Japantown - San Francisco

A while ago I was told by a freind about a bookstore in Japantown, called Kinokuniya. Intially I went to explore the childrens cookbook area. I found the incredable amount of work and attention to detail fascinating. I was then pulled into a variety of other subject areas I found that this attention to detail seemed to be a common thread throughout the Japanese aesthetic.

This visit has got me wondering about the approach to food and culture in Japan. Knowing little, it seems that the attention to detail is so intricate. If anyone has some input to this I would love to hear it. In the mean time I will try to research and get back to you with whatever I learn.

A few other interesting finds,

Uoki K. Sakai Co. market/grocerystore.

1656 Post Street

Kinokuniya Stationary & Gift Store

Kinokuniya Building

Alice Waters Principals

Coming to the East Bay, I didn't realize to what a degree Waters had influenced where we were to live, and how people think about food. I think that her principals, writen in her new book,
The Art of Simple Food, really hit home for me. I thought that they would be a nice addition to the site

Eat Locally and Sustainably
Eat Seasonally
Shop at Farmers Markets and know where your food comes from
Plant a garden, even if its tiny, herbs, a single tomato plant
Conserve, Compost, Recycle
Cook simply, engaging all your senses
Cook Together
Eat Together
Remember Food is Precious

So simple.

If you don't know her, check our sites to visit links pages for her biography.

Please note, I am writing about Waters not to push a particular view, just to show what influences my decisions when it comes to food, the issues that I think about. I am looking forward to see the issues and influences on what makes you decide to purchase and provide what you do, may it be tradition, values, whats available to you, or even what you have witnessed on your travels, or even questioned.

Ferry Building

My daughter and I, to get a little mother-daughter time in, sneak out early almost every Saturday morning and head over to the Ferry Building in San Francisco for the farmers market. We have developed a loose routine around or favorite places in the market, depending on the day, we'll have a cappacino at Blue Bottle Coffee, we always stop by Boulettes Larder, where we pick up at least 2 of their chocolate brownie cookies, my daughter's must have at the market. Cowgirl Creamery is another of our hot spots; known for their wonderful selection of cheeses, they have a fantastic cottage cheese my husband loves. We usualy finnish with a walk through the market for veggies, meats and eggs and often grab a quick breakfast, either at Aidells (we love the delicious German beer sausage) or a mexican breakfast at PimaVera (also very good).

We have such a wonderful selection of markets here in the East Bay, that the Ferry Building for us is mostly people watching and bay viewing, and seeing where we are in the season. The farmers markets are one of the best places to go here in California to connect to the seasons. Getting to see the different varietys of fruits and vegetables that change throughout the seasons. Recently, speaking to one of the farmers I learned that even chickens and eggs have seasons. Items I would never have thought to be seasonal.


Today, by chance, we got to partake in the Fungus Festival, a celebration of mushrooms. Various vendors were giving samples of their wears with a mushroom addition. For example, Recciuti Chocolate gave out samples of their hot chocolate made with candy cap mushrooms. I thouhgt it gave it a nice carmely taste, but my daughter, who is not a big mushroom fan, didn't.
Passing The Gardener (a beautiful and expensive home decor store), we noticed a book signing going on. Alice Waters, a favorite of mine, was there signing her new book, The Art of Simple Food. I was eyeing the book and purchased it on the spot and had it signed for my daughter.

Thanksgiving - The American Food and Family Holiday

Thursday was Thanksgiving here in the United States. I realize that this doesn't pertain to lunches but I thought that there are so many wonderful food traditions for our children and families I would add a few in.

This is basically a holiday of food, family and thanks for what we have in our lives. This year, the first I can remember, I spent Thanksgiving with my immediate family, daughter, son and husband here at home. Nice day with not too much stress and a little extra time to truly make a special meal.

Our Thanksgiving actually started Wednesday, when my daughter, son and I drove out to Point Reyes to a wonderful butcher, Marin Sun Farm and picked up our Turkey. Natural Heritage Turkey along with their chorizo and breakfast sausage to make stuffing. On the Turkey package was written that we got a White Holland bird. We were also given a print out of the birds that they had with photos. Most were these beautiful feathered creatures. Ours looked like an over grown chicken with added red comb on its beak. My daughter made jokes through the day of getting the "geek" of the turkey world. So our slight silly dissapointment added giggles to our day. That being said, with at tribute to the turkey, this was the best turkey, we've all agreed, we ever had. I thought I would tell you a little about the preparation.

That evening we cleaned our Turkey, and put it in a brine bath for the night. Took the neck and made broth for the gravy. The next morning turkey washed again and thoroughly dried. Salt and peppered. The inside we stuffed with Aromatics and fresh sage, rosemary and thyme. She was then slathered in Olive Oil and put into a 500 degree oven for half an hour. At that point she was taken out, a triangle of aluminum foil placed over the body, extra pieces placed on the wings and legs so that they didn't burn. Then placed back in the oven for another 1.5 hours at 350. (11.6lb bird) This had to be the most aromatic, moist bird. Absolutely beautiful. The dripping made a lovely gravy. Although, I did forget to tie its legs down, so it wasn't in the traditional perfect form...oh well. The meal was early and it was lovely and completely enjoyed.

Two stuffing were made since my husband and daughter have distinctively different wishes. A traditional sage, onion, mushroom and sausage stuffing for my husband. Who brings his English childhood roots to the table. My daughter prefers the a blue corn bread, chili stuffing. Along with mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberries and a salad. Since it was just the four of us we passed on the broccoli, red cabbage (my German heritage), cornbread,and pumpkin pies.

The dessert my daughter took over and made an Apple Brown Betty, via my Moms old 1964 Joy of Cooking, along with Hard Sauce, whipped cream and tea. We had this in the evening. Delicious, warm, and cozy.

The rest of the day was enjoying each other and simply put lazy.

I will add our recipes to the I.L. holiday links below.

Hope all of you who partook in the holiday had a wonderful day. Would love to hear your stories, thoughts, and special recipes.

Venezuela v.s. Oakland School food

My friend Mariedda wrote,

In Venezuela lunch is taken very seriously, when I was growing up, lunch in the school cafeteria meant soup, some type of meet, rice, vegetables, the smell of home cooking. These days, more in a city as crazy is Caracas, bringing a lunch to school means you bring a sandwich and fruit, or you buy something, but when you get to your home there will be a full lunch waiting for you.

Based on that I was always traumatized, what to serve to my kids, I was feeling totally guilty if they didn't;t have a balance food during the day. The American diet felt like a joke. Even today in the Oakland School district we don't have the privilege of having Alice Waters, and the cafeteria foods, what my daughter calls "plastic food" they don't even cook it at school, I thinks there is no kitchen....terrible.

For additional info about Venezuela,
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108140.html

Lunch For Me

I went to the Flea Market the other day and found this old Lunch Box.
Somehow I thought it was perfect for the site.
Specially glued on to the side "Lunch for Me"

To be seen at the top of the site.