Monday, June 30, 2014

Caviar + Crackers

caviar with crackers
I have been thinking of caviar and crackers for some time now, but could never commit to buying any of those tiny jars. But, finally the caviar-at-home dream has come true! Not an everyday thing for me, but salmon caviar is one of the more affordable types out there and a little goes a long way. Admittedly, I went overboard when spooning out the caviar, but I have never been one to shy away from salt. I added cream cheese to the mix and would recommend it highly because not only does it work well with the caviar, you will have a very good reason to stock up on bagels. Let's hear it for occasional splurges!

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Japan - Part 2

Let's continue with the delectables from Japan! The ramen below was from a shop that had a vending ticket machine outside where you pay before entering and handing them your ticket. Interesting note: I only had ramen once while in Japan, but eat it quite often in daily life. Additional note: I am starting this post talking about vending machines again, although of a different variety.

japan ramen

Yakitori had to happen and what you see here is grilled cheese mochi.

japan grilled cheese mochi

A bit rich, but as I look at this picture, I want to have it again. And again. We had a bunch of other stuff, but I was very drawn to the mochi (it IS one of the best food items ever and I hadn't encountered such a skewer before).

Of course, more desserts to share! Here is a wafer cookie holding red beans, green tea ice cream and... you got it, mochi!! Not entirely sure if these qualify as mochi or if I should just call them sweet, chewy rice cake things, but either way, this dessert was totally wonderful.

japan red bean green tea ice cream

By the way, the red beans are remarkably good in Japan. Beans are beautiful in sweet and savory forms, end of story.

And lastly, doesn't everyone love a roll cake? Especially as pretty as this one?

japan roll cake

That's all for Japan! Parting thoughts: when traveling and in life, not every little delicious thing is photogenic. But, getting a good photo wasn't difficult in Japan because so many of the dishes were presented beautifully.

For a few more food photos from the trip, please check my Instagram!

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Japan - Part 1

Hello! Exciting travel news: I got to visit Japan!!! We stayed in the Kansai region, which is home to cities like Osaka, Kyoto and Nara. Unsurprisingly, walking around Japan felt like being in another world... one with so many vending machines! Really, I could not get over it. It must be so convenient, although I imagine a couple hundred yen here and there on your commute could add up quickly. It was a really major trip and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the sights, many of which were straight from magazines, the movies and the Japan of my mind. I basked in it all and will always treasure those moments.

Here's the first installment of food photos:

japan soba & tempura
Cold soba, one of my all-time favorites, with tempura. We had a lot of meals set in front us in trays with little dishes; it was pretty delightful. Note the pink stems on the sprouts!

japan salmon roe
Such beauties at the fish market. Another all-time favorite: salmon roe!

japan fish market
More fish market goodies. Practically anything your sushi-lovin' heart desires.

japan bakery
And the fine, beautiful desserts! Perfectly balanced flavors and so light and lovely without being too sweet. I didn't get a picture, but I also LOVED the "softcream" ice cream cones there. Seriously irresistible, I'm still dreaming about them.

Stay tuned for Part 2! More food to come.