4-2-2011

For my birthday I wanted to walk through Yoyogi park with glasses of wine while looking at sakura. I got my wish and also found some gloriously pink blossoms. The Japanese prefer the pale pink ones that are almost white, but I like these better.

3-9-2011

This special pot is called a tajine, although the only difference from a standard nabe (hot pot) is the conical shape of the lid. In any case, the sweet potatoes and mushrooms made for a delicious meal.

12-10-2010

Today was my company's end of year party, or Bonenkai.  The food was pretty good but I forgot to take photos of most of it and others didn't turn out.  It seems I'm doomed to take pictures of desserts only.

Frozen cream puffs that were rather flavorless, but looked nice when plated.

8-26-2010

The Italian restaurant we always go for work has pretty good presentation.  The food quality is good too but I always want to take photos of the food.  Grapefruit gelatin, peach cream puff and chocolate cake with ice cream, lemon biscuit and vanilla ice cream drizzled with chocolate sauce.

7-31-2010

An adult beverage, enjoyed in Ikebukuro.  It's called El Cielo and is pineapple juice, fresh kiwi, blue curacao and coconut rum garnished with a lemon wedge.

7-17-2010

Fairly typical bar food in Japan is a lot better than the usual bar food in the West.  Whether it be because it's generally healthier, more fresh items or just different, for whatever reason it's easier to eat and be happy about.

There's also something fun about eating squid tentacles with a glass of plum wine.

7-15-2010

Bars are a significant part of working life in Japan.  And social life.  Perhaps life in general.  And a lot of the larger chains have specials.  If they have these overhead dispensers where the customers can see them the bottles all change to whatever the featured liquor is...and it gets quite commercial and boring.

6-5-2010

Went to a birthday party today.  As usual had my homemade cake in tow (white one w/ strawberry in the center) but then found out there were two small ice cream cakes. WHO HAS THREE CAKES?! Apparently *E* does.

5-14-2010

Most people focus on people when taking photos. In my opinion people are always moving and changing; I'd rather focus on the food sometimes. This was the work party I went to last night, although only one of the three tables.