Give Me Some Tongue

During my trip to Kyoto I visited a few shrines and temples. Like many other temples, one I visited had a number of different food vendors to pacify the hungry traveler. The smells were temptings and the choices were quite varied - cotton candy, octopus balls, potatoes, sausages, and yakatori. For those who may not know, yakataori is skewered grilled meat and it is delicious... I've had it many times, and it's really hard to resist. There is often a choice of chicken, pork and beef at yakatori stands. At this stand, there was an an option of BEEF TONGUE as well. As I've stated before, I'm not at all squeamish about meat...so I purchased a stick. I had the option of having my tongue sweet or a bit salty...I choose to have it with a bit of salt and it was so good that I had to buy another skewer. Give me more tongue...yummy!!

Kobe Beef...Yummy

I loooove meat...and especially beef...and that's no lie. I totally related to the Wendy's commercial when the guy described himself as a meat-atarian...I have to force myself to eat veggies most of the time. I had a day trip to Kobe for a business meeting earlier this week and nonchalantly mentioned my love of beef to my colleagues. After a successful meeting, they treated me to authentic Kobe beef...what a prize. They ordered for me, and I was shocked to discover that they ordered me a slab of meat that was it least twice the size of everyone else's at the table...how embarrassing. I quickly got over my embarrassment however, and dug in. All I can say is...you can believe the hype. The beef was delicious...so tender I only needed a butter knife. So well seasoned, no extra sauce was necessary. I also confirmed that the cows drink beer and are regularly massaged - hence the quality of the beef. All in all, highly recommended for all meat lovers. I wouldn't necessarily recommend this size of steak - it's not for the meek-hearted, but definitely give it a try!

Sushi...on a conveyor belt

I really enjoy sushi...I have since my first bite back in college. In fact, it's a very integral part of my weight loss plan here in Japan. It's real obvious to mention it's abundance here in Tokyo...especially since it's really popular back in the States. That being said, one of things that I had never seen until I got to Tokyo was sushi on a conveyor belt. How convenient! I sampled it during my first week here...in the train station and have seen it a few other places as well. I'm becoming a bit more discerning so I've stepped it up to the more expensive and delicious joints... In spite of that, I had to stop by one last time and share my experience with those who are interested...

Chesnuts Roasting on a random street in a random town outside Tokyo....

At the train station near my job, I noticed these strange little food items for sell. I wondered what they were, as I can't read anything but English...was pretty curious.

So, on a weekend trip to a small town outside of Japan, I encountered them again on the street. I stopped to inspect and asked my friend what they were.

Oddly enough...they were chesnuts. Not nearly as exotic as I assumed. I like peanuts, pecans, and cashews are okay with me...so I gave them a try. Exotic or not...I'll pass...I tried to hide my displeasure...but I guess I have a lot learn in that department...