Eat-a-da-key

We have lots going on with school and work and sports, but there is always something new to discover around here, so today I’ll share a bit about food and eating…

We often eat with chopsticks at home now, and recently purchased our own (ceramic) chopstick holders from a local market. We’ve also learned that, in a restaurant, if no chopstick holders are provided, the paper wrapping should be folded into a holder, so that the chopsticks do not rest on the table.

our favorite chopsticks and holders

During mealtimes we also say the Japanese prayer before eating (and if we forget G is the first to remind us!) In Japan people say itadaki masu (eat-a-da-key-mass) before starting in on their food, regardless of whether they are alone or with others. Our cultural liaison said that it means “Yum, I'm going to eat now”, but it's a little deeper than that... It's more like a way to show gratitude — for the food, the person(s) who made it, and everyone involved in getting the meal to your plate.

“itadakimasu” (before getting chopstick holders)

While bread is sold everywhere in Japan, the country is not especially known for its baked goods, or at least not the wheat variety. Rice flour is a more common ingredient (which is helpful for me, being gluten free!), and also most Japanese homes do not have ovens.

Fortunately we do have an American-style oven, so I have still been making sourdough for the rest of the family. It is a little finicky on humid days, but most of the time it seems to come out quite good!

I do miss other desserts though, especially dark chocolate. Most of the options here are fruit flavored and often have a gelatinous consistency like sweet red beans paste, mochi, and coffee jelly (ok, the coffee jelly is pretty good!)

At least there’s always ice cream!!

ice cream vending machine (approx $1.25)

P.S. E and I went in search of a mountain bike trail last weekend. We climbed for quite a while up a paved road and when we reached the top, we found a narrow, rooty trail climbing even further up into the woods. It was a little overgrown, but we gave it a try. It was pretty technical and a little too steep for me in some sections. We eventually turned back due to time constraints, but I’m hopeful we can make another attempt in the near future. Feels good to be back in the woods!

Getting to the trail