
Xiamen, China-Scallion Pancakes and Grapefruits
Xiamen, China is a port city across from Taiwan and it reminded me of Singapore with lush trees and long strolling avenues. As I walked through shops along the port, I spotted the fried scallion pancakes prepared by a nice family. I was excited to eat a pancake since I was intrigued about them from...

Chinese Food And Singing In Dalian, China
Looking for Chinese food in Dalian, China, I spotted this restaurant and said let’s try it! Soon the local lunch crowd came in and no one spoke English to help me figure out the menu. Just order, Chris decisively said. Our two noodle bowls were flavorful and as people have told me, food here is...

Kobe Beef Dining Was a Feast For the Senses
Kobe beef dining is not the tepanyaki show like we have in the US. The preparation is methodical and there is no showing off with meat cleavers and showmanship joking. After we were seated at the counter in front of the big stainless cook top, the chef began preparing the meal. Mouriya Honten restaurant serves...

Siphon Coffee Japanese Style
On a windy day in Kobe, Japan, I went into Evian Coffee Shop to find out how coffee brewed the siphon way is prepared and tasted. I sat at the counter and watched this precise vacuum coffee method which was quiet with no annoying bells and whistles going off. The coffee was hot and strong...

Hiroshima Memorial Site
Hiroshima, Japan and the somber afternoon in the Peace Memorial Park and viewing the Atomic Bomb Dome. The park is designed for reflection as a memorial to the many who lost their lives.

Elegant Dining In The Park Hyatt Tokyo
Our hotel had an Asian motif restaurant offering dinner with a sophisticated decor and soft lighting. Just peering inside drew us in. Kozue restaurant inside the The Park Hyatt Tokyo, offered a sleek ambiance for fine dining. Female servers wore full length kimonos and arranged multiple table settings in perfect order. Just to watch our...
A Side Street in Tokyo Where the Locals Shop and Eat
We’ve been watching the Japanese series “Midnight Diner” on Netflix and it’s entertaining and addicting to watch. The show is centered in an Izakaya, a small casual eatery with colorful characters. I ventured onto Fudo-dori street with small restaurants and stores which very much look like the show’s setting. I met Kawakamy who has cooked...

Our Trip To Asia Began In Style
After months of planning, we were on our way to Tokyo on Japan Airlines for a two week cruise to visit Japan, China and Hong Kong. It’s true about Asian Airlines giving the best service. The crew on this flight were very welcoming and efficient with boarding passengers quickly. Once I stepped onto the plane,...