149.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Monkey act next to one of the shrines.<br />
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h-Ggh4rzIXs/VuzbDnytkxI/AAAAAAAAHVg/wXLaixdBMRQAVgqnIwVmu2NsU4jKRi_RA/s1600/img_0158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h-Ggh4rzIXs/VuzbDnytkxI/AAAAAAAAHVg/wXLaixdBMRQAVgqnIwVmu2NsU4jKRi_RA/s400/img_0158.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaminarimon "Thunder Gate"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A picture of the famous Thunder Gate which is the entrance to the Senso-ji (pictured at the title) Tokyo's oldest temple. Along the way to the temple was a bunch of charm stands and food stands.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OLZz6caO-K8/Vuzb8ViOicI/AAAAAAAAHVw/7adHgfgiuAIUMtvLobrf4_RjIBvhJ6Prg/s1600/img_0151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OLZz6caO-K8/Vuzb8ViOicI/AAAAAAAAHVw/7adHgfgiuAIUMtvLobrf4_RjIBvhJ6Prg/s400/img_0151.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Matcha Warabi Mochi- Green tea powdered covered jelly.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-naQWzGS23pM/VuzcZpupufI/AAAAAAAAHV0/sg4TF_nARzYlyFQYBe13jIJawj55DJn2Q/s1600/img_0116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-naQWzGS23pM/VuzcZpupufI/AAAAAAAAHV0/sg4TF_nARzYlyFQYBe13jIJawj55DJn2Q/s400/img_0116.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Taro ice cream sandwich, the outside shell was like an typical ice cream cone that they scooped a ball of ice cream into and squashed for me.<br />
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9yubCpgKJ24/VuzdEE4L81I/AAAAAAAAHWA/DURZ-F_C7-MQQeahDyYUtstghFa_nSFoQ/s1600/img_0114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9yubCpgKJ24/VuzdEE4L81I/AAAAAAAAHWA/DURZ-F_C7-MQQeahDyYUtstghFa_nSFoQ/s400/img_0114.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Sweet potato with red bean wrapped in pancake.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O3enYfnx_3A/VuzdS7dn-DI/AAAAAAAAHWE/ZkY1tpQeDN0DC6I69bxWS-mRv4TQhKFgQ/s1600/img_0112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O3enYfnx_3A/VuzdS7dn-DI/AAAAAAAAHWE/ZkY1tpQeDN0DC6I69bxWS-mRv4TQhKFgQ/s400/img_0112.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freshly toasted Rice crackers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yCBdDOSkN88/VuzdgqxTv0I/AAAAAAAAHWI/tkc83uVvhIk5H2Og63TL-IY2F0pIhjEkA/s1600/Diptic%2B%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yCBdDOSkN88/VuzdgqxTv0I/AAAAAAAAHWI/tkc83uVvhIk5H2Og63TL-IY2F0pIhjEkA/s400/Diptic%2B%25285%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kagari Echika</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Lunch we went to the subway station and our friend showed us his favorite "chicken ramen" place Kagari Echika located in the Ginza station. It's a chicken broth based ramen with sous vide chicken breast. The place had seating for eight and even at 3:30 in the afternoon there was a small line waiting to get in. I had only intended to eat a little bit of the ramen but it was so good I ended up eating the whole thing. The broth was a velvety rich chicken broth and it was topped with a bit of sous vide chicken breast and a beautiful decoration of radish sprouts, pickled vegetables and sakura fish cake.<br />
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AgqPqm8Rfa4/VuzeZeVyV2I/AAAAAAAAHWY/v3KkGABAU9AdqcUNotXpjB2m2pCw0cHCQ/s1600/img_0181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AgqPqm8Rfa4/VuzeZeVyV2I/AAAAAAAAHWY/v3KkGABAU9AdqcUNotXpjB2m2pCw0cHCQ/s400/img_0181.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pandas having tea. Just because</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IwhArML6-Ic/Vuzen9jJmeI/AAAAAAAAHWc/o084Z_9IhFMaL9aIcPznbFW75Z8mjxxbw/s1600/img_0193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IwhArML6-Ic/Vuzen9jJmeI/AAAAAAAAHWc/o084Z_9IhFMaL9aIcPznbFW75Z8mjxxbw/s400/img_0193.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Just before dark we went and visited the Imperial Palace. It was near closing time so we didn't get to go visit the gardens. This isn't the main castle but one of the bridge gates. You can't go to the castle.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1smb3MLJVqQ/VuzfBQhxQmI/AAAAAAAAHWk/o7wmP0qjjrY7aOTfZ2j8BBfn2aEYEUfzg/s1600/img_0200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1smb3MLJVqQ/VuzfBQhxQmI/AAAAAAAAHWk/o7wmP0qjjrY7aOTfZ2j8BBfn2aEYEUfzg/s400/img_0200.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Dinner we went off to Tokyo station looking for a bite to eat. Most of the major stations in Japan feature a huge underground shopping and dining area.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GGwcu1uJ6iU/VuzfiuCLqwI/AAAAAAAAHWs/iSO1k8dIc1Av3EDe1OLw3BLy2iQ-CYq0A/s1600/img_0215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GGwcu1uJ6iU/VuzfiuCLqwI/AAAAAAAAHWs/iSO1k8dIc1Av3EDe1OLw3BLy2iQ-CYq0A/s400/img_0215.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A large food hall area like the one at the basement of Harrods. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YVPp5MxJFfs/VuzfryyzlWI/AAAAAAAAHW0/KYWNUzv08IMWXlhfFnVfA16clWO-Zjd3g/s1600/img_0205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YVPp5MxJFfs/VuzfryyzlWI/AAAAAAAAHW0/KYWNUzv08IMWXlhfFnVfA16clWO-Zjd3g/s400/img_0205.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We found this shop famous for it's red bean cakes stuffed with Mochi. I picked up a savory ume/kombi tea.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nF0NwKV7buw/VuzgtJdALNI/AAAAAAAAHXE/_g9n-j_RglAJrrLAUUlLcmSuFaNM7pL2g/s1600/img_0233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nF0NwKV7buw/VuzgtJdALNI/AAAAAAAAHXE/_g9n-j_RglAJrrLAUUlLcmSuFaNM7pL2g/s400/img_0233.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UvwfkJ18iB8/VuzhFZu9x0I/AAAAAAAAHXI/58dPT6LCUkcZ5tIq_YGZ9ZDaZ2iCnSWbg/s1600/img_0241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UvwfkJ18iB8/VuzhFZu9x0I/AAAAAAAAHXI/58dPT6LCUkcZ5tIq_YGZ9ZDaZ2iCnSWbg/s400/img_0241.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We settled on a izakaya for some mixed skewers for a light dinner.<br />
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oxFYQ2ePE_g/VuzhS_qZr9I/AAAAAAAAHXQ/ssq_jV94rkUaZ0SSIRqV1gpTf3FiDZ0gQ/s1600/IMG_0960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oxFYQ2ePE_g/VuzhS_qZr9I/AAAAAAAAHXQ/ssq_jV94rkUaZ0SSIRqV1gpTf3FiDZ0gQ/s400/IMG_0960.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shinkansen Bullet Train</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At this point we took an intermission to Kyoto (which I'll post on next)<br />
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-si2gC-Rpxks/VuzhmUY22SI/AAAAAAAAHXU/DiYpmx4wYyEBy4MhBuAfj0-Kk9o6lUVBw/s1600/IMG_1060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-si2gC-Rpxks/VuzhmUY22SI/AAAAAAAAHXU/DiYpmx4wYyEBy4MhBuAfj0-Kk9o6lUVBw/s400/IMG_1060.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tokyo Metropolitan Museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On our last day of walking around in Tokyo we went and saw the Edo-Tokyo exhibit at the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum. The exhibit was split into two sections, modern day Tokyo and older imperial times covering Tokugawa/Edo period.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o8OaRiWbjaw/VuzjAjBYRHI/AAAAAAAAHXk/mHtXsqeJT7QZVx_ARCcF5cX_bnehHvRjw/s1600/IMG_0975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o8OaRiWbjaw/VuzjAjBYRHI/AAAAAAAAHXk/mHtXsqeJT7QZVx_ARCcF5cX_bnehHvRjw/s400/IMG_0975.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We spent most of our time in the Tokugawa/Edo part of the exhibit, there was a lot to learn about the era, they covered, commerce, daily life and the caste system.<br />
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-41buSTIWq1I/Vuzj0WM8ScI/AAAAAAAAHXs/ZNyCe6e0kxMMmU-3-ajV0IWSUvMt7sG6w/s1600/IMG_1020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-41buSTIWq1I/Vuzj0WM8ScI/AAAAAAAAHXs/ZNyCe6e0kxMMmU-3-ajV0IWSUvMt7sG6w/s400/IMG_1020.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Book on Tsukemono</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
They even had published cook books specialized on various subjects. The above is on pickling but they had one on citreon, and sweet potato.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xHyj72q5bOI/Vuz4i1cujUI/AAAAAAAAHYE/87fYjp4TFWsTt_7gc2GLrTs0tpjTs-BfQ/s1600/IMG_0980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xHyj72q5bOI/Vuz4i1cujUI/AAAAAAAAHYE/87fYjp4TFWsTt_7gc2GLrTs0tpjTs-BfQ/s400/IMG_0980.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And lots of recreations of the city at the time, parts were prone to fire and they had a major fire demolition the whole city at one point. It was interesting to see the city layout, there were many choke points to prevent invaders from sacking the city as well as exit points to allow retreat from the castle if necessary.<br />
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z8mrM61KdYA/Vuz5PSUUxUI/AAAAAAAAHYM/cBMJXiHrJh8leZomACObTuSvwDrU_ELFQ/s1600/IMG_0983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z8mrM61KdYA/Vuz5PSUUxUI/AAAAAAAAHYM/cBMJXiHrJh8leZomACObTuSvwDrU_ELFQ/s400/IMG_0983.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lacquered children's tea set</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0MPh8KI3CDk/Vuz52IW8dnI/AAAAAAAAHYU/qB2Z6xTz4U8UapqsX5MsZv3HN-xjm7pHw/s1600/IMG_1052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0MPh8KI3CDk/Vuz52IW8dnI/AAAAAAAAHYU/qB2Z6xTz4U8UapqsX5MsZv3HN-xjm7pHw/s400/IMG_1052.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kabuki Theatre</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-azPVVT6nSgY/Vuz7ZNMWWqI/AAAAAAAAHY0/JmUf8N73dM0GSzakOGCu1bqL8OUwH5imQ/s1600/IMG_1027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-azPVVT6nSgY/Vuz7ZNMWWqI/AAAAAAAAHY0/JmUf8N73dM0GSzakOGCu1bqL8OUwH5imQ/s400/IMG_1027.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sushi back then was much bigger easily 2x today</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--n1UNrwlPDk/Vuz6FW16A7I/AAAAAAAAHYY/z3oVzam189EiAsDr-5YDOKes5o-zNyJBw/s1600/IMG_1058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--n1UNrwlPDk/Vuz6FW16A7I/AAAAAAAAHYY/z3oVzam189EiAsDr-5YDOKes5o-zNyJBw/s400/IMG_1058.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It wasn't until near closing time that we realized how much more there was on the modern Tokyo side, so we had to rush through. I was especially partial to the Famicom system pictured here since I did have one growing up.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JSdak1Ap5k8/Vuz6Z8-nj9I/AAAAAAAAHYc/QclOL6erp_EtaYHUv2ZNkIjIK183dw6Pg/s1600/IMG_0965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JSdak1Ap5k8/Vuz6Z8-nj9I/AAAAAAAAHYc/QclOL6erp_EtaYHUv2ZNkIjIK183dw6Pg/s320/IMG_0965.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We had lunch back at Tsujiki (because we loved the place so much). I had their Toro sushi lunch. I think the whole thing was like $20 USD which is an amazing price. Apparently they are open 24 hours so if you are ever in need of great sushi they are always there for you.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vodGhr-6zsk/Vuz61WEsIII/AAAAAAAAHYk/BQ1kofAj1EQDDf5Z_9V6513K4lckQJcVQ/s1600/IMG_1063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vodGhr-6zsk/Vuz61WEsIII/AAAAAAAAHYk/BQ1kofAj1EQDDf5Z_9V6513K4lckQJcVQ/s400/IMG_1063.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
Last stop: Tokyo skytree, this modern marvel was built in 2013.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P65ol_Kim2w/Vuz7AGUediI/AAAAAAAAHYs/0RwX_z3_3b0-yItKC3xsUbTX5XiW50xdQ/s1600/IMG_1105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P65ol_Kim2w/Vuz7AGUediI/AAAAAAAAHYs/0RwX_z3_3b0-yItKC3xsUbTX5XiW50xdQ/s400/IMG_1105.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
The top most observation deck is 451.3 Meters up overlooking all of Tokyo.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QkNXBd_e6S0/Vuz7wICQVGI/AAAAAAAAHY8/B3W1MJPnTWcdxRjbiYzK6nvkKOqJUDccg/s1600/IMG_1108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QkNXBd_e6S0/Vuz7wICQVGI/AAAAAAAAHY8/B3W1MJPnTWcdxRjbiYzK6nvkKOqJUDccg/s400/IMG_1108.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The sky tree is divided into two decks you pay for the bottom deck at 350 meters and they upsell you to the top deck at 450 meters.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qiV0yO_3JCg/Vuz7_53ejUI/AAAAAAAAHZE/wlsmClJErcEWfmM_yskFjaDLsNRJDup8g/s1600/IMG_1095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qiV0yO_3JCg/Vuz7_53ejUI/AAAAAAAAHZE/wlsmClJErcEWfmM_yskFjaDLsNRJDup8g/s400/IMG_1095.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I'd say the view is *slightly* nicer up top since you can get closer to the windows and there's less foot traffic there. And you get to walk up this spiral tunnel up to the "peak".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cHZ_UGFUH0Q/Vuz8RbPFmWI/AAAAAAAAHZI/OAs9xCqTzik17Ifs5JR8RypiO2Mh4ur5Q/s1600/IMG_1100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cHZ_UGFUH0Q/Vuz8RbPFmWI/AAAAAAAAHZI/OAs9xCqTzik17Ifs5JR8RypiO2Mh4ur5Q/s400/IMG_1100.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Regardless, the night view is pretty spectacular. The city seems to stretch on forever on all sides (well except for the water side).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-56bn_BkAFbI/Vuz8wBD0eLI/AAAAAAAAHZY/gPMHw6xA5P8pFIH8nSuDdOkRYTwpw-ZdQ/s1600/IMG_1083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-56bn_BkAFbI/Vuz8wBD0eLI/AAAAAAAAHZY/gPMHw6xA5P8pFIH8nSuDdOkRYTwpw-ZdQ/s400/IMG_1083.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
They also had a "window cleaning" dance show, more of a band and dance with projections on the windows kind of thing.<br />
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5n0x_SxDgVM/Vuz9HcApWkI/AAAAAAAAHZg/oj1ATnb-AEAmuA-2bvhCwMXodoSspvBrA/s1600/IMG_1142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5n0x_SxDgVM/Vuz9HcApWkI/AAAAAAAAHZg/oj1ATnb-AEAmuA-2bvhCwMXodoSspvBrA/s400/IMG_1142.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Offal Hotpot Meal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had dinner at the restaurant level below the skytree The main restaurant (at 345M) was booked, Reservations were recommended. There was a cafe at 340 that served sandwiches and dessert with just as nice a view.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i3tgEoGdDEU/Vuz9qB89u1I/AAAAAAAAHZo/ObINJeZQlLsWAeSFnYsYz-21EH95BNaaQ/s1600/IMG_7635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i3tgEoGdDEU/Vuz9qB89u1I/AAAAAAAAHZo/ObINJeZQlLsWAeSFnYsYz-21EH95BNaaQ/s400/IMG_7635.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A quick shot of breakfast, Tamago, fish cakes, siu mai, sticky rice, congee with condiments (and smoked salmon).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lt9TwRR3OLU/Vu0_jOMUuFI/AAAAAAAAHZ8/uFuS6nTskDcuIdF26z5x9SWBHmi4SlAtQ/s1600/IMG_1172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lt9TwRR3OLU/Vu0_jOMUuFI/AAAAAAAAHZ8/uFuS6nTskDcuIdF26z5x9SWBHmi4SlAtQ/s400/IMG_1172.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Lunch at Ciao Curry. I had the pork, cabbage, spinach and egg curry. Didn't get to order a Tonkatsu but at least I got the curry checked off.<br />
<br />
I'm writing this on our last full day here. We're just unwinding and taking it easy, it's raining outside and I need a day to recoup before hitting the real world. I still plan on posting our two most spectacular meals here as well as Kyoto.<br />
<br />
<br />Ironjackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441887771747701206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6927660602752656227.post-74460644479677699602016-03-17T10:18:00.000-05:002016-03-17T10:18:18.808-05:00TRIP: A visit to Tsujiki Fish Market Tokyo, Japan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kBcXYx9EZcQ/VurDMXqroCI/AAAAAAAAHP8/6-KJldaTpxs7_r2CPWQeVXwekx9WI8AZw/s1600/dscn4269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kBcXYx9EZcQ/VurDMXqroCI/AAAAAAAAHP8/6-KJldaTpxs7_r2CPWQeVXwekx9WI8AZw/s640/dscn4269.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We're in Japan taking a much needed vacation there's so much to see and so much great food it's hard to know where to start. One of my "must visits" on this trip was the Tsukiji Fish Market. You have to wake up pretty early in the morning to get in and watch the fish auction. I am not such an eager early bird, so we woke up and walked around the Tsukiji area to visit the various vendors and of course get a lot of good food. Neither of us know much Japanese, but everyone we met here was super friendly and went out of their way to help give us directions or get us where we were trying to go. I highly recommend checking this place out if you're in the area.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IS1mfBWZrlM/VurDeiT2soI/AAAAAAAAHQA/eg03xLb79nQgbovqbd3XIM_G_Wa9F63uA/s1600/dscn4275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IS1mfBWZrlM/VurDeiT2soI/AAAAAAAAHQA/eg03xLb79nQgbovqbd3XIM_G_Wa9F63uA/s400/dscn4275.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Of course there's lots of fish. They do sell to normal people here. The auctions are usually for the restaurants that buy giant whole tuna. They are in the process of moving the Auction market away from the consumer markets, so if you're planning on coming here for the big morning auction make sure to check for the new location.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y97EaBJp3KM/VurDuMxbMtI/AAAAAAAAHQE/ibkc-rFUo3UnOHJE5oxc8Ps7Ao9sjVU_Q/s1600/dscn4276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y97EaBJp3KM/VurDuMxbMtI/AAAAAAAAHQE/ibkc-rFUo3UnOHJE5oxc8Ps7Ao9sjVU_Q/s400/dscn4276.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Although people do come for the fish, Tsukiji is a well known market offering a bunch of items. The stalls show a variety of specialized shops, here's a shot of a tsukemono (Japanese pickles) shop, they pickle just about everything including fish.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bmemAsFNtFI/VurECU_vPTI/AAAAAAAAHQI/E4dE3KUuX4QMSAhEkn51yxXd4YO8ich7A/s1600/dscn4311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bmemAsFNtFI/VurECU_vPTI/AAAAAAAAHQI/E4dE3KUuX4QMSAhEkn51yxXd4YO8ich7A/s400/dscn4311.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
They had a section that specialized in Tamagoyaki. Various flavors that you can purchase for home.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NCzJzXfP164/VurEMGAKodI/AAAAAAAAHQQ/-7sT875J9BQyuA1IY1FkCHIoyvIoio-wA/s1600/dscn4328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NCzJzXfP164/VurEMGAKodI/AAAAAAAAHQQ/-7sT875J9BQyuA1IY1FkCHIoyvIoio-wA/s400/dscn4328.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Or you can just buy a fresh slice right from the vendor. Toasty hot and served with a bit of grated Daikon radish with soy sauce which was a nice complement to the sweet egg omelette.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YNM5VInlcuc/VurFRJjfuhI/AAAAAAAAHQg/4wGioEGFwKsoWt4xtlpjVBBi3RqFu8U0g/s1600/dscn4284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YNM5VInlcuc/VurFRJjfuhI/AAAAAAAAHQg/4wGioEGFwKsoWt4xtlpjVBBi3RqFu8U0g/s400/dscn4284.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We stopped at Sushi Zanmai for some of the best sushi I've ever had.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-co_5dq12Mks/VurFkFR7NiI/AAAAAAAAHQk/jTKEtuUE1_wvNIyDN0WfIDdQV7bywS6pg/s1600/dscn4286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-co_5dq12Mks/VurFkFR7NiI/AAAAAAAAHQk/jTKEtuUE1_wvNIyDN0WfIDdQV7bywS6pg/s400/dscn4286.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The Chu-toro (medium fatty tuna) and O-Toro (best part of the tuna belly) were so amazingly fresh and melted in your mouth. I've had my share of Otoro in the past and it's not been anything like this. The uni (sea urchin, my favorite) was unbelievably sweet and no trace of bitterness.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eilRTIZBTag/VurHIrHGYfI/AAAAAAAAHRE/WT1C2LwS2ScYE3VX49-GZ8ijsGXkpsdPA/s1600/dscn4308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eilRTIZBTag/VurHIrHGYfI/AAAAAAAAHRE/WT1C2LwS2ScYE3VX49-GZ8ijsGXkpsdPA/s400/dscn4308.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
There are stalls featuring dried fish of every sort.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-varbK8eVGr4/VurGTULpRyI/AAAAAAAAHQw/jxYAr7i3Q1ISsGxCfbjtgyK8USg0JwR7A/s1600/dscn4291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-varbK8eVGr4/VurGTULpRyI/AAAAAAAAHQw/jxYAr7i3Q1ISsGxCfbjtgyK8USg0JwR7A/s400/dscn4291.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's a picture of Puffer Fish fins. I might still go back and try some.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4vXYZvd8lq8/VurGnIXudXI/AAAAAAAAHQ4/Qq71bFaT0awEGOTnBA6O22VDsVvwdQp2g/s1600/dscn4295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4vXYZvd8lq8/VurGnIXudXI/AAAAAAAAHQ4/Qq71bFaT0awEGOTnBA6O22VDsVvwdQp2g/s400/dscn4295.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And of course a ton of bento boxes and kitchen wares.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-elmNUIrgeS8/VurGyh656HI/AAAAAAAAHQ8/98AVpPYC2iQzACKVBEid7TwjTidN9WDyA/s1600/dscn4296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-elmNUIrgeS8/VurGyh656HI/AAAAAAAAHQ8/98AVpPYC2iQzACKVBEid7TwjTidN9WDyA/s400/dscn4296.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mochi (Japanese rice cake sweet) of every flavor and type. Mochi is chewy, soft and traditionally stuffed with red bean paste. It goes really well with some hot green tea.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aaSUO14t2uc/VurHa6Jmj4I/AAAAAAAAHRM/4Au4E11o1KIEOr7lICMsqFNMQcH_Byv6g/s1600/dscn4303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aaSUO14t2uc/VurHa6Jmj4I/AAAAAAAAHRM/4Au4E11o1KIEOr7lICMsqFNMQcH_Byv6g/s400/dscn4303.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
grilled skewers and unagi (grilled eel).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qd0lJx7ZRs8/VurHq79IneI/AAAAAAAAHRU/JOZBPXTWwLsgeX2p6b4Jk5_DRRuon-iGQ/s1600/dscn4302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qd0lJx7ZRs8/VurHq79IneI/AAAAAAAAHRU/JOZBPXTWwLsgeX2p6b4Jk5_DRRuon-iGQ/s400/dscn4302.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Largest Crab I've ever seen<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ceuxC4u_Lrc/VurH3ESj8OI/AAAAAAAAHRc/txFAsoY1OZo0I1DrFFjaVZ1IW2591bz-A/s1600/dscn4305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ceuxC4u_Lrc/VurH3ESj8OI/AAAAAAAAHRc/txFAsoY1OZo0I1DrFFjaVZ1IW2591bz-A/s400/dscn4305.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Shellfish, lots of shellfish.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-acyjdzgGUyU/VurIaCmczAI/AAAAAAAAHRk/H6yu_EWbuGUv440_kcZ2pa0wpHNk64UmA/s1600/dscn4292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-acyjdzgGUyU/VurIaCmczAI/AAAAAAAAHRk/H6yu_EWbuGUv440_kcZ2pa0wpHNk64UmA/s400/dscn4292.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Real wasabi root. Most of the time the stuff you get at the sushi restaurants is actually green dyed powdered horseradish.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j1IGb5fiduU/VurIi3vHfiI/AAAAAAAAHRs/je4TAJMd97AOOZphOp5tnZ-eZmk80HbAg/s1600/dscn4307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j1IGb5fiduU/VurIi3vHfiI/AAAAAAAAHRs/je4TAJMd97AOOZphOp5tnZ-eZmk80HbAg/s400/dscn4307.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Traditional Japanese candies<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TeRq1pSN2H0/VurItmHmPHI/AAAAAAAAHRw/mDI_zY7w_w8NVPE0ebjTAkmiexbdTLEsg/s1600/dscn4329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TeRq1pSN2H0/VurItmHmPHI/AAAAAAAAHRw/mDI_zY7w_w8NVPE0ebjTAkmiexbdTLEsg/s400/dscn4329.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Spiky Sea Cucumber (also known as sea slug), this is a highly sought after variety. (usually it's a smooth skin). It's got an unusual texture, something like a flavor-less jello with a bit more snap to it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1-glAGo8VEs/VurJBaBoaeI/AAAAAAAAHR4/J55f4Kg52kEcBtJBFBqY6nxEbfkxv9CcQ/s1600/dscn4333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1-glAGo8VEs/VurJBaBoaeI/AAAAAAAAHR4/J55f4Kg52kEcBtJBFBqY6nxEbfkxv9CcQ/s400/dscn4333.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I don't know where to begin with this fish. I got some pictures of hands to give you an idea of size.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AdY5B1bzQ0A/VurJL-wKlbI/AAAAAAAAHSA/1b_KxwWljXA2agFN8oxDNokQ3eYOy2gjQ/s1600/dscn4342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AdY5B1bzQ0A/VurJL-wKlbI/AAAAAAAAHSA/1b_KxwWljXA2agFN8oxDNokQ3eYOy2gjQ/s400/dscn4342.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And other stuff I've never seen before. This bears a resemblance to something I've seen in the Sydney fish market.<br />
<br />
It was a great first day in Tokyo! We easily rushed half a day here, and could have taken up a few more hours if not for the fact we had some plans in the afternoon. More soon!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Ironjackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441887771747701206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6927660602752656227.post-89613329811341170142016-02-25T18:37:00.002-06:002016-02-25T18:37:56.714-06:00Caper Shrimp Zoodles with Parmesan and lemon<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4pu1AZddJ3o/Vs-VpA7SvlI/AAAAAAAAHO4/7gEQl3kh0-A/s1600/DSC05055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4pu1AZddJ3o/Vs-VpA7SvlI/AAAAAAAAHO4/7gEQl3kh0-A/s640/DSC05055.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
It’s been a busy season, holidays are a little different in Australia. Since they don’t have Thanksgiving their holiday season starts near Christmas and stretches thru to Australia Day on the 26th of January. I have been cooking but just no time to post anything so I’ve got a huge backlog of posts to put up. Ah, so many bento boxes to choose from which one to post? </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
I found inspiration in a shrimp with red pepper garlic pasta dish, no sauce just tossing in fresh ingredients infusing the oil along the way. I substituted zucchini noodles for pasta to save on the carbs and get more veggies into diet and since my wife isn't big pepper I decided on capers and lemon. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KD2KmFNyQkA/Vs-WM4E4U8I/AAAAAAAAHO8/IQEcyAULexo/s1600/DSC05016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KD2KmFNyQkA/Vs-WM4E4U8I/AAAAAAAAHO8/IQEcyAULexo/s400/DSC05016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
Five ingredient and a one skillet meal you can’t ask for a simpler recipe. 500 grams (about one pound) of Tiger prawn (they call shrimp prawns here) which I shelled and cleaned (you could use the shells for a stock). Four Zucchinis, a couple of tablespoons of capers, 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese, and a couple of lemons (taste as you go on that one since lemons differ in size, I ended up only using one).</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DwD2GdfC6GQ/Vs-WSMAKsUI/AAAAAAAAHPA/TeNmErSKpnk/s1600/DSC05022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DwD2GdfC6GQ/Vs-WSMAKsUI/AAAAAAAAHPA/TeNmErSKpnk/s400/DSC05022.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
First step after spiraling the zucchini is to salt them and let them sit in the sink for about 30 mins as I cleaned the shrimp.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6v9c9MW56so/Vs-WW4dMr2I/AAAAAAAAHPE/vI8P9EV1wsY/s1600/FriedCapers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6v9c9MW56so/Vs-WW4dMr2I/AAAAAAAAHPE/vI8P9EV1wsY/s400/FriedCapers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
Over medium heat fry the capers in the olive oil until they pop open and using a slotted spoon (or some other way to fish out the capers and leave the oil in the skillet) remove the capers and set aside.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PBBDRawbc9Q/Vs-WdZw8XgI/AAAAAAAAHPI/jXAuVnTyPqw/s1600/DSC05037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PBBDRawbc9Q/Vs-WdZw8XgI/AAAAAAAAHPI/jXAuVnTyPqw/s400/DSC05037.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
In the same oil sauté the shrimp until they are cooked. They don’t take very long a few mins at most. As you finish the shrimp squeeze half a lemon over them and give them another good toss in the skillet. Take the shrimp out and set them aside (do not clean out the skillet)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SfWox-67QOM/Vs-WmsiCecI/AAAAAAAAHPM/lYO4TvKONdA/s1600/DSC05039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SfWox-67QOM/Vs-WmsiCecI/AAAAAAAAHPM/lYO4TvKONdA/s400/DSC05039.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
Rinse out your zoodles and shake them dry. (the paper towel thing gets too tedious) Briefly pan fry them until they are cooked. This won’t take very long you’re basically heating them through. The salt will have taken away the raw taste/texture.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oSJETWcYA2o/Vs-WteWrgxI/AAAAAAAAHPQ/vz-bQD-8uMQ/s1600/DSC05042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oSJETWcYA2o/Vs-WteWrgxI/AAAAAAAAHPQ/vz-bQD-8uMQ/s400/DSC05042.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
Just before you’re done add in your parmesan and fried capers and toss them around and squeeze in the other half of your lemon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-if6clQMxj_8/Vs-W1nsH7yI/AAAAAAAAHPY/e9Bnh_QpQuY/s1600/DSC05045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-if6clQMxj_8/Vs-W1nsH7yI/AAAAAAAAHPY/e9Bnh_QpQuY/s400/DSC05045.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
Plate it up and top with your shrimp, Done!</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
Caper Shrimp Zoodles with Parmesan and lemon</div>
<div class="p2">
500 grams (alb) tiger prawns shelled and cleaned</div>
<div class="p2">
4 zucchinis</div>
<div class="p2">
3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil</div>
<div class="p2">
3 tablespoon capers drained</div>
<div class="p2">
1 lemmon halved</div>
<div class="p2">
1/2 cup Parmesan (shredded or flaked)</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
Spiralize zucchini. In a collender place spiral cut zucchini and salt liberally and let stand for 30 mins.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
Over medium heat heat olive oil. Toss in capers and fry until they pop open. using a slotted spoon remove capers and set aside. </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
In the same skillet sauté shrimp for three mins or until cooked through. Squeeze half a lemon and toss in skillet making sure to coat the shrimp in oil and lemon juice take out shrimp and set aside.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="p2">
Rinse and drain salted zucchini. Then saute in skillet until heated through. Add capers, parmesan and squeeze the other half of the lemon over the zoodles. Plate and top with shrimp.</div>
Ironjackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441887771747701206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6927660602752656227.post-53939415910743850062016-02-07T20:57:00.000-06:002016-02-07T20:57:53.637-06:00Happy Chinese New Year! Zodiac and traditional Foods<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-761oEMjwuDA/VrgAzMi92EI/AAAAAAAAHNs/gDNIwJ-sFKA/s1600/IMG_7143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-761oEMjwuDA/VrgAzMi92EI/AAAAAAAAHNs/gDNIwJ-sFKA/s640/IMG_7143.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Happy Lunar New Year! Gong Xi Fa Cai! Welcome to the year of the Monkey!</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oV2KL8PzVtE/VrgCLBZWdTI/AAAAAAAAHN0/6vm3s9qFlRI/s1600/IMG_7132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oV2KL8PzVtE/VrgCLBZWdTI/AAAAAAAAHN0/6vm3s9qFlRI/s400/IMG_7132.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
So the story goes: The great Jade Emperor of heaven and earth called on all the animals for a great race to name the years the order would be determined by which place the animal came in. Before the end was a great river which was a major obstacle that each animal had to overcome to finish the race. Rat came in first by hitching a ride with Ox and then jumping off on shore to just beat out his ride. The rest of the animals came in various fashions each displaying their unique characteristics (force, teamwork, cunning, speed etc.) The stories are all a little conflicted on the details but that’s how it goes sometimes. There’s also a side story about how rat and cat were neighbors and either rat screwed over cat and didn’t wake him for the race or when they were riding on ox over the river rat pushed cat into the river and he drowned (thus explaining why cats hate rates, and maybe water).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x-oZK4S1B54/VrgCWJISKrI/AAAAAAAAHN4/Qj-PMc964bA/s1600/IMG_7188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x-oZK4S1B54/VrgCWJISKrI/AAAAAAAAHN4/Qj-PMc964bA/s400/IMG_7188.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Sydney has a pretty big Chinese New Year celebration (Lunar/Chinese I’m gonna use them interchangeably they refer to it as Chinese New Year CNY here.) full of events, parades and fireworks. They had 12 zodiac animal lanterns all around town that I decided to hunt them down pokemon style. I’m also using it as an opportunity to talk about some of the foods we eat during Chinese new year for good luck and prosperity. We’ll go in order of the animals but the food in no particular order. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CmtzToZc_os/VrgCeQi5tsI/AAAAAAAAHN8/q4EdVIfe1UI/s1600/DumplingsRatOxLantern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CmtzToZc_os/VrgCeQi5tsI/AAAAAAAAHN8/q4EdVIfe1UI/s400/DumplingsRatOxLantern.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Our first two winners Rat and Ox. Rat won out of intelligence and eagerness (it was the least favored to win and only jumped ahead of ox because it was excited), Ox from strength and charity (some stories naivety ) for taking rat on it’s back to cross the river. (Sorry they were still constructing the Ox statue out of mahjong tiles.)Dumplings: dumplings are shaped like chinese gold ingots during the imperial age and represent weath and prosperity. Growing up, coins were hidden in the dumplings and it represented good luck to have “discovered a coin”. (not sure if it’s good luck if you happen to break your teeth on the coin.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8PPS91KFsKM/VrgCq2FGQLI/AAAAAAAAHOA/rEX_YKAzP1I/s1600/NoodlesTigerRabbitLantern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8PPS91KFsKM/VrgCq2FGQLI/AAAAAAAAHOA/rEX_YKAzP1I/s400/NoodlesTigerRabbitLantern.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Tiger and Rabbit came in next, Tiger through sheer determination and stubbiness. Rabbit was nimble and quick for hoping stones across the river. Noodles: Noodles represent long life. In fact they serve “long life noodles” which are really really long noodles during new years. But any noodles usually work.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GcH_lRSudTM/VrgCyQolnoI/AAAAAAAAHOE/CSGvtZ2rSb4/s1600/FishDragonSnakeLantern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GcH_lRSudTM/VrgCyQolnoI/AAAAAAAAHOE/CSGvtZ2rSb4/s400/FishDragonSnakeLantern.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Dragon was held back because it was busy bringing rain and helping the people. Snake won by sneakily riding across with horse and scaring it at the last second the secure it’s 6th place (cunning and unscrupulous). Fish is a must have, fish (Yu) sounds like “excess/surplus” so we eat fish hoping for surplus for the year, it’s also tradition not to eat all of the fish to represent the surplus you will have. Some customs also dictate that the fish must face the guest and you leave the head and tail etc. Yeah, I cheated and had some sashimi, I did leave a piece per custom. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hm2J9b4Kacw/VrgC9gYV37I/AAAAAAAAHOI/qpXoZo4a4oI/s1600/PomeloGoatHorseLantern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hm2J9b4Kacw/VrgC9gYV37I/AAAAAAAAHOI/qpXoZo4a4oI/s400/PomeloGoatHorseLantern.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Horse comes in seventh because of snake. Goat and Monkey cooperated with Rooster. Goat chewed up the grass to free the the boat that Rooster showed Monkey and Goat. Fruit shows up a lot during new years specifically Pomelo, Tangerines and oranges. Usually stacked up on the offerings to our ancestor and deities. Again with the homophonic words Pomelo sounds like “to have” and Tangerine/oranges (same word) sound like the word for success. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-booTQm1icoI/VrgDVpCRZ_I/AAAAAAAAHOQ/i-36_v7AXqI/s1600/SpringrollMonkeyRoosterLantern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-booTQm1icoI/VrgDVpCRZ_I/AAAAAAAAHOQ/i-36_v7AXqI/s400/SpringrollMonkeyRoosterLantern.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Monkey helped tug the boat to the water that brought Goat, Monkey and Rooster. Rooster found a boat and showed Goat and Monkey to get their help. Spring rolls are also shaped like gold (bars) which is another symbolism for wealth.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fWcsNV9Vpao/VrgDcwLcw_I/AAAAAAAAHOU/OjrOb-phWes/s1600/NianGaoDogPigLantern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fWcsNV9Vpao/VrgDcwLcw_I/AAAAAAAAHOU/OjrOb-phWes/s400/NianGaoDogPigLantern.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Dog, while a strong swimmer stuck around to playing the water. Pig was famished half way through the race and had a snack and took a nap, but made it none the less. Finally dessert we have “Nian Gao” also called Year cake it more resembles a japansese mocha. Nian Gao sounds like Year higher and we eat it hoping that each year gets better than the last. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
There’s other stuff we eat but I didn’t happen to 1) eat them or 2) get in a picture this weekend. Also I understand that each region and family may have their own foods, so this is just some of the things we ate while celebrating the New Year growing up. Fortunately Chinese New Year is a week long celebration so I have some time to hunt down the rest.</div>
Ironjackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441887771747701206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6927660602752656227.post-69157110636147479162015-12-31T05:03:00.001-06:002015-12-31T05:03:48.992-06:00Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-24RBUSqsExs/VoULardM8hI/AAAAAAAAHM4/pnvPJcfYYhQ/s1600/IMG_6732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-24RBUSqsExs/VoULardM8hI/AAAAAAAAHM4/pnvPJcfYYhQ/s640/IMG_6732.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Happy New Year from Fiji!<br />
<br />
We spent the last two days taking in some sights outside the tourist area.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i57e1UAk4os/VoUJUPIUk3I/AAAAAAAAHMY/i3qi8zEsn_I/s1600/dscn4159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i57e1UAk4os/VoUJUPIUk3I/AAAAAAAAHMY/i3qi8zEsn_I/s400/dscn4159.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Picture of the Fijian Chief's governing building at the "first/head village".<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ilMwjotvnqg/VoUJ_AW27xI/AAAAAAAAHMg/S78sA-zHqyA/s1600/dscn4168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ilMwjotvnqg/VoUJ_AW27xI/AAAAAAAAHMg/S78sA-zHqyA/s400/dscn4168.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The inlet of the "first landing" where the first Fijian people landed and colonized the islands from Africa.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ousYVcLqKK0/VoUKxnnPNDI/AAAAAAAAHMo/RGIUNFx-mmo/s1600/dscn4141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ousYVcLqKK0/VoUKxnnPNDI/AAAAAAAAHMo/RGIUNFx-mmo/s400/dscn4141.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We toured a local market. Lots of tropical fruits and vegetables. They had a whole room of just Kava in various states of processing (apparently not just a popular drink in Hawaii).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-akO_rB9C6Uo/VoULPtu2gGI/AAAAAAAAHMw/HXqdMZhI9z0/s1600/dscn4189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-akO_rB9C6Uo/VoULPtu2gGI/AAAAAAAAHMw/HXqdMZhI9z0/s400/dscn4189.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We had some local food. Sea Cucumber, Octopus, shrimp, mud bugs, Kokoda, clams, snails, spinach fritter, cassava and fish.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-exapBTmakBw/VoUIw-BhhsI/AAAAAAAAHMQ/MxvwHFgyapc/s1600/IMG_6725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-exapBTmakBw/VoUIw-BhhsI/AAAAAAAAHMQ/MxvwHFgyapc/s400/IMG_6725.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Sunset as we waited for midnight (frogs everywhere).<br />
<br />
Happy New Year everyone!Ironjackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441887771747701206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6927660602752656227.post-71107568291866773772015-12-29T00:35:00.000-06:002015-12-29T00:35:30.665-06:00TRIP: Flavours of Fiji cooking school<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v8AWbP7rGuY/VoIbmPNOmMI/AAAAAAAAHJ8/Fj44ICd-Bb8/s1600/DSCN4139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v8AWbP7rGuY/VoIbmPNOmMI/AAAAAAAAHJ8/Fj44ICd-Bb8/s640/DSCN4139.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
While here in Fiji my wife and I decided to take a half day class at the <a href="http://www.flavoursoffiji.com/" target="_blank">Flavours of Fiji cooking school</a>. It is located just outside of where we were staying at Denarau island it was a easy hop over from our hotel to the industrial estate.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-69_R5aMCOT4/VoIfrLMhOlI/AAAAAAAAHKc/lVYdbGT-2DQ/s1600/DSCN3931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-69_R5aMCOT4/VoIfrLMhOlI/AAAAAAAAHKc/lVYdbGT-2DQ/s400/DSCN3931.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The cooking facility was pretty impressive, they had cooking stoves setup for up to 16 people (one instructor 15 students). It was a large hall that had two primary vents in the ceiling and two massive AC units to help keep things cool (towards the end when we had our curries going it did get a bit hot).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MhfXzzqP9g8/VoIglI23iPI/AAAAAAAAHKo/X7b1vhIyz9M/s1600/DSCN3934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MhfXzzqP9g8/VoIglI23iPI/AAAAAAAAHKo/X7b1vhIyz9M/s400/DSCN3934.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Our host Ethee start off showing us the best way to pick between drinking and cooking coconuts. Ethee explained that you want young green coconuts (that you must pick off the trees) that don't actually slosh around when shaken (meaning there's no air space in the nut so it was full of jelly and water). Alternatively for cooking you want a brown coconut with plenty of flesh (just fallen off the tree would be good).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rc_yO4SRJso/VoIhLOaZ14I/AAAAAAAAHKw/pVmltmrS3zA/s1600/DSCN3938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rc_yO4SRJso/VoIhLOaZ14I/AAAAAAAAHKw/pVmltmrS3zA/s400/DSCN3938.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Next Ethee was showing us how to actually crack open a coconut. I just assumed you hacked at the thing or drilled into one of the three "eyes", i've been apparently doing it wrong. Ethee showed us the three "seams" that meet at one end of the coconut and terminate near the "eyes". You go around in turn and hit the middle of each seam perpandicular to the seam with the back of a cleaver. One of three seams will give and crack the coconut in half.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YonHMXLCp5s/VoIjZfgt4uI/AAAAAAAAHK8/IDzKvksnCBE/s1600/DSCN3941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YonHMXLCp5s/VoIjZfgt4uI/AAAAAAAAHK8/IDzKvksnCBE/s400/DSCN3941.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Then came the demo of the scraping of coconut meat out of the shell using both a more modern scraper and a traditional sharpened tree branch.<br />
<br />
We learned about the traditions of Fijian villages. For instance the chief of the village is always served his food "whole" (e.g. the whole pig etc) and portions are separately prepared for everyone else. She also explained the importance of the family gathering and dining together as well as ingredients and influences (such as Indian cuisine).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WiOYKObblQA/VoIj37FzzoI/AAAAAAAAHLE/k4VuTzJlVx0/s1600/DSCN3980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WiOYKObblQA/VoIj37FzzoI/AAAAAAAAHLE/k4VuTzJlVx0/s400/DSCN3980.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The class was divided into two sections: Traditional Fijian cuisine (three course) as well as Indian cuisine (four course). We stopped after each section to dine on our meal. The flow was really well prepared we started each section with "shopping" where we collected and learned about our ingredients (all pre-portioned) and then we cooked along with the instructor. (I wasn't able to catch the name of our Fijian instructor)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jraZFhOdiro/VoIkgyUzLPI/AAAAAAAAHLM/kegPEhZBMh4/s1600/DSCN3974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jraZFhOdiro/VoIkgyUzLPI/AAAAAAAAHLM/kegPEhZBMh4/s400/DSCN3974.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
All of the pots and pans were collected under our workstations and every step well rehearsed that even beginners would have no trouble following along. Every step that required new utensils were perfectly arranged and we were instructed between steps to grab the right implements.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B-qNyAPRBdQ/VoIe16IF3hI/AAAAAAAAHKQ/TIfZ2cCZM54/s1600/FlavoursFiji1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B-qNyAPRBdQ/VoIe16IF3hI/AAAAAAAAHKQ/TIfZ2cCZM54/s400/FlavoursFiji1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We cooked a coconut curry mahi mahi over bok choy, braised taro leaves (which she referred to as fiji spinach), and cassava tapioca balls cooked in coconut caramel sauce. I'll skip all the details but you can see the collage of the various preparation steps. Every step was well explained and with an interesting narrative about the ingredients and their use in daily Fijian cooking. As we cooked the other instructors that weren't actively teaching helped each student as well as helped collected and keep our mise en place clean and orderly.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BgKurZmWEfM/VoIlg9xmMLI/AAAAAAAAHLY/FckaYkY43kE/s1600/DSCN4035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BgKurZmWEfM/VoIlg9xmMLI/AAAAAAAAHLY/FckaYkY43kE/s400/DSCN4035.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's our finished three dishes. Yum!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-39nqk9273TA/VoImOCuHVDI/AAAAAAAAHLg/2d-gT_TgQio/s1600/DSCN4054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-39nqk9273TA/VoImOCuHVDI/AAAAAAAAHLg/2d-gT_TgQio/s400/DSCN4054.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Next was our Indian cooking instructor Arti. We cooked a Dal Shorva (lentil soup), Murghi Aur Aloo (chicken and potato curry), Roti, and a dessert of caramalized shredded coconut (I didn't hear a name for it).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WBLmlzqIZzk/VoImk9eF20I/AAAAAAAAHLo/0sBQcBJmuLA/s1600/FlavoursFiji2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WBLmlzqIZzk/VoImk9eF20I/AAAAAAAAHLo/0sBQcBJmuLA/s400/FlavoursFiji2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Again, a very thorough and well timed conversation and cooking demonstration. She explained everything as we waited for things to simmer and had us simultaneously prepare three of the dishes<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dNqrymsbqX8/VoInU4HBgkI/AAAAAAAAHL0/ehEkYnxI68o/s1600/DSCN4127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dNqrymsbqX8/VoInU4HBgkI/AAAAAAAAHL0/ehEkYnxI68o/s400/DSCN4127.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We finished by rolling out and pan frying our roti. Arti explained she had to make 50 of these everyday for her family for their breakfast and lunch. (That's some dedication right there.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OKksv_etzdM/VoInuSlm3DI/AAAAAAAAHL8/B96rVai5CqQ/s1600/DSCN4131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OKksv_etzdM/VoInuSlm3DI/AAAAAAAAHL8/B96rVai5CqQ/s400/DSCN4131.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's our wonderful Indian "second lunch".<br />
<br />
In the new year <a href="http://www.flavoursoffiji.com/" target="_blank">Flavours of Fiji</a> will be offering a market shopping tour (which we might try attend). I highly recommend checking out this class, we had a great time!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Ironjackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441887771747701206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6927660602752656227.post-16607594938857530692015-12-25T03:37:00.000-06:002015-12-25T03:37:22.125-06:00Happy Holidays 2015<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7wxQDlInQaU/Vn0NBBhSB9I/AAAAAAAAHJc/ZafEZSs2r3o/s1600/IMG_6598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7wxQDlInQaU/Vn0NBBhSB9I/AAAAAAAAHJc/ZafEZSs2r3o/s640/IMG_6598.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Happy Holidays from Fiji!<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-buB_FQdgjM8/Vn0NcAQSuSI/AAAAAAAAHJk/8wu74qj04sg/s1600/IMG_6602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-buB_FQdgjM8/Vn0NcAQSuSI/AAAAAAAAHJk/8wu74qj04sg/s640/IMG_6602.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Just a few quick photos from the small island of Mana just off the coast of the main island.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F-Ctorq1ej8/Vn0N_375s9I/AAAAAAAAHJs/64saAUB9so0/s1600/IMG_6623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F-Ctorq1ej8/Vn0N_375s9I/AAAAAAAAHJs/64saAUB9so0/s640/IMG_6623.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sunset Dinner </div>
Ironjackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441887771747701206noreply@blogger.com0