Category Archives: Food

Chiang Mai, Thailand: Cooking School

Posted on August 4, 2023 by johnrachel

Masumi and I got an introduction to how to prepare Thai food during our recent visit to Chiang Mai. Truly unforgettable! Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Hyogo Prefecture, Breadbasket of Asia

Posted on July 20, 2023 by johnrachel

Little did I know that Hyogo Prefecture — the equivalent to a state or province — is among the top producers in a host of other agricultural products. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Rice Balls

Posted on July 7, 2023 by johnrachel

When Americans need to eat on the fly, they grab a hamburger. When Japanese need to eat on the fly, they grab a rice ball. Suggestion: Choose what you eat as if your life depended on it. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Eating Octopus

Posted on June 30, 2023 by johnrachel

For at least six decades of my life, I never once thought about eating an octopus, or any part of one. I put them right in there with rats, earthworms, cockroaches, garden slugs, slime mold, the beating heart of another human, in the I’d-rather-starve-to-death folder. Now I love eating octopus! Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: One Potato Two Potato

Posted on June 21, 2023 by johnrachel

You’ve heard the expression, “The world is an oyster.” It’s attributed to Shakespeare, from The Merry Wives of Windsor. I have to come clean. I never bought into that. In fact, for some reason lately I’m leaning toward: “The world is a potato.” Which puts a whole new spin on global warming, wouldn’t you say? Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Food … Fixation Obsession Celebration

Posted on March 17, 2023 by johnrachel

Why are Japanese, as obsessed as they are with food and eating, so svelte? Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Tenjinbashisuji Shotengai

Posted on November 30, 2022 by johnrachel

The longest shopping arcade in Japan is a truly unique, I have to say fun, experience. All individual shops, some very interesting, and unlike most of what’s sold in the name brand stores, very affordable. Apparently unconsciously sustaining a sweet tooth that day, I bought mountain flower honey and short bread cookies. Also some fresh vegetables. Does it get better than that? Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Sweet Potatoes

Posted on November 7, 2022 by johnrachel

How sweet it is! We just harvested the most recent item to appear on Mother Nature’s Day-Timer, or maybe she has an iCalendar these days, who knows? Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Rice Art Honoring a Great Champion

Posted on July 23, 2022 by John Rachel

While looking at reports this week of the retirement of mega-star Japanese skater, Yuzuru Hanyu, I discovered a very special tribute to this great athlete, done as only the Japanese do things. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: ヤクザ Raccoon Dog Attacks Again!

Posted on July 20, 2022 by John Rachel

“We have a problem, Houston. Our garden is under attack … AGAIN!” Continue reading →

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