Showing posts with label Japan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Japan. Show all posts
3.07.2009
3.01.2009
Otaku iPhone Apps
So apparently there's a couple of anime-related apps for the iPhone...not many, it looks like it's a new trend. Here's a list of Otaku iPhone apps from a fan who researched this topic.
I looked up Evangelion, since they're rehashing it lately and it's visible. I found two, related apps at about $1.99 each. Here's the first one:
Here's the second one:
Apparently there's a third app for Eva, but it didn't show up on my iPhone. So what else is downloadable? Well there's the Anime Network, iPhone Anime.com, iPhone wallpapers, vSNAX, etc. A thorough Google search can probably bring up particular title-related apps. And of course, you could always upload something anime, that you got through iTunes.
UPDATE 3/7/09
I found this app maker's website link at DannyChoo.com so I checked out what other apps they have (3 total, but more apps for other stuff).
I looked up Evangelion, since they're rehashing it lately and it's visible. I found two, related apps at about $1.99 each. Here's the first one:
 |  |
Here's the second one:
 |  |
UPDATE 3/7/09
I found this app maker's website link at DannyChoo.com so I checked out what other apps they have (3 total, but more apps for other stuff).
2.28.2009
Japan-Themed Weekend
Yesterday I had sushi for lunch at Sushi House in downtown Naperville. It's one of my favorite restaurants, if a little pricey, because it features an *almost* traditional ryokan style of 
decoration. There's little rooms you can use for parties or larger groups where you take your shoes off at the three steps and then close the rice paper sliding door. It just has a really great aura for me. The staff are just lovely, and everyone who comes here is truly enjoying themselves. They also have something that's a little odd but enjoyable: a large flat screen tv by the bar featuring an animated aquarium! The menu is comprehensive. There are options for complete meals (and bentos) or just a la carte. Their miso soup is superior, and they even have quite a few sushi and sashimi pieces for vegetarians (!).
Then today to add to my mini Japan vacation, significant other unit and I picked up and drove
45+ minutes to Schaumburg's own Mitsuwa Marketplace. It was funny when we drove up using the significant other unit's new GPS... which I know intuitively how to operate for some reason... An interesting discovery is that I realized today that Mitsuwa is just across the street from a newspaper HQ offices that I went and interviewed at in 2000! Can't remember seeing the office last time I came to visit.
Mitsuwa is "Japan-central" for northern Illinois, and is celebrating its anniversary this week! There are special deals and lots of delectable asian delicacies everywhere to be explored and savored with sight, smell, and taste. A true treat for the senses. For example, there was a special kiosk at the very entrance, featuring fantastic and freshly-made mochi sweets. Needless to say the crowds were congregating there to enjoy the festivities and purchase their treats.
Since it was already around 2:30-ish and we hadn't had anything to eat yet, we proceeded to have lunch in the food court. We grabbed some black pearl drinks, a papaya and a lychee. We went around and took a look at the dish photos and plastic representations of the menus, until we settled on what we were ordering. I had tempura and soba, and 
significant other unit had udon soup with tempura. Everything was delicious! Though I wish I'd also had the soup because my cold noodles didn't help me settle after a frigid cold experience outside! For dessert I went to the little ice cream shop and acquired a delectable green tea parfait--green tea jelly, vanilla ice cream, biscuit, adzuki bean paste, whipped cream, green and white ice cream swirl, green tea syrup, and topped by two little cookies and mochi. YUM. It is matcha tea so it wasn't very sweet, but it made for the perfect ending to our lunch.
We did a little quick shopping, but the place was so chok-block full of people that we didn't get to look around in the supermarket portion...much to my regret this involved not being able to look around or purchase anything in the busy happy hippo bakery ;o/ ...where they featured apple anpan. Significant other unit and I LOVE anpan! Too bad I didn't get to purchase any. It's an amazing bakery, though, next time.
I also made a point to visit the bookstore, which has an amazing array of magazines and manga. I was looking around and wondered if there was any of the "less reputable" stuff ^_^ but couldn't understand which was which since it was all in kenji. Oh well. They had a cute little section with office supplies that also featured origami paper and little origami paper kits to create little themed items such as animals, or a burger meal (!). Kawaii! I was very, very surprised at the lack of manga-themed toys or figures, which I was looking forward to exploring and perhaps, even purchasing. I've become frustrated with what's available on amazon.com, but I have just started looking and I'm too much of a noobie to navigate successfully through figure websites. I will be exploring some of the resources available from dannychoo.com, however, and hope to remedy this in the very near future. ^_^
Before leaving I visited the little nook with housewares in-between the food court and travel
agency and I acquired a yellow, plastic bento box, and a little red, good luck, porcelain fish that floats--perfect for a little zen bowl for the office, or during my incense relaxation breaks.
All in all, it was an awesome mini-vacation/adventure. Alas, I still hope to one day learn some Japanese and save up for a trip. I'm dying to try an onsen! ^_^ The ultimate treat for total relaxation.
The day ended with a visit to the Sanrio store in Schaumburg mall, and the Too Cool store in Fox Valley mall, by our house. Sadly, no anime figures at the Too Cool store matched my must-find list.
In view of my renewed interest in things Japan, I've decided to go back and tag "Japan" posts on this blog related to anything Japanese. Helps me keep tabs on my discoveries and learning curve.
decoration. There's little rooms you can use for parties or larger groups where you take your shoes off at the three steps and then close the rice paper sliding door. It just has a really great aura for me. The staff are just lovely, and everyone who comes here is truly enjoying themselves. They also have something that's a little odd but enjoyable: a large flat screen tv by the bar featuring an animated aquarium! The menu is comprehensive. There are options for complete meals (and bentos) or just a la carte. Their miso soup is superior, and they even have quite a few sushi and sashimi pieces for vegetarians (!).Then today to add to my mini Japan vacation, significant other unit and I picked up and drove
45+ minutes to Schaumburg's own Mitsuwa Marketplace. It was funny when we drove up using the significant other unit's new GPS... which I know intuitively how to operate for some reason... An interesting discovery is that I realized today that Mitsuwa is just across the street from a newspaper HQ offices that I went and interviewed at in 2000! Can't remember seeing the office last time I came to visit.Mitsuwa is "Japan-central" for northern Illinois, and is celebrating its anniversary this week! There are special deals and lots of delectable asian delicacies everywhere to be explored and savored with sight, smell, and taste. A true treat for the senses. For example, there was a special kiosk at the very entrance, featuring fantastic and freshly-made mochi sweets. Needless to say the crowds were congregating there to enjoy the festivities and purchase their treats.
Since it was already around 2:30-ish and we hadn't had anything to eat yet, we proceeded to have lunch in the food court. We grabbed some black pearl drinks, a papaya and a lychee. We went around and took a look at the dish photos and plastic representations of the menus, until we settled on what we were ordering. I had tempura and soba, and 
significant other unit had udon soup with tempura. Everything was delicious! Though I wish I'd also had the soup because my cold noodles didn't help me settle after a frigid cold experience outside! For dessert I went to the little ice cream shop and acquired a delectable green tea parfait--green tea jelly, vanilla ice cream, biscuit, adzuki bean paste, whipped cream, green and white ice cream swirl, green tea syrup, and topped by two little cookies and mochi. YUM. It is matcha tea so it wasn't very sweet, but it made for the perfect ending to our lunch.
We did a little quick shopping, but the place was so chok-block full of people that we didn't get to look around in the supermarket portion...much to my regret this involved not being able to look around or purchase anything in the busy happy hippo bakery ;o/ ...where they featured apple anpan. Significant other unit and I LOVE anpan! Too bad I didn't get to purchase any. It's an amazing bakery, though, next time.I also made a point to visit the bookstore, which has an amazing array of magazines and manga. I was looking around and wondered if there was any of the "less reputable" stuff ^_^ but couldn't understand which was which since it was all in kenji. Oh well. They had a cute little section with office supplies that also featured origami paper and little origami paper kits to create little themed items such as animals, or a burger meal (!). Kawaii! I was very, very surprised at the lack of manga-themed toys or figures, which I was looking forward to exploring and perhaps, even purchasing. I've become frustrated with what's available on amazon.com, but I have just started looking and I'm too much of a noobie to navigate successfully through figure websites. I will be exploring some of the resources available from dannychoo.com, however, and hope to remedy this in the very near future. ^_^
Before leaving I visited the little nook with housewares in-between the food court and travel
agency and I acquired a yellow, plastic bento box, and a little red, good luck, porcelain fish that floats--perfect for a little zen bowl for the office, or during my incense relaxation breaks.All in all, it was an awesome mini-vacation/adventure. Alas, I still hope to one day learn some Japanese and save up for a trip. I'm dying to try an onsen! ^_^ The ultimate treat for total relaxation.
The day ended with a visit to the Sanrio store in Schaumburg mall, and the Too Cool store in Fox Valley mall, by our house. Sadly, no anime figures at the Too Cool store matched my must-find list.
In view of my renewed interest in things Japan, I've decided to go back and tag "Japan" posts on this blog related to anything Japanese. Helps me keep tabs on my discoveries and learning curve.
2.25.2009
Moe & Otaku Stuff
I found out about Danny Choo from his guest blogging gig at BoingBoing, where I really enjoyed reading his thoughts on being an entrepreneur and where he shared quirky popular culture things from Japan.
Danny's been living in Tokyo for the past 10 years and among his favorite activities he includes being the CEO of his own company, making music videos of himself dressed up as a Star Wars Stormtrooper, reviewing gorgeous anime figures, and posting about everyday life and popular culture in Japan. Today I found his deleted wiki page and found out that he is indeed, Jimmy Choo's (famous shoemaker) son.
Over the past week I have been engrossed in and absorbing every nugget of Japanese popular culture from his growing website. It's chock-block full of anime mentions and information about everyday life in Japan. I'm especially fond of his Week in Tokyo posts, because they remind me of a cool cross between NHK World's Tokyo Eye and IMF's Local Feed.
Danny's been living in Tokyo for the past 10 years and among his favorite activities he includes being the CEO of his own company, making music videos of himself dressed up as a Star Wars Stormtrooper, reviewing gorgeous anime figures, and posting about everyday life and popular culture in Japan. Today I found his deleted wiki page and found out that he is indeed, Jimmy Choo's (famous shoemaker) son.
Over the past week I have been engrossed in and absorbing every nugget of Japanese popular culture from his growing website. It's chock-block full of anime mentions and information about everyday life in Japan. I'm especially fond of his Week in Tokyo posts, because they remind me of a cool cross between NHK World's Tokyo Eye and IMF's Local Feed.
7.04.2008
NPR's Spam Sushi Story
I am always surprised at the whimsical tone NPR stories take when covering food. Here's one such story, in audio and text: Classics from Hawaii, Japan Collide in Spam Sushi.
Spam sushi is by no means a novelty, but hearing this lovely lady talk about her recipe makes it fun.
- J
Spam sushi is by no means a novelty, but hearing this lovely lady talk about her recipe makes it fun.
- J
4.09.2008
B-Day Bento Lunch
click on image for larger version
Well, it took me 1 hour and 15 minutes (+or-), but here's my very own special B-Day bento lunch. ^_^ All done while listening to Maroon 5's latest CD and Molotov's collected works.
Clockwise from the top left: two onigiri with pesto and vegan mayo paste; one vegetarian hot dog sliced decoratively in two; leftover cheese slices to look like pickled ginger [gari]; shoyu and sesame oil marinated tofu; sakura shaped soy cheese slices; ume and vegan mayo sushi. Plus: grapefruit juice and shoyu bowl.
Phew! ;) And this is a great way to welcome Spring...wherever it maybe hiding in Chicagoland -_-
-J
7.27.2007
Japan Fad Food
According to a BusinessWeek article titled "Fad Marketing's Balancing Act," apparently, global smarty-pants marketers in the cut-throat food industry in Japan, have realized the powerful, unsupressable meaning that a simple word can have on consumer behavior: gentei.
According to the article, gentei means "limited edition" and has garnered quite a ravenous response within the Japanese market, when it comes to limited time only versions of Pepsi soft drink flavors and Nestle candy bars... not to mention hundreds of other similar gimmicks. These special, limited batches of seasonal-flavored goodies, are manufactured in the millions of products and then sold, and when they're gone, they're gone. Also, these marketers know that the Japanese LOVE to personalize (or Japanisize) most international flavors to their own nutritional and taste standards, creating a whole new world of delicacies.
I think these bursts of new, off-beat products are great because they target the consumer's need for seasonal-themed goodies (a huge theme in Japanese food), adding variety to the food and beverage options in the market. There's always an excitment akin to collecting when a limited time product is made available, and if the taste is right, it's two birds with one stone.
Offering quirky and different tastes that make taste-bud sense, especially in Japan, where seemingly odd (to other country standards, of course) snacks are always a hit. Snacks are not a major part of your daily diet (assumed, typically, of those outside of the US) but when it does become a larger percentage of daily intake, it's often referred to as the Westernization of the diet--and typically the long-term widening of waist sizes and pant belts. Be sure to note that these snackies are also responsible for a LOT of disposable income and impulse buy sales, and marketers are very well aware of it...
- J
According to the article, gentei means "limited edition" and has garnered quite a ravenous response within the Japanese market, when it comes to limited time only versions of Pepsi soft drink flavors and Nestle candy bars... not to mention hundreds of other similar gimmicks. These special, limited batches of seasonal-flavored goodies, are manufactured in the millions of products and then sold, and when they're gone, they're gone. Also, these marketers know that the Japanese LOVE to personalize (or Japanisize) most international flavors to their own nutritional and taste standards, creating a whole new world of delicacies.
I think these bursts of new, off-beat products are great because they target the consumer's need for seasonal-themed goodies (a huge theme in Japanese food), adding variety to the food and beverage options in the market. There's always an excitment akin to collecting when a limited time product is made available, and if the taste is right, it's two birds with one stone.
Offering quirky and different tastes that make taste-bud sense, especially in Japan, where seemingly odd (to other country standards, of course) snacks are always a hit. Snacks are not a major part of your daily diet (assumed, typically, of those outside of the US) but when it does become a larger percentage of daily intake, it's often referred to as the Westernization of the diet--and typically the long-term widening of waist sizes and pant belts. Be sure to note that these snackies are also responsible for a LOT of disposable income and impulse buy sales, and marketers are very well aware of it...
- J
7.13.2007
The Amazing Japanese
I just couldn't resist posting this link to Wiki's Toilets in Japan article. I'm not sure whether to giggle with humor or gape in awe at the infiltration of modern thinking and technology in simple, everyday life. Maybe just adding a whole new level of difficulty to something we had taken for granted...
6.30.2007
Anime List
Due to some entertainingly productive discussion with a work related friend/acquaintance, I began looking into anime that I enjoyed as a child, once again. These are titles that I grew fond of while growing up in Italy (1977-1982/3) and Mexico (1982/3-1989)--as well as some more recent additions to the anime hall of fame/body of knowledge.
So here's my list and my opinion of each:
- Neon Genesis Evangelion: this was my first download because I was really interested after many an hour of discussion on this series with an online friend of mine, back in 98-99. This is truly engrossing and gets into your psyche good, better have a strong personality and character or risk losing yourself here... actually that almost sounds like the actual plot ;o)
- MTV Oddities: The Maxx: this was an obsession of mine in 1994 back when MTV experimented with the Oddities and Liquid Television... now that was tv you could love *sigh*
- Vampire Hunter D: a classic piece of anime, of which I fell in love ever since my very first viewing at 2 am back in the very early nineties... yes anything vampire will always get me! But this is spectacular if you seriously consider when it was made... for more see my prior entry on a treasured find at a local bookstore... that I had to let slip
- Gunslinger Girl: I first learnt about this serial when it was advertised on one of the Turner networks and I immediately borrowed it from Netflix. This is a beautiful and scenic piece which should be a classic for the subject matter/topic, and the flow of each episode
- Thundercats: are you kidding me? This had to be a must. I acted out scenes with my girlfriends in mid and late eighties up until I moved to the US in 1989... although it's a little different watching it dubbed in english, when I was used to hearing all the spanish voices...
- Hellsing: this was a catchy piece, unexpected plot, and seductively manic hero. Loved the modern-ness of it all
- Karas: a total waste of time, this got outtahere so fast there was no dust trail
- Blood: The Last Vampire: another total waste of time, as the story didn't go anywhere. This also got outtahere too quickly for a dust trail to form
- Howl's Moving Castle: this turned out to be a very pleasant surprise, not saccharine sweet as I anticipated. Excellent storyline and scenery, and characters you could really get into
- Princess Mononoke: I liked the movie as a whole, but it was a little too much "how can we show kids to appreciate ancestors and environmental issues?"... as a matter of fact, the love story reminded me an aweful lot of the movie House of Flying Daggers (Shi Mian Mai Fu).
- Spirited Away: I had already seen this either on TV or by borrowing it from Netflix, but I just can't get enough of it, what a sweet story, adventurous and heart warming really
- Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust: like most sequels this doesn't do full justice to the original, following up our hero's adventures at an undecipherable time after the original story took place. All around though, a pleasureable adventure that could even possibly stand alone without the original if need be, but I'd rather vote for the original if I had to pick a CD for my deserted island enjoyment
- Paprika: a recent arrival to the realm of anime and a pleasurable adventure at that. Recommended for interesting theme and characters
On my queue remain:
- Kiki's Delivery service: already seen but a treat to have on hand for viewing. This very much follows some of the storyline style from Spirited Away, but stands alone quite well with its own brand of adventure and storyline, which I found engrossing
- Ah My Goddess!: the product of another set of many an hour spent discoursing with my online friend... we'll see if it's worth naming my PC after.... UPDATE: 7/13/07: very cute way to teach folks that living together as a couple is hard work but rewarding.
- Monster: seems to be recommended by various anime lists I've consulted... we'll see
- Witch Hunter Robin: seems like a good adventure, and also somewhat highly recommended by consulted anime lists
- My Neighbor Totoro: this was on my to see list after I fell in love with a bento box and supplies, which I must get before they dissappear UPDATE 7/13/07: Very cute, I LOVED the house! They're called minka. The influence of the natural flow and architecture is reminiscent of that in "Ah! My Goddess," and one of my new favorite architectural styles (for more on Satsuki and Mei's house).
- Akira: another name that seems to circulate in anime circles, and so here I go... we'll see UPDATE 7/13/07: I didn't find it captivating.
- Sherlock Hound: a childhood favorite that I had almost completely forgotten. Will be good to revisit
- Lupin III: Castle Cogliostro: This is a serial and/or movies (I haven't done enough research yet) in the 70s-80s... I used to watch the serial the year I stayed with my grandparents in Italy while my parents were setting up our home in Mexico, just prior to moving there... that would make it 1982 or 1983... I must revisit! I can barely remember the leading character except for his huge ego with the ladies
Finally I must make a note that, although I am thoroughly and unregrettably enamoured and obsessed, with the Aeon Flux series, I will not be approaching any of the episodes or else risk full immersion and complete disregard to eating, working, or any of those other, required activities for the next several months.
As you can tell the preferred themes are: psychology, mystery, vampires, some horror, complex storylines ... suggestions eagerly accepted! :oP
- J
So here's my list and my opinion of each:
- Neon Genesis Evangelion: this was my first download because I was really interested after many an hour of discussion on this series with an online friend of mine, back in 98-99. This is truly engrossing and gets into your psyche good, better have a strong personality and character or risk losing yourself here... actually that almost sounds like the actual plot ;o)
- MTV Oddities: The Maxx: this was an obsession of mine in 1994 back when MTV experimented with the Oddities and Liquid Television... now that was tv you could love *sigh*
- Vampire Hunter D: a classic piece of anime, of which I fell in love ever since my very first viewing at 2 am back in the very early nineties... yes anything vampire will always get me! But this is spectacular if you seriously consider when it was made... for more see my prior entry on a treasured find at a local bookstore... that I had to let slip
- Gunslinger Girl: I first learnt about this serial when it was advertised on one of the Turner networks and I immediately borrowed it from Netflix. This is a beautiful and scenic piece which should be a classic for the subject matter/topic, and the flow of each episode
- Thundercats: are you kidding me? This had to be a must. I acted out scenes with my girlfriends in mid and late eighties up until I moved to the US in 1989... although it's a little different watching it dubbed in english, when I was used to hearing all the spanish voices...
- Hellsing: this was a catchy piece, unexpected plot, and seductively manic hero. Loved the modern-ness of it all
- Karas: a total waste of time, this got outtahere so fast there was no dust trail
- Blood: The Last Vampire: another total waste of time, as the story didn't go anywhere. This also got outtahere too quickly for a dust trail to form
- Howl's Moving Castle: this turned out to be a very pleasant surprise, not saccharine sweet as I anticipated. Excellent storyline and scenery, and characters you could really get into
- Princess Mononoke: I liked the movie as a whole, but it was a little too much "how can we show kids to appreciate ancestors and environmental issues?"... as a matter of fact, the love story reminded me an aweful lot of the movie House of Flying Daggers (Shi Mian Mai Fu).
- Spirited Away: I had already seen this either on TV or by borrowing it from Netflix, but I just can't get enough of it, what a sweet story, adventurous and heart warming really
- Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust: like most sequels this doesn't do full justice to the original, following up our hero's adventures at an undecipherable time after the original story took place. All around though, a pleasureable adventure that could even possibly stand alone without the original if need be, but I'd rather vote for the original if I had to pick a CD for my deserted island enjoyment
- Paprika: a recent arrival to the realm of anime and a pleasurable adventure at that. Recommended for interesting theme and characters
On my queue remain:
- Kiki's Delivery service: already seen but a treat to have on hand for viewing. This very much follows some of the storyline style from Spirited Away, but stands alone quite well with its own brand of adventure and storyline, which I found engrossing
- Ah My Goddess!: the product of another set of many an hour spent discoursing with my online friend... we'll see if it's worth naming my PC after.... UPDATE: 7/13/07: very cute way to teach folks that living together as a couple is hard work but rewarding.
- Monster: seems to be recommended by various anime lists I've consulted... we'll see
- Witch Hunter Robin: seems like a good adventure, and also somewhat highly recommended by consulted anime lists
- My Neighbor Totoro: this was on my to see list after I fell in love with a bento box and supplies, which I must get before they dissappear UPDATE 7/13/07: Very cute, I LOVED the house! They're called minka. The influence of the natural flow and architecture is reminiscent of that in "Ah! My Goddess," and one of my new favorite architectural styles (for more on Satsuki and Mei's house).
- Akira: another name that seems to circulate in anime circles, and so here I go... we'll see UPDATE 7/13/07: I didn't find it captivating.
- Sherlock Hound: a childhood favorite that I had almost completely forgotten. Will be good to revisit
- Lupin III: Castle Cogliostro: This is a serial and/or movies (I haven't done enough research yet) in the 70s-80s... I used to watch the serial the year I stayed with my grandparents in Italy while my parents were setting up our home in Mexico, just prior to moving there... that would make it 1982 or 1983... I must revisit! I can barely remember the leading character except for his huge ego with the ladies
Finally I must make a note that, although I am thoroughly and unregrettably enamoured and obsessed, with the Aeon Flux series, I will not be approaching any of the episodes or else risk full immersion and complete disregard to eating, working, or any of those other, required activities for the next several months.
As you can tell the preferred themes are: psychology, mystery, vampires, some horror, complex storylines ... suggestions eagerly accepted! :oP
- J
6.19.2007
Beauty game for the Japanese Nintendo DS
Of all the fascinating things to happen, Nintendo Japan released a "game" called Dream Skincare that aims to attract female users of the game console. I'm just now hearing of this even though the game was released last October, because our Western media is as quick on the draw as always...not .
Dream Skincare tracks the hours you sleep and other statistics as you input, with the purpose of providing personalized beauty and health advice.
There are no plans to distribute it outside the Japanese market, but I think that a lot of people are as intrigued as I am, and I am sure a market does exist. Nintendo, if you're listening: please throw a few our way in the US! Wii would love them ;o)
- J
Dream Skincare tracks the hours you sleep and other statistics as you input, with the purpose of providing personalized beauty and health advice.
There are no plans to distribute it outside the Japanese market, but I think that a lot of people are as intrigued as I am, and I am sure a market does exist. Nintendo, if you're listening: please throw a few our way in the US! Wii would love them ;o)
- J
6.17.2007
Here's Looking at you Angel!
I've started viewing the anime series Evangelion and I had to take this picture. I thought these guys looked a little like one of the angels (poppy eyes and all).
They're cute, but the machine that you can try and win these, at the local movie theater, has a trick and I can't afford to lose so many quarters.
4.19.2007
All You Can Eat Sushi
Last weekend we went to Schaumburg Mall, better known by its official name, Woodfield Mall.
I had the good fortune to enter the humongous shopping complex by one very interesting restaurant, named Todai.
As I walked into the shopping center through the doorway, immediately adjacent to the doorway to Todai, and as I continued in through the hallway, I could get a perfect view of the longitudinally-shaped restaurant through the long windows.
It was quite fascinating to see an all you can eat sushi and seafood buffet. Quite something! I could just see myself getting sick from a sushi overdose :o) But would they have any vegetarian options? That's a completely new can of worms I won't know about until I research their website and menu a little further--but there's always something I can try (evil laugh)!
Just now as I was reading one of my very favorite magazines, Time Out Chicago, they were talking about Todai and how great and cheap of a must-try experience it is. So I went into Google and searched for the restaurant's menu to start checking any possible dishes I can try.
How fun though, to have the ability to go to an exciting new Japanese restaurant, that offers a lot of great seafood.
- J
I had the good fortune to enter the humongous shopping complex by one very interesting restaurant, named Todai.
As I walked into the shopping center through the doorway, immediately adjacent to the doorway to Todai, and as I continued in through the hallway, I could get a perfect view of the longitudinally-shaped restaurant through the long windows.
It was quite fascinating to see an all you can eat sushi and seafood buffet. Quite something! I could just see myself getting sick from a sushi overdose :o) But would they have any vegetarian options? That's a completely new can of worms I won't know about until I research their website and menu a little further--but there's always something I can try (evil laugh)!
Just now as I was reading one of my very favorite magazines, Time Out Chicago, they were talking about Todai and how great and cheap of a must-try experience it is. So I went into Google and searched for the restaurant's menu to start checking any possible dishes I can try.
How fun though, to have the ability to go to an exciting new Japanese restaurant, that offers a lot of great seafood.
- J
1.10.2007
Sushi Class
I had the immense pleasure of going to a Sur La Table Sushi 101 class today. I've been looking at their classes for about four months now, and have been reticent to attend because of the high price. Well, let me tell you, this was a complete 360 degree, full technicolor treat for me. It was over an hour ago that the teacher let the class go, and I still can't come down from cloud 9.
Here is the result of my hard work. Half of what I made I ate, and, as my ecstactically delighted belly can attest, you cannot go wrong with sushi. YEY It's good to be alive!
^_^
- J
12.16.2006
Anime Treat Alert!
What a treat I found, as I was perusing my local Borders bookstore last night!
Something that true anime fans can appreciate, a behind-the-scenes look at one of history's most important anime movies: Vampire Hunter D... the book is quite a package, encased in a bright red cardboard box, with a slit on the left hand side for you to gingerly and eagerly slide out the book. It's quite a treat.
12.11.2006
Vegans Rejoice in Japan
Great news for Vegans and Vegetarians located or traveling to Japan: the newest fad is vegan cafes. The great news came to me through an early December copy of the International Herald Tribune as I was traveling to Italy via France.
The article, by Kaori Shoji, features one of my favorite quotes this month:
-- Says Rikako Murase, a frequent client at Brown Rice, "The thing about these cafés is that they're often full of beautiful people. So you can see the effects of the food first-hand, and that can be very encouraging. It makes you believe really, that you are what you eat." --
The article, by Kaori Shoji, features one of my favorite quotes this month:
-- Says Rikako Murase, a frequent client at Brown Rice, "The thing about these cafés is that they're often full of beautiful people. So you can see the effects of the food first-hand, and that can be very encouraging. It makes you believe really, that you are what you eat." --
I wish that was true of McDonalds, eh?! It looks like the hot and happening places to be for Japanese youths and the rich and famous these days, is one of these new spots. And I'm glad that everyone everywhere is becoming a little more aware of the importance of what they eat and how it directly affects how they feel. I'm always pleased to hear that organic, macrobiotic, and vegan delicacies rule the mainstream.
YEY!
;o)
- J
11.04.2006
Sushi for Vegetarians
Sushi is a great way to add variety to the vegetarian lifestlyle. Some of my favorite dishes are:
Please be aware that it is very hard to find 100% vegetarian food in Japanese cuisine, due to the fact they use a lot of seafood and fish, chicken and beef and any of their related products as bases in a lot of the dishes. But it doesn't hurt to try, because everything tastes so good! And, it's low-fat (except for the tempura but everyone deserves a treat every now and again).
Use www.citsearch.com or www.maps.google.com to find your local Japanese restaurant.
Enjoy!
;o)
- J
- edamame
- miso soup
- avocado rolls
- shitake rolls
- veggie rolls
- tempura veggies
- tamago
Please be aware that it is very hard to find 100% vegetarian food in Japanese cuisine, due to the fact they use a lot of seafood and fish, chicken and beef and any of their related products as bases in a lot of the dishes. But it doesn't hurt to try, because everything tastes so good! And, it's low-fat (except for the tempura but everyone deserves a treat every now and again).
Use www.citsearch.com or www.maps.google.com to find your local Japanese restaurant.
Enjoy!
;o)
- J
The Japanese Lunchbox
I've recently been acquainted with a new form of food styling. One which is fun and adds to the interest and esthetics of the eating experience (yes my slow food movement self is showing itself!). The best part is that this can lend itself to both breakfast or lunch, and sometimes even to the dinner experience.
One of the best things about this type of lunchbox is that it's reusable and cuts down on refuse and excess. It's also a fabulous way to portion control your meals.
The Japanese Bento, or Obento, is the technique of placing food in a creative and artistic fashion to seem like flora, fauna, or imaginary characters. Children's obentos include popular characters such as hello kitty.
The basics of the obento is the portion and the implements:
1) Implements: lunchbox with compartments, rice shapers, seasonings, leftovers, chopsticks and lunch bag
2) food must be along these general guidelines: 4 portions rice, 3 portions protein, 2 portions vegetables, 1 portion pickle or dessert.
3) Creativity
Some excellent resources to learn more:
Bento Wikipedia
Bentobox
Japanese Box Lunches
Bento Boxes on Flickr
Japanese Food on About.com
Jbox.com Bento lunchboxes
9.24.2006
Chisan Chishou
Chisan Chishou is the Japanese concept of sustainable agriculture, and buying local.
The Japanese are one of the strictest cultures in the world in regards to the freshness of food. Their concept of chisan chishou involves the careful caring and growing of vegetables and fruits so that each item is organically raised and tenderly cared for before it gets to your table that same day.
This also means that their agricultural projects are typically of a smaller scale, and no industrial farms are anywear near your local grocer.
Good resources to learn more about chisan chishou and compare it to current sustainability and organic efforts in the US:
The Japanese are one of the strictest cultures in the world in regards to the freshness of food. Their concept of chisan chishou involves the careful caring and growing of vegetables and fruits so that each item is organically raised and tenderly cared for before it gets to your table that same day.
This also means that their agricultural projects are typically of a smaller scale, and no industrial farms are anywear near your local grocer.
Good resources to learn more about chisan chishou and compare it to current sustainability and organic efforts in the US:
- Mercola Newsletter September 23
- LiveScience Health SciTech
- University of Tokyo Discussion on Foods between Japan and France
:o)
-J
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