TFK Takes on Japan!-Part One
In this latest chapter of the adventures of “B”, (Blandine), Pearline, Emie, Chef Anne, (and her daughter Abbie), Of The French Kitchen, we find ourselves in Japan! Let’s follow along, have some fun, and learn about the rich culture, food, and everything else this amazing country has to offer.
A New Companion Along the Way
We start the journey-flying high from Denver to Vancouver before arriving. But wait, there’s a new face joining the intrepid travelers! We’ll let B tell it:
” Something is going on…after B, Big B and Mini B, looks like we’ve got a Flat B getting on some adventures! Where to? Follow our new Flat B in adventures around the world, starting with the Vancouver airport…to get to…”
Day One
The Crew
“Bonjour Colorado Springs from Japan. Meet our crew: Anne, (you know, your favorite Chef for anything Asian cooking at TFK), her daughter Abbie, two of my daughters, Pearline and Emie and myself. We will also be joined, from time to time, by Anne’s friends, Like Toshi, (pictured on the far right), who took us on a hike to Mount Akagi.” –B
Learning the Ropes In the City
“We are starting this trip in Tokyo, quickly immersed in the Japanese culture. It definitely helps that Anne lived 3 years in Japan before moving to Colorado Springs. On our first day, we took several trains to get to our hike. As we discover the city, Anne teaches us all the habits we quickly start to follow, like walking on the left, single lined, crossing on the green only, keeping your trash with you in the streets, removing shoes everywhere, and of course eating like the locals.” –B
Up, (and Down!), the Mountain
“At the base of mount Akagi, a volcano, we are not sure what to expect. The hike turns more into a climb as we go up pretty vertically, climbing rocks after rocks, making the kids super excited to get to the top! It does not take long for us to find gorgeous azaleas in different shades all along our way. At the top, our picnic is definitely not a TFK sandwich, but Onigiri and typical Japanese treats like Dorayaki. Our way down offers more beautiful sceneries and we even passed a group of tiny kindergartners who definitely impressed us and we got a glimpse at Mount Fuji. Toshi then took us to an Onsen, definitely interesting to discover… especially for the kids!”
“Catch Flat B on more adventures tomorrow!” –B
Day Two
“Bonjour Colorado Springs, from Japan! Todays focus will be on food. In a single day, we experienced a ton – from grocery shopping, to fancy food hall, to more traditional dining. Anne gave me a tour of a store where you can easily find already cut meats and fish, ready to use at home, but also typical items she wishes she could find in the USA or find at a much lower price.
People!
“When we got to the heart of Shibuya, we bathed in a sea of people, quite insane, yet organized at the same time!”
Stores!
“Our first food department store was a pleasure for the eyes. We could have easily gotten one of each dessert! The other one had it all, savory, and sweet, with different countries represented there. We got to try a few traditional dishes like squid balls or large cream puffs that were Anne’s favorite.”
Eating Dinner Like the Locals
Anne’s friend Mimi found the best spot ever for dinner, a zasheki. First, you truly had to know there was an entrance for the restaurant; a narrow entry takes you down to a tiny welcome space where you remove your shoes, before being seated at a table at tatami height. This is definitely a place where you won’t find tourists! We trusted Mimi on the menu that was only in Japanese and got served about ten delicious courses. The highlight was a very special onion from Awaji island that was perfectly sweet, and melting in your mouth. Every dish, even the dessert, were just a discovery for our palates, and being in this traditional setting made us feel less touristy.”
“Follow us on the next adventures…” –B