Bento Boxes?

Call me odd, but there's just something about food being presented in tiny proportion in many dishes that I really enjoy, not just because of the variety (having a bit of everything), but presented delicately in little boxes/plates & bowls that somehow enhances the dining experience.

In particular, Japanese bento boxes. Yes, it may seem uncool as it feels like your lunch box in the olden school days, but they do make it a point to have a good color balance as you see below from a Chicken Teriyaki set I had a while ago. And yet somehow, I only get this feeling when having a bento set. Not from Chinese dim sum, Spanish tapas, or even the French way of food presentation. That's because in all those, the norm is that you share the dishes or take it as starters. But for bentos, all the variety in front of you is ALL FOR YOURSELF.

Yup, maybe I'm a greedy monster, maybe not, I don't know. It's the only difference I can observe thus far. What do you think?

Misato Mania

When the night has come
And the land is dark
And the moon is the only light we'll see
No, I won't be afraid
No, I won't be afraid
Just as long as you have,
MISATO ...

Well, I could go on and on singing about this place, but nothing beats value for money if you can stomach a plate of Chicken Curry Katsu so BIG, on a cold winter night... :P

We were walking around London Chinatown one weekend and the craving hit us, fitting the criteria of having something wholesome, big, crunchy, warm and fast. Z ordered Pork Katsu Curry, which is about £6, and basically larger than life.

I had Chicken Teriyaki with Rice instead, and it was crisp and crunchy, just perfect. I think it'd be better if it was less salty though. I guess I'm not that large a fan of Japanese curry as they are just not the real ones, seems to have this strange sweet after taste for me. Nevertheless, it was a simple happy giant meal in a overcrowded student-y place in Chinatown on a cold Saturday night. You'd be amazed how guys can eat after you visit this place.

Back on 5th Ave!

So, I finally passed all my exams yesterday! Woohoo, my life is back (for the moment), before I start work on Wednesday, hehe :)

It's back to the New York story, this time along 5th Ave in continuation of the (mostly window) shopping spree...

Here's the large Disney store along the street, filled with every imaginable kind of stuffed toys you want, yes, there's Mr Donald and Shrek in there too. It's about time I started growing up and out of these, :P

Any of you a 'The Apprentice' fan? Here's the exterior of Mr Trump's Tower. Had lunch inside too on the last day before I left. Definitely an air of sophistication which somehow leaves you in awe as you see the display of jewelry and other merchandises. Music at the bar was great too (it was Frank Sinatra's and other musical-y songs, suits a Sunday brunch for me!), though food wise wasn't that impressive, so let's not waste too much time on that...

More importantly, I managed to meet up with a good pal HH, who is working in Tokyo now, was there was training at the same time too! Yes, Japan! It was cool catching up with him in Little Tokyo, keeping each other updated of what has happened so far in the past 1-2 years since he left uni, and of course, life and work in the land of the samurais.

Dinner in Little Tokyo was even better! The place was near Aston Place on the green line, where Little Tokyo is situated. Humiliatingly, my Japanese reading skills has deteriorated that I can't read the name on the sign board as it's only written in Japanese. Nevertheless, that and the presence of many locals eating there is definitely a positive indication :)

And we were spot on! Can you believe this big mug of Asahi/Japanese beer just costs $3? HH was definitely a happy man munching and drinking away, haha

I had my first try of Oden, which according to Wikipedia, is a "winter dish consisting of several ingredients such as boiled eggs. daikon radish, konnyaku and processed fish cakes stewed in a light, soy-flavoured dashi broth." The yellow condiment you see by the side of the bowl is Karashi (Japanese mustard).

To me, that's the Japanese version of 'Yong Tau Foo', a common Malaysian dish consisting of various fish cakes or vegetables/tofu stuffed with fish cakes, boiled fish paste dumplings etc, in a flavorful broth. I loved the Japanese version too! It's the ultimate comfort food

And we had few other dishes too! The glutton in us resurfaced especially since everything was relatively cheap in US dollars, effectively 50% off compared to London! Stir fried yakisoba was good as well, not too oily or salty. The beer definitely made me regret stuffing myself silly, happens after the weeks of deprivation of Asian food :S

It was a friend Sasha's birthday a few days later too! Visited the Grand Central Terminal, a majestic looking subway station, which looks best at night with the beautiful chandeliers lighting the large hall, with many restaurants and shops in it too. Amongst them is the ever famous 'Oyster Bar', and (duh) as the name suggest, seemed famous for their seafood and oyster selection. We decided to go upper class, celebrating her birthday with a glass of champagne with a couple of fresh oysters.

Geez, you must be thinking, but its fun acting like a posh snob sometimes! What's life without a bit of fun and giving yourself a little treat?

Inspired by ...

Wagamama

Having been there twice since their branch opened in Cambridge, I think it's value for money especially IF you've the voucher. I'm never a fan of chained restaurants or establishments, but I think it's just that in Cambridge the restaurant scene could do with a bit more competition, and this was a welcomed addition :) A good challenge to the existing Asian noodle bar/Japanese restaurant here as well ...

Anyways, this is my version of their signature dish Ginger chicken Udon. Mine uses normal rather than pickled ginger, and 'mee suah' (fine wheat noodles with a smooth texture, used mainly in soup) instead of udon. Hence, in a way, it's really a Chinese version, rather than Japanese themed. Nevertheless, it was thumbs up! :D

All you need is ginger, chicken (I used breast meat here), spring onion and some shallots. I had some remaining shallots in oil which I lightly saute till crisp, then adding the chicken first, spring onions later to stir fry. Lastly, the boiled noodles were added, with a dash of light soy sauce and it's all done! Lightning 15 minutes from preparation till the end (washing up inclusive). I'm beginning to feel like I'm on Ready, Steady, Cook!

Hope everyone's happy revising and not in denial like me. It's exactly 2 weeks away and I've NEVER felt so clueless before my exam... doesn't look good, does it?

Salmon Teriyaki

Irashaimasu!!!!

Is what you typically hear the MOMENT you step into a Japanese restaurant establishment or a sushi joint. Used to scare me (probably still, but not as much) where all of their workers just shout that phrase out to 'welcome' you to their shops.

Craving for Japanese food (unagi bento specifically), decided to have a project on Salmon Teriyaki Bento instead due to ingredient unavailability. It's quite easy and simple to do :D

First, get some salmon fillets (fresh or frozen is okay), dipp it in egg mixture and coat with some corn flour, pan fry them till bright golden, which probably take about 4 minutes per side on high fire. For the sauce, just mix a cup of mirin (a sweet Japanese cooking wine) with a cup of soy sauce (1-1 ratio), adding sugar to taste, heat till it boils and thickens. Then you're done!

I did some random vegetable stirfry to balance it up, and here's what we got! Remember the project with funky cup shaped rice? Well, I tried it with cocktail glasses this time and it's even better, hehe


Or altenatively, a Christmas holiday version.... with cauliflower and a piece of fried extra dough from the cornflour mixture (just for fun)...Well, its up to your (twisted) imagination really ;P


Anyways, hope everyone is enjoying their holidays~~
What shall I try to cook next?