SHOT Magazine

In Japan fresh is still best.

2010.05.31

カテゴリー: Entertaining, Food

Living in a country other than your own presents many challenges but also a lot of wonderful experiences.
Naturally there are things that you miss from home, things like, in my case, Cherry Ripe chocolates, real grainy bread and fish&chips (see previous posts). Everybody has their own list and no matter how long you reside in Japan there will always be something that you just can’t get here. Not that its a big problem because not only does Japan bring the world to its supermarkets but also the quality of local Japanese produce is second to none, especially if you buy fresh and organic.

I was reminded of this on the week end when, out of the blue, friends called to say in excited tones that it had happened once again. A caring parent in Hokkaido had sent his darling daughter some fresh, hairy-legged Hokkaido crabs. Would we like to share? Without further ado, an avocado salad was thrown together, champagne was served and the favored daughter went to work expertly breaking up the crab. If you haven’t eaten fresh Hokkaido crab you will not understand the sheer delight with which the four of us tucked into the meat laden legs which, having been sliced professionally down the side, easily gave up their contents. The meat inside the body cavity was just as easily accessable and every bit as nice. In fact I would hazzard to say it was one of the most rewarding meals I have had for ages. Don’t be put off by the obviously hairy legs: these crabs are devine. Having pushed my plate aside at least twice declaring that I coudn’t possibly eat another bit, I did my duty by polishing off the remainders after our guests had left.

Sunday dawned cold and grey, ideal for a lazy day at home which culminated in a brisk walk to a friends new pied-a-terre. We were honoured to be among the first dinner invitees at the remodelled apartment.
Once again we were served a lovely dinner made from local produce: this time a shoulder of pork. Japanese pork is really under rated and is not only good value but also delicious. This was certainly the case and the accompanying asparagus was up to the task as one of the the supporting sides. Why would you buy imported asparagus when the local varitey is so good? An excellent meal was completed with a scrummy tiramisu. All good intentions were thrown aside as I helped my hostess by devouring this beautiful Italian dessert. Another successful foodie weekend, featuring good local produce and great friends.

Enjoy your sweet life,
cheers
Cheryl