Hasu Transitoire (The Transient Lotus)

That ever transient lotus, its shades of bloom and wither, arises out of mud in beauty and grace.                   That shape-shifting summer sky, its cerulean cream swirl, our sun dancing moon canvas ...and lotus once more, for its lasting imprint of serene grandeur brightens the heart-mind

Another year in Japan, another run at Kinasa. My favorite restaurant in the world, a tiny nook in Nara where you can find the most lovely man and the most delicious food. A sampling of it's treasures: Yamaimo (Japanese mountain yam, slightly slimy texture), chicken, myoga (type of ginger) Gratin with jagaimo (Japanese sweet potato), shrimp, and light cheese. Nama-wagashi (fresh Japanese sweets) Grape perfection

imaginary universe imagined in song the rhythm and beat to which we belong on high notes swift and sweet secret smiles and rushing heartbeats in valleys of dark and deep tones too down mountains my song becomes you our resonance above and below ONE song makes the world this world is the know

That deep sense of fulfillment that makes you smile for hours, drunk on life itself (see right), is something I strive to achieve as much as possible. Not surprisingly, on my second annual trip to visit the Otani family in Shigaraki I achieved success once more. Now, the food was of course only a small portion of the evening's goodness. It was really, really good, however. Blog worthy. The sun set through the trees, casting fiery rays, as we sat on the wooden porch and breathed in the sweet air of the mountains. Then we crowded the long wooden table as Momoko crowded it with delicious food... Edamame and cucumber from the grandparents’ organic garden next door,  himo (skate) jerky to start. Cold beer first, then sake to drink. Then the real deals. Deep hanmo (fried conger pike eel) - "Japanese fish and chips style," the grandfather says, topped with yuzu (Japanese citrus, below), kurage ume (jellyfish plum pickle relish) and yuzu kosho (citrus salt with a zip) to acc...

It is hot in Kyoto. Really, really hot. The air feels like a flannel blanket, almost suffocatingly heavy. It is impossible not to sweat profusely. It is impossible not to yearn for a swift breeze or, dare I say, the false cool of an air-conditioned environment. We walked through the streets of central Kyoto for at least a few hours...unsuccessful errand after another. Thank god for good (nay, great!) company, which made the heat bearable. And thank god for my great company's love for Comme, where we spent a good part of the afternoon. The new Fall 2010 collection, of which my friend purchased more than a few items, is very interesting...showing the inside on the outside. Thoughts?

Saturday afternoon visit to the flagship Mitsukoshi department store in Nihonbashi, Tokyo. Opened in 1673 (!) as Echigoya and now boasts tens of stores in Japan, Taiwan, China, Europe, and the States. Those glossy whites, perfectly uniformed and smiling staff, shoppers galore, and the large atrium in the center's multi-story Celestial Nymph (installed in 1960) proved to be quite a sight...and I bought fancy Italian tights!

2nd Annual Uni Pasta Night in Shibuya with Brian & Jean. Sealing the deal: Viron baguette, St. Andre French cheese, craft blood orange olive oil and golden balsamic vinegar from Florio's Olive Oil Company in Grass Valley, CA atop fresh greens and cherry tomatoes, with French Riesling to accompany.  Breakfast of champions, Japan style. I'm telling you, the eggs over here are FAR superior to American eggs, even the best organic, cage free, etc., etc. ones. Orange yolks (apparently a different breed of chicken, total lack of antibiotics, and different raising styles) so rich and velvety...and the thick-cut bacon plus French butter wasn't bad either. Lunch at Dhaba India in Kyōbashi. Southern Indian food in the heart of Tokyo. This "Holiday Specials Lunch Meals A" combination was simply delicious. Especially the warm coconut cabbage slaw...must find recipe. The masala chai was especially creamy and served piping hot in a double steel cup set. Much recommen...

There are many ways to fill a day, a week, a life. At present, I am writing a blog, eating aloe yogurt, and listening to Richard Sweat's sweat-hop on SoundCloud in the air conditioning of my friend Brian and Jean's apartment mulling over thoughts and nursing a hangover. Fortunately (minus the headache), I pursued more adventurous endeavors yesterday. Wanna hear about them? I knew you would! Up first was a Shibuya café crawl with my friend Tug (right), an expert on such things and most other matters. He might be the coolest person I know. A cafe crawl through the heart of Tokyo is a very good way to spend an afternoon, I tell ya... Chamate 一茶一坐 Tall diagonal curves, industrial style building on second floor adjacent to Loft Department Store (think really nice Target full of kawaii stuff). Pale green padded benches line the window, which overlooks an alley right off the main drag (well, one of) of Shibuya.  They serve many Chinese and herbal teas, one Japanese tea, dim sum, ...