New York City – Food Capital of America
New York City has always fascinated me. As a small kid living on a small island in the middle of the Pacific, New York city seemed bigger than life and I dreamt of the day I would visit the iconic city. My dream finally came true when I was 21 years old. I found myself being relocated for work to Philadelphia so after I getting settled, I took a weekend trip to New York. I still remember my first sight of the New York City skyline-I...
Japanese Rice with Mixed Vegetables
Japanese Rice with Mixed Vegetables The Easiest Vegetarian Dish Ever since I started working out of my home, I made it a point to cook my own meals as much as possible. There are times when things get too hectic that I succumb to the occasional take-out food, but if I can manage, I’d always rather make my own meals. This way I know exactly what goes into my body, especially important when I’m trying to stay healthy. But...
Easy French Toast
This morning I woke up to a beautiful day without a single cloud in the sky. On days like these, there is nothing better than to have a leisurely breakfast at home. I went to my kitchen to see what I had and realized I had some bread that was about to go bad in a day or two. I also had exactly two eggs and a small amount of milk in the milk carton. If at this point, you’re thinking French Toast, you’re absolutely right...
How to Make Japanese Croquettes
Croquettes are one of the most popular things to eat in Japan. You can pretty much find them almost anywhere you go-the supermarket deli, bento shops, mom and pop restaurants and meat shops. They are loved by everyone young and old and although they have their origins in France, they are considered comfort food for many Japanese. My mom’s croquettes are the best in the world! And I’m not just saying that because...
The Spectacular Weeping Sakura Tree at Rikugien
The Splendor of the Weeping Sakura Tree Every spring, people gather from all around the city to witness a once-a-year event. A giant weeping sakura tree shows off its petals for just one short week and it’s a spectacle unlike anything else in Tokyo. One singular tree stands tall in Rikugien, a historical garden located in metropolitan Tokyo. Rikugien means the Garden of the Six Principles of Poetry, which stems from the idea of...
A Taste of Italy at Home
Italy Today : The Beautiful Cookbook I can’t remember exactly when I got this cookbook but it was many birthdays ago. At first sight,I thought the book was a photo book on Italy because the beautiful photograph on the front cover looked more like a travelogue than a cookbook. As I started flipping through the pages, I was pleasantly surprised to see that is was indeed a cookbook, and what a beautiful cookbook it was! Although...
Tofu: The Healthy Protein
Tofu: The Healthy Protein The Humble Tofu Tofu is one of the most common food product here in Japan and it is served in various ways. I myself always have a block of tofu in the refrigerator and it usually gets used within days if I don’t eat it that day. I love tofu for it’s neutral flavor and versatility in cooking. Tofu has been eaten by the Japanese as a source of protein for centuries. It has its origins in China and...
Spirits of Tetsugakudo
Strange Happenings at a Local Park It had been about four years since arriving in Tokyo. I was still adjusting to my new home and trying to familiarize myself with the city. Although a friend of mine kept inviting me to go,I had been hesitant to visit Tetsugakudo for the longest time because of the rumors I’ve heard about this place. There were stories of ghost sightings and other mysterious phenomena surrounding this place that...