Japan Adventure

Flat Stanley sits in Margie's lap on the train from Iwakuni to Miyajima station.




















We have been welcomed into Hiroshi & Eiko's home and are sipping our drinks while she prepares to cook our dinner on the dining room table. She's fixing okonomiyaki -- one of our favorite dishes. Okonomi means "what you like", and yaki is "grilled or cooked" so once you have the basic ingredients, you can add whatever meats or seafood you prefer. The basic mix is made from shredded cabbage, eggs, special sauce, a little green onion, and tonight, Eiko has included fresh shrimp into the mix, and will add thin strips of pork once it starts to brown. Yum! The mixture is in the bowl to the right, waiting for the skillet to heat. This is Osaka-style okonomiyaki because that is where Eiko grew up & it's the most popular version in Japan. There is also a Hiroshima-style that adds noodles, and is usually cooked layered instead of mixed together. We really prefer the style that Eiko is cooking.
















While we're waiting, we're sharing this beautiful & delicious appetizer of brie, soybeans wrapped in smoked salmon, and stuffed celery.