Cruise Resources – Amber Royer

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Contact information for businesses correct at time of writing, but things change.

Index:

The Art of Coffee and Chocolate
The Beauty of Tea
Japanese Food
Facts About Japan
Souvenirs and Memorabilia
Japanese Monster Movies
Mysteries in Japan
History of Chocolate
What I’ve Learned from Writing about Chocolate
Planning a Tea Party
Growing and Cooking with Herbs
Cooking Shows

The Art of Coffee and Chocolate in Japan – Additional Information and Resources for Finding Coffee and Chocolate Souvenirs

Don’t forget to check out The Thoughtful Chocolate Tasting Journal, so you can record your Japanese chocolate experiences!

Coffee Experience Suggestions:

Shimizu:

Good Hour Parlor / Pa-ra- Bonheru / PaaRaa Bon’nūru (パーラー ボンヌール) – “Showa retro” café around the corner from Shimizu Station (on the main street of Shimizu Bay Plaza shopping arcade). They have special prices for “morning sets” until 11 AM. Serves Tomiya Coffee, which is roasted locally in Shizuoka. (Next to Funny Bunny bakery, popular for milk bread.)

4-11 Masagocho, Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka, 424-0816, Japan
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday – Tuesday: 8:00 – 18:00
Phone: +81543659205

This is Cafe Shimizu – A café that does cool latte art an in the mall right by the cruise terminal (S-Pulse Dream Plaza). They have an Italian-ish food menu, and desserts. It is next door to Conche, tea and chocolate, which is also worth a visit. Don’t forget to go upstairs afterwards to the Sushi Museum.

Japan, 〒424-0942 Shizuoka, Shimizu Ward, Irifunecho, 13−15
Daily: 11:00 – 21:00
Phone: +81546255822

Osaka:

Glitch Coffee Osaka – Probably the most famous high-end coffee in Japan. There are 4 locations, including Ginza (Tokyo) and Nagoya. They focus on light roast to allow the flavor to come through in various origin beans. Their roastery and café is at Jinbocho (Tokyo). This location is an elegant outdoor kiosk, located underneath a staircase at Nakanoshima Festival Tower West. They ask questions about your preferred flavor profiles and offer recommendations.

Japan, 〒530-0005 Osaka, Kita Ward, Nakanoshima, 3 Chome−2−4 フェスティバルタワー・ウエスト 1階
Daily: 8:00 – 19:00
Telephone: +81642563066

Lilo Coffee Roasters at Shinsaibashi Station – Lilo offers a bespoke coffee experience, with a chart of beans and flavor notes. You choose a style of coffee drink and then the beans to be used. They focus on lighter roasts and classic drink styles.

Japan, 〒542-0086 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Nishishinsaibashi, 1 Chome−10−28 Shinsaibashi M, １階
Daily: 11:00 – 23:00
Telephone: +81662278666

Bar Ista / Ista Coffee Elements – Charming hand-drawn latte art. World Coffee Cocktail Champion Fumiaki Nozato offers a selection of coffee cocktails. The shop roasts beans in small batches. Desserts, Italian-inspired food and toasts.

Japan, 〒541-0057 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Kitakyuhojimachi, 2 Chome−6−1 アドーラブルビルディング 1F
Daily: 5:00 – 23:00
Telephone: +81662410707

Kyoto:

here Café Kyoto (Kiyomizu) – There are two Kyoto locations for Here Café. Modern minimalist café with cute latte art. Also has French-style canelé cakes and other pastries. There’s also a very Instagrammable gluten free matcha and red bean “omelet.”

2 Chome-226 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto 605-0862, Japan
Daily: 8:30 – 18:00
Telephone: +81752548260

% Arabica (Arachiyama) – This shop is considered a “must do” for coffee aficionados visiting Kyoto. They have two locations – the other (Higashiyma) may have a shorter line, but this one is more centrally located with tourist spots. Good coffee selection from beans sourced worldwide, and stunning latte art.

3-47 Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8385, Japan
Daily: 9:00 – 18:00
Telephone: +81757480057

Kurasu – This minimalist coffee shop is a great spot to try matcha espresso. Near Kyoto Station. This shop is the smaller of their two locations. (Once a month they open their roastery at Nishijin for tastings and treats.)

551 Yamanakacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0815, Japan
Daily: 10:00 – 18:00
Telephone: +81752225522

Salon de the Francois – Café that opened in 1934. It was opened by an art student, and initially fostered artistic and intellectual discussion. They do a Vienna-style coffee and a brandy coffee among others. They also do pudding, cakes, and pizza toast.

Japan, 〒600-8019 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Sendocho, 184
Daily: 11:00 – 22:00
Telephone: Could Not Find

Yokohama:

Minato Coffee – Drip coffee, pourovers and espresso at a small coffee stand near Minato Mirai Station and the Queen’s Square shopping area.

2-3-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture , 220-6002, Queen’s Tower A, 2nd floor
Weekdays: 8:00-18:00
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: 10:00-19:00
Telephone: +045-682-5501

Komeda Coffee (Landmark Plaza) – Komeda Coffee is a chain known for cozy atmosphere and good breakfast. Chosen as “most satisfying café in Japan,” by the Japanese Customer Satisfaction Index. They have a coffee with sweet red bean paste on the menu (Azuko Komachi Aoi).

Japan, 〒220-0012 Kanagawa, Yokohama, Nishi Ward, Minatomirai, 2 Chome−2−1 1階
Daily: 7:00-23:00
Telephone: +045 777 5577

TSUKIKOYA Chukagai – A roastery where the owner (Eiji Tamura) grinds the beans for each pourover. Customers say the coffee has a “fluffy” mouthfeel. They have a larger café in Kanagawa, but this location is mainly focused on sales of beans to take home. Located near the Marine Tower.

Japan, 〒231-0023 Kanagawa, Yokohama, Naka Ward, Yamashitacho, 106 朱雀門近くシルクロード通り1F
Daily: 11:00-19:30
Telephone: Could Not Find

Coffee Graduate Lumiere de Paris – They use the term “graduate school” because it is the highest school and they want to say they have the best coffee. This old-school style kissatin features siphon-brewed coffee. Cash only.

Tokyo:

Latte Pocket (Shibuya) – Known for detailed latte art. Artist Runa will create your portrait or your favorite characters in 2 or 3-D.

Japan, 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingumae, 4 Chome−28 ４ARES GARDEN 表参道 1F
Thursday: Closed
Friday – Wednesday: 12:00 – 18:00
Telephone: +81364389167

Hat Coffee (Taito-Ku) – Known for custom latte art. (Artist Kohei Matsuno has made people cry.)

3 Chome-15-6 Kotobuki, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0042, Japan
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday – Tuesday: 11:00 – 18:00

Blue Bottle Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Flagship Cafe – Trendy coffee shop offering upscale coffee drinks. They also sell cute travel mugs and coffee brewing equipment.

1 Chome-4-8 Hirano, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0023, Japan
Daily: 8:00 – 19:00
Telephone: Could Not Find

Specialty Coffee Chains:

Doutor Coffee — Coffee drinks in a setting catering to busy urbanites. Also sandwiches, hotdogs, and toasts.

Tully’s Coffee Japan — Relaxed atmosphere and an extensive coffee menu. Tully’s offers a “coffee of the day.”

Sarutahiko Coffee (flagship location is in Ebisu, Tokyo) – Cozy vibe, hand-drip (pourover) coffee.

Ueshima Coffee Shop – The same company that sells the popular canned coffee. Cloth drip coffee and a selection of milk coffees. Sandwiches and desserts.

Komeda’s Coffee – Cozy spot with good coffee and generous portions. Breakfast specials.

Starbucks (スタバ Sutaba) – There is a Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Tokyo and a location in Kyoto with tatami mat rooms in a historic building.

Coffee Gifts to Take Home:

Konbini – powdered coffee sticks and branded paper cups (UCC and other brands)

Starbucks – Origami Drip Coffee (folds out on top of the cup), Been There mugs

High End Shops — single serve drip bags (similar to tea bags), unground coffee beans, brewing equipment

Chocolate Experience Suggestions:

Use Tabelog (app) to find other local bakeries and chocolate shops. You can also find food halls in the basement of larger train stations where you can stumble on cakes, macarons and other upscale packaged treats.

Shimizu:

Conche Chocolate – Craft chocolate shop in S-Pulse Dream Plaza. They offer tea and chocolate pairing with desserts made with their chocolate.

Japan, 〒424-0942 Shizuoka, Shimizu Ward, Irifunecho, 13−15 エスパルスドリームプラザSEA side1階
Hours: TBA
Telephone: +81543409465

Osaka:

Minamoalley (Dotonburi) – Truffles with a backstory. The shop touts that, “Bonbon means ‘young gentleman from a good family’ in Kansai dialect.” So they have given their bonbons (on sticks) wrappings with distinct character faces, each of which has a backstory. (There are about a dozen characters.) They aim to deliver, “new excitement and surprises” at affordable prices.

1 Chome-9-1 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
Daily: 11:00 – 20:00
Telephone: +81662132141

Kyoto:

Kyoto Nama Chocolate and Tea House – Tea house that serves raw chocolate, in the form of soft squares. It is in a Meji-era building, surrounded by gardens. Reservations are required.

76-15 Okazaki Tennocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8335, Japan
Daily: 12:00 – 20:00
Telephone: +81757512678

Yokohama:

Vanilla Beans — If you hit it on the right day, try the factory tour – If not, get a tasting flight to sample their extensive product line.

Japan, 〒231-0002 Kanagawa, Yokohama, Naka Ward, Kaigandori, 5 Chome−25-2 １階
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday – Tuesday: 11:00 – 19:00
Telephone: +81453194861

Kit-Kat Chocolatory (World Porters mall) – Flavored Kit-Kats are available there by the piece, so you can try different ones.

Japan, 〒231-0001 Kanagawa, Yokohama, Naka Ward, Shinko, 2 Chome−2−1 ワールドポーターズ 1F
Daily: 10:30 – 21:00
Telephone: +81452116855

Tokyo:

Green Bean to Bar Chocolate (Nihonbashi) – Craft chocolate available as bars, or made into confections and desserts (their mont blanc sits on a single origin chocolate mousse). Sometimes hosts events and classes.

Japan, 〒103-0022 Tokyo, Chuo City, Nihonbashimuromachi, 3 Chome−2−1 コレド室町テラス 1F
Daily: 11:00 – 20:00
Telephone: +81355421785

Chocolate Gifts to Take Home:

Kit-Kats – Available in dozens for flavors everywhere from konbini to Kit-Kat Chocolatory stores. Cheap options at Don Quixote and duty-free shops at the airport.

Meiji – Available everywhere from vending machines and konbini to souvenir shops. One of Japan’s oldest chocolate brands, their products account for over 25% of Japan’s chocolate sales. Look for their “The Cacao,” line of chocolate bars to explore different origins.

Mary Chocolate – Available duty free at Haneda airport, or from branded stores. A classic brand that was started in Shibuya in the 1950s. Look for gift boxes of truffles.

Royce’s Chocolate – Available at Haneda airport, or from branded stores and souvenir shops. Hokkaido is known for dairy, so it’s no surprise that Royce’s creamy Nama chocolate is their most popular product.

Cacao Cat – Another favorite from Hokkaido, available at branded stores. They have adorable tins with cats on them and the truffles feature signature “claw marks.”

Glico – The brand behind the famous Glico Man sign in Dotonburi. Available in souvenir shops and branded “Glico-ya” stores. (They’re the folks behind Poky sticks, too, which are available everywhere.) The Glico sweets are actually caramel with glycogen added. For chocolate other than Poky, try their giant cone ice cream.

Resources:

Japanese Coffee Scene: https://omakase-forest.com/blogs/omakase-insights/the-complete-guide-to-coffee-culture-in-japan-and-japanese-culture#:~:text=In%20Conclusion-,Historical%20Introduction%20of%20Coffee%20in%20Japan,significant%20position%20in%20Japanese%20culture.

Japanese Chocolate Culture: https://www.bokksu.com/blogs/news/sweet-sensations-exploring-the-world-of-chocolate-in-japan#:~:text=The%20tale%20of%20how%20chocolate,apart%20on%20the%20global%20stage.

The Beauty of Tea – Additional Information and Resources for Finding Tea and Tea Related Souvenirs

Tea Experience Suggestions:

Shimizu:

Shizuchika Tea Shop Issa – Curates teas from around 50 shops throughout Shizuoka City. There is also a cocktail made with local tea/local sake. Teas consumed in the shop are brewed in teapots, but to-go cups are also available.

49-1 Kurogane-cho, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka City, 420-0851, Japan JR Shizuoka Station North Exit Underground Plaza
Hours: Thurs – Tues 10:00 – 19:00
Telephone: +81 54-253-0030

Nanaya – Shop known for its Shizuoka matcha gelato, which won the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award. The parent company, Marushichi Seicha, has been in business for over 100 years. The also have tea for sale, and other desserts including a matcha tiramisu. Sometimes hosts events.

420-0031 Shizuoka-city, Aoi-ku, Gofukucho 2-5-12
Hours: Thurs – Tues 11:00-19:00
Telephone: 054-251-7783

Osaka:

Kawaii Osaka Kimono Rental & Sales – Located in Dotonburi, this kimono rental service has a package that includes a tea ceremony. Allow at least an hour for dressing in the kimono. The tatami mat room setting requires sitting on the floor.

1-9 Souemoncho, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0084, Japan
Daily: 10:00 – 22:00
Telephone: +81667328070

Kitahama Retro – A kitschy tea room, with British inspiration. Features scones and clotted cream, and tiered trays of goodies. You may find seasonal desserts, such as pavlova. Light savory sandwiches. The menu features three pages of teas.

Japan, 〒541-0041 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Kitahama, 1 Chome−1−26 北浜レトロビルヂング
Daily: 11:00 – 19:00
Telephone: +81662235858

Kyoto:

Maikoya – A cultural center that offers a number of experiences, including a tea ceremony where you get to wear a kimono, or a tea ceremony led by a geisha (held once a day – book in advance). There is also an experience that includes wagashi (traditional sweets) making. They have two historic tea house in Kyoto. If you cannot sit on the floor, chairs are available. They also host a tea ceremony museum.

329 Ebiyachō, Gokomachi-dori Sanjo sagaru, 329 Ebiyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8076, Japan
Daily: 9:00 – 18:00
Telephone: +81756065303

Kagizen Yoshifusa Shijo Main Branch (Gion) – A traditional sweets shop with a tea room in the back. Pair beautiful sweets with your tea.

264 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073, Japan
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday – Tuesday:9:30 – 18:00
Telephone: +81755611818

Yokohama:

Matcha Tasting for all Five Senses at Westin Hotel Yokohama – Event that can be booked through TripAdvisor or Expedia. Hosted by Ikigai Matcha. They also talk about finding your ikigai (joyful purpose).

4 Chome-2-8 Minatomirai, Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-0012, Japan
Hours: 24 Hour
Telephone: +81455770888

Marine Rouge – Take an afternoon tea cruise around Yokohama Port. You get a dessert and a beverage, plus a 1-hour cruise.

1 Chome-1 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0001, Japan
Daily: 12:00 – 21:30
Telephone: +815017907606

Goku Tea House – Yokohama has the largest Chinatown in Japan. Goku allows you to experience the Chinese tea ceremony in Japan. They also sell iced tack-out tea.

130 Yamashitacho, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0023, Japan
Daily: 10:30 – 18:00
Telephone: +81456817776

Tokyo:

Sakurai Japanese Tea Experience – Located in Minato, this modern tea house takes inspiration from the past and combines it with modern technique. The store roasts its own hojicha and offers tea blended with other Japanese ingredients. There curated tea courses includes a tea cocktails option.

スパイラルビル 5F, 5 Chome-6-23 Minamiaoyama, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0062, Japan
Daily: 11:00 – 23:00
Telephone: +815031451539

1899 (Ochomizu) – This shop puts tea in everything – from matcha wagashi to tea-leaf sausages. They layered tea parfaits are stunning. Reservations highly recommended, and if you do walk up, make sure to sign the wait list (if needed).

3 Chome-4 Kanda Surugadai, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
Daily: 11:00 – 22:00
Telephone: +81332511150

Tea Gifts to Take Home:

Shimizu:

Nakazawaen Tea Shop – Wide selection of matcha and green tea — including local Shimizu tea, Kakegawa deep steamed tea, and Shimizu tea. Located on the shopping street in front of Shimizu station.

Kyoto:

Ippodo (Main Store) – There are over 100 Ippodo stores throughout Japan. The brand focuses on creating high-quality tea sold in small quantities. They also sell teapots and utensils for tea ceremonies. There is a tea room onsite.

Nishiki Market – The outer area has rows upon rows of shops, some of which sell kitchenware and pottery, including teapots and cups.

Tokyo:

Kappabashi kitchen town (Asakusa) — A specialty street lined with approximately 170 stores selling tableware and kitchen utensils. Some shops sell tea utensils such as kyusu, Western teapots, teacups, and mugs.

General:

Home Goods Stores (Such as Loft or Tokyu Hands) can be good places to look for teapots.

Brands of Japanese Tea:

Ippodo Tea

Lupicia

Matcha:

Nakamura Tokichi

Uji

Bottled Tea:

Ito En

Resources:

Shimizu Tea Shops: https://ochatimes.com/en/3877/

Tokyo Tea Houses: https://whenin.tokyo/Tokyo-s-Best-Tea-Houses-Tea-Bars-and-Tea-Ceremonies

Tokyo Contemporary Tea Rooms: https://www.peninsula.com/en/tokyo/our-city/pencities/contemporary-tea-rooms

Information on Tea Ceremonies (scroll down): https://mai-ko.com/culture/tea-ceremony/

Detailed Explanation of a Japanese Tea House: https://japanobjects.com/features/japanese-tea-house

History of Tea (Including bios of influential figures): https://fareastteacompany.com/blogs/fareastteaclub/tagged/history

Types of Japanese Teapots: https://www.tezumi.com/blogs/tezumi-insights/types-of-japanese-teapots?srsltid=AfmBOooerPLUExZjSPTF1Ss9Lgd2hPKSpjwzV_cB3KTvVLKWKu00W0Rk

Japanese Pottery Styles: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2329.html

Understanding Japanese Food – Additional Information and Resources for Finding Food Souvenirs, Plus Bonus Recipes to Make When You Get Home

Regional Specialties:

Shimizu:

Eat:

Crown melons
Una-Ju (Eel Box)
Abekawa Mochi
Sakura Shrimp Kakiage

Take Home:

Eel pie
Green tea

Osaka:

Eat:

Okonomiyaki
Takoyaki
Kushikatsu

Take Home:

Okonomiyaki Crackers
Glico Caramels

Kyoto:

Eat:

Kyoto Soba (buckwheat noodles)
– Cha soba with tea from nearby Uji
Saba-Zushi (Pickled Mackerel Sushi)

Take Home:

Nama Yatsuhashi (mochi/red bean paste)
Kyoto style pickles

Yokohama:

Eat:

Spaghetti Napolitan
Gyu-nabe (Beef Hot Pot)
Doria (cheese cassarole)

Take Home:

Make Your Own Cup Noodle (Cup Noodle Museum)
Okurayama Ume-shu (Yokohama-grown Plum Wine)

Tokyo:

Eat:

Edomae-zushi (Tokyo-style nigiri sushi)
Tempura
Gyudon

Take Home:

Tokyo Banana
Unique Flavor Kit-Kats

Places to Look for Food Souvenirs

The Airport (will have shops highlighting different regions)

Larger Train Stations (will have shops for local specialties)

Shopping Malls Near Ports (will highlight local specialties)

Chain Restaurants:

Mr. Doughnut – Doughnut chain that originated in the US

KFC – KFC Japan is on a whole other level.

Ootoya – Recreating Japanese-Style Home Cooked Meals

Gasuto – Open 24 Hours (cheese in Hamburger)

Tendon Tenya – Tempura Donburi

Ippudo – Ramen (founded by Shigemi Kawahara, the Ramen King)

Yoshinoya – Gyudon Beef Bowl, 100 years old

Coco Ichibanya – Curry, from mild to spicy

Sushiro – Conveyor belt sushi

Beef Restaurants:

Wagyu – “Japanese Cow”

This designation only refers to 4 breeds raised in Japan and prone to web-like fat marbling

These cows raised in Japan even have an identification number.

Grading:

A5 – Best quality for marbling

B5 – similar marbling, less meat on the cow

If you don’t like fatty meat, A5 may be a bit much.

Dishes:

Steak – rare – medium rare, may be served with wasabi or soy.

Sukiyaki – thin slices of beef simmered in a sweet soy broth with veggies and dipped in Raw egg.

Yakiniku – beef grilled on a tabletop grill. You can try different cuts.

Cuts:

Gyutan- beef tongue.

Misuji- shoulder blade

Ichibo- rump cap tip

Harami – inside skirt

Zabuton – shoulder loin

Karubi – short rib

Regions that are “Brands” – Quality and Reputation

Kobe beef

Matsusaka beef – most popular- Mya Prefecture

Omi Beef – oldest brand – shiga prefecture

If it doesn’t have grading or branding listed, it should be less expensive.

A Couple of Recipes (for When You Get Home)

Japanese Cucumber Salad

3 Japanese cucumbers (or other pickling cucumbers), thinly sliced

1/3 tsp. salt

For Dressing:

3 Tbsp. rice vinegar

1 Tbsp. sugar

¼ tsp. salt

½ tsp. soy sauce

1 tsp. sesame seeds

Place the cucumbers in a medium sized bowl. Sprinkle them with salt and stir until evenly covered. Set aside for 10 minutes, then thoroughly rinse the cucumbers. Drain them well, then wrap in paper towels to dry them well.

In a small bowl, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and soy sauce. Whisk until the sugar has dissolved. Pour the dressing evenly over the cucumbers and stir to coat.

Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top. Serve room temperature or chilled.

Kabocha Salad – edit

2 pounds (900 grams) kabocha, peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thick

1/2 cup cream cheese

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup raisins (packed)

Put the sliced Kabocha in a microwave-safe bowl, and then add about a tablespoon of water. Cover and microwave at 600 watts for 6 minutes (or until the Kabocha is soft).

Roughly mash the cooked Kabocha using a fork, and then stir in the cream cheese and salt.

Add the raisins and mix together to combine. You can save some of the raisins for sprinkling on top when you serve it.

Kare Pan (Japanese Curry Bread)

150 g all-purpose flour

50 g cake flour

½ tsp salt

1 Tbsp sugar

1 tsp active dry yeast

½ c. whole milk

1 Tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 ½ c. leftover Japanese curry (refrigerate overnight then bring to room temperature) – make using a box of packaged Japanese Curry Roux, according to package directions.

1 egg

1 c. panko breadcrumbs

Oil for deep frying

Microwave the milk until warm to the touch, about 95ºF/35ºC. Then add in the instant dry yeast to the warm milk. Set aside. Oil a large bowl. Set aside.

Place the all-purpose flour, cake flour, salt, and sugar in the bowl of a mixer. Use the whisk attachment on low to combine the ingredients. Change to the beater attachment, and slowly add the milk mixture. Mix on medium for 2-3 minutes, or until it makes a rough dough.

Add the unsalted butter and continue mixing for an additional 8 minutes. At first, the dough will be sticky, wet, and oily but continue mixing until it starts pulling away from the bowl of the mixture.

Turn out the dough from the bowl to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough by hand until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Form a ball and place the dough into the greased bowl, seam side down. Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot or in a proofing drawer for an hour, or until doubled in size.

Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently punch/press it down. Fold the dough into thirds widthwise and lengthwise. Turn upside down so the seam is facing down.

Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Place the 8 dough balls on the baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap, and let rest for 15 minutes at room temperature.

Place the dough seam side up and flatten out each piece with your hand. Fold in thirds widthwise and lengthwise, and then turn it upside down so the seam side is on the bottom. Flatten again, and flip so the seam side is up. Roll out into a 4 inch circle using a rolling pin.

Place the dough seam side up and put 1.5 Tbsp of curry paste in the center of the circle. Gather the opposing edges of the circle and pinch the sides together. Fold over the pinched area and press to seal. Be sure to seal well so it doesn’t open up during the frying process.

Keeping the seam side on the bottom, put the bread back onto the baking sheet and cover with a damp towel while working on the rest of the dough.

Once all the dough has curry filling, crack the egg into a bowl and whisk well. Place the panko in a shallow bowl/tray. Using a pastry brush, coat the formed dough with egg and roll in the panko.

Deep fry at 320°F until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.

Drain on paper towel.

Fun Facts About Japan – Fun Facts About Our Port Cities

Shimizu:

Suruga Bay is over a mile and a half deep. People can take a 70 minute Ferry ride across the bay from Shimizu Port to the Port of Toi. There are great views of Mt. Fuji from the water on clear days. (Though Fuji often clouds over. The best chance of seeing it clearly are in early morning.)

Shizuoka is the largest tea producing region in the country. It is estimated that 40% of Japan’s green tea is grown in this area.

Shimizu is the home of sakura shrimp. The only other place you can find these small crustations outside of Suruga Bay is (to a lesser extent) in Taiwan. There will be a sakura ebi festival at S-Pulse Dream Plaza. https://www.dream-plaza.co.jp/events/3449/

Shimizu is also the home of Shimizu S-Pulse, a professional soccer team. The will compete in the top league as of 2025 after being promoted from the second tier of professional teams in 2024. Their mascot is a seal.

One of Shimizu’s main exports is canned food – particularly canned fish. (Not surprising, since Shimizu is famous for tuna catches.)

Osaka:

2025 is the second year for Osaka to host a World Expo. They hosted in 1970, the first time any Asian country had hosted a World Expo. There is an estimate of 28 million visitors between April and October.

Kuidaore Taro, a drumming clown, is the Dotonbori Area Mascot. He started out as the mascot for a local restaurant. The fans of the Hanshin Tigers that threw the Colonel Sanders statue in the canal actually tried to toss in the Kuidaore Taro statue first, but the restaurant owner defended him until they moved on.

Osaka’s nickname is, “The nation’s kitchen,” and it is considered a foodie paradise. Shopping arcades feature excellent street food such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki and kushikatsu.

The world’s first conveyor belt sushi restaurant was established in Osaka.

Osaka is also known as “The City of Bridges,” as it is centered around numerous rivers and canals These have shaped the city’s development.

Kyoto:

Nintendo was founded in Kyoto in 1889. Originally, they produced hanafuda (flower battle) cards and other playing cards. They produced toys in the 1960s, before moving on to video games.

Kyoto is nicknamed, “The City of Temples.” There are more than 1,600 temples and over 400 shrines. This website has a map and a “Top Ten” recommendations for visitors. https://jetsettingfools.com/kyoto-temples-and-shrines/

Kyoto prefecture eats the most bread out of anywhere in Japan. This is because of a strong bakery culture and the area’s history with European influences. There is even a Kyoto Bread Festival in Kamigamo Shrine, held yearly since 2015. Local bakeries and hotels come together to sell bread with local ingredients

Kyoto was originally named Heiankyo (Capital of Peace), but was re-named Kyoto (the Capital) when it became the capital of Japan. The name wasn’t changed after Tokyo (meaning Eastern Capital) became the actual capital.

Bamboo shoots (takenoko) are an important part of seasonal cuisine in Kyoto. This makes sense, given the number of spectacular bamboo groves (such as the one at Arashiyama). The Kyoto Botanical Gardens has a Bamboo Section, with specimen plants of bamboo varieties around the world.

Yokohama:

“Yokohama” means “horizontal beach.” This is a reference to a sandbar off the coast, which was the original Yokohama fishing village.

In 1859, Yokohama became one of the first Japanese ports to open to foreign trade. It is sometimes referred to as, “Japan’s Front Door.”

Yokohama’s Chinatown is the largest in Japan. There you can find over 250 Chinese-owned shops and restaurants.

The first brewery in Japan was in Yokohama.

Yokohama’s professional baseball team is the Yokohama DeNA BayStars. They got their start in the 1930s as the Taiyo Fishing Company (an amateur team). Their home field is Yokohama Stadium. Starman (a hamster with star markings) became the mascot in 2012.

Tokyo:

Tokyo is home to the world’s oldest company. Japanese construction Kongō Gumi was established in 578 AD and has been operating continuously ever since. Kongō Gumi contributed greatly to temple construction during the Edo period, shaping the look of Tokyo today.

Tokyo has the second most Michelin-Starred restaurants in the world. (As of 2024, it had 539.) You can see the list – and make reservations – here: https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/tokyo-region/tokyo/restaurants?sort=distance.

Tokyo Disneyland opened in 1983. It was the first Disney park to be built outside the United States. Tokyo DisneySea opened in 2021 with a more “adventurous” theme, centering around the “Mysterious Island” area.

Shinjuku Station is one of the busiest train stations in the world. It even won the Guinness Book of World Records for Busiest Train Station.

There are more neon signs in Tokyo than in any other area in the world.

Collecting Stamps, Photos, Souvenirs and Memories – Additional Information and Resources for Finding Memorable Souvenirs

My Haiku Eki Stamp Book is available for next time!

Grab the digital version of my The Thoughtful Travel Journal, and use sea days to record your adventures in Japan!

Eki Stamp Info:

Database of Stamps – (Have your browser translate the page into English) https://stamp.funakiya.com/jr-niseko.html#google_vignette

Photo Ops:

Rent a Kimono in Kyoto

Pics with the Hachiko Statue

Tokyo Tower, Yokohama Marine Tower, etc. – Cityscapes

Ferris Wheels – Cityscapes, pics of our ship from above

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (other Kyoto-area bamboo groves)

Shopping streets and outdoor markets

Shimizu:

Mount Fuji – Take pics as early in the morning as you can, as it can cloud over quite suddenly.

S-Dream Plaza Sushi Museum – Offers spots to dress up or pretend to be part of the setting.

Kashi-No-Ichi Fish Market – take pics with food samples – and shots of “the best tuna in the world.”

Osaka/Kyoto:

Take a pic with the Glico Man in Dotonbori.

Rent a Kimono or Yukata in Kyoto – If the weather allows – these garments can be hot to wear.

Look for out of the way parks and buildings. They may not be as iconic, but they will certainly be less crowded, and the photos more unique.

Photo Tips:

Use a suitcase or a shoe as a tripod (just keep your phone safe!) Choose portrait mode and set a timer.

Railings, solid doors or anything with a solid ledge is also a good tripod. You can tie a face mask to something to make a higher angle tripod. Even a groove in the sand can give you a dramatic angle.

Turn your phone upside down to create a low-angle shot.

Use a second phone to take a pic of the selfie pic on the first phone to add a “behind the scenes feel.”

Use wide angle to show more of the scene behind you.

Use panorama mode and take turns standing in front of the camera.

Turn on your grid to line things up along the golden angle. Divide a vertical pic into thirds, with you in the middle and That dramatic skyline behind you in the top.

Take selfies and portraits from an angle above the subject to make the person look smaller.

Don’t pose a group in a straight line. Vary heights and pose angles.

Get motion into the image. Have your child pulling you along. Lean in towards your significant other. Have you and your besties all jump at the same time. (Just make sure you are being respectful of others, especially near trains, shrines or temples.

For solo photos, jump over the phone with the iconic background around you, or catch yourself mid-step.

Swing your shopping bags.

For more drama, turn down the contrast.

Japan Experiences to Try:

Escape Rooms

Arcades (Including Retro Arcades)

Museums

Castles

Rakugo (comic storytelling shows)

Puppet Shows

Kabuki

Classes (from making plastic sample food to throwing pottery)

Cooking Classes

Onsen (hot springs bathing)

Book Through:

Klook

Osaka Amazing Pass (includes multiple attractions)

Get Your Guide

Viator

Lightweight Souvenirs to Look For:

Chopsticks Rests

Chopsticks

Folding Fans

Kanzashi (hair ornaments)

Gashapon

Furoshiki (wrapping cloths)

Handkerchiefs

Erasable Pens

Washi Tape

Woodblock Prints

Souvenirs at Haneda Airport

Haneda Guide: https://japantravel.navitime.com/en/area/jp/guide/NTJnews0029-en/

Stationary Souvenirs:

High-end Japanese fountain pens make excellent gifts. Brands include:

Pilot – excellent ink flow.

Hira Maki-e – their black lacquerware series.

Sailor – elegant, sophisticated design.

Platinum – precision writing.

I am especially fond of erasable pens.

General Shopping Resources:

Understanding Traditional Women’s Japanese Clothing: https://korokai.com/blogs/japanese-fashion/traditional-japanese-clothing-for-women

Understanding Traditional Men’s Japanese Clothing: https://korokai.com/blogs/japanese-fashion/traditional-japanese-clothing-for-men

Tax-Free shopping: Consumption tax in Japan, known in other countries as VAT, GST or sales tax, is a flat 10 percent on all items except food, drinks and newspaper subscriptions for which it is 8 percent (not including alcoholic drinks and dining out). Shops are required to show price tags that include the tax; however, pre-tax prices may also be listed alongside the total amounts, resulting in some price tags that list two prices.

Tax-free shopping is available to foreign tourists at licensed stores when making purchases of over 5000 yen at a given store or mall on one calendar day. A passport is required when shopping tax-free. Note that at many shops, it is necessary to first pay the full price (including the consumption tax) at the cashier and then obtain a refund at a customer service desk.

Because some visitors have been abusing the system by illegally reselling purchased goods within Japan, the government will change the system into one in which customers will pay the full, tax-inclusive price at the shop and get a refund only after it could be confirmed that the purchased items were taken out of the country at the airport upon departure. The changes are scheduled to be put into effect on November 1, 2026.

Be aware that goods purchased in Japan may be subject to import duties in your home country. Also be aware of the differences in operating voltages, language settings and other standards that may exist in products bought in Japan.

Department and Lifestyle Stores:

Isetan Takashimaya Daimaru (many other Isetan locations – the flagship store is in Shinjuku) – high end goods, alcohol

Loft – Stationary and lifestyle store. Look for almost anything cute here, including skincare and makeup. They have 117 locations.

Tokyu Hands – lifestyle store chain that invites you to, “Create your own life in your own way with what is available within reach.”

Inexpensive Options:

100-Yen Shops: Daiso, Can☆Do, and Seria

Thrift Stores: Book-Off, Hard-Off, Wattman

Uniquelo – Inexpensive, trendy clothing

Don Quixote – Inexpensive souvenirs, stationary, food, etc.

Helpful Apps:

Go Taxi

NERV

Safety Tips

NHK World

Google Translate – Download Japanese Language Pack

Google Lense – Translate menus, packaging, etc.

Currency Converters: I-Phone – My Currency Converter, Android – XE Currency Converter App

Dealing with Luggage:

Look for public lockers at train stations. You can store your bags safely while you shop or explore.

EBCO Cloak App – Luggage Storage from 1 to 30 days.

Godzilla, Gamera and the History of Japanese Monster Movies

Where to find Godzilla in Japan:

Awaji Island Anime Park, Hyogo – zip-line through a giant Godzilla head, there’s a special Godzilla themed event going on right now!

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, Tokyo — 80-ton Heisei Godzilla head (and claw) is based on the 1992 Godzilla vs. Mothra.

National Museum of Japanese History, Chiba — Has a large statue of the original Godzilla.

Toho Studios, Tokyo — There’s a bronze Godzilla statue at the gate entrance to its headquarters in Tokyo and a giant mural on a wall that can be photographed from the street.

Kurihama Godzilla Slide, Kanagawa – 45-meter-long, 8.75-meter-tall Godzilla slide at Kurihama Flower Park. 12 and younger only.

Hibiya Godzilla Square, Tokyo – Three-meter-tall Shin Godzilla statue.

Kaiju Sakabar, Tokyo — an izakaya (Japanese pub) dedicated to the kaiju genre

Setagaya Literary Museum Cafe, Tokyo — Near Toho Studios, was built to highlight the surrounding neighborhood

Godzilla Store Tokyo — Located on the first floor of the Shinjuku Marui Annex

Welcome to the Chocoverse!

This section contains Amazon Affiliate Links. If you buy one of these books, I receive a small commission.

There are a number of aspects in this series that are an homage to monster movies, both Japanese and American. In my comic space opera series, which starts with Free Chocolate, Bo, my protagonist, stows away on a spaceship crewed by shark-man monsters, only to find herself considering who really is more monstrous. There is also a venomous galactic cop, supersized river otters, and telepathic space dragons.

Mysteries in Japan – From Edogawa Ranpo to Keigo Higashino

5 Japanese Mysteries to Read in Translation:

This section contains Amazon Affiliate Links. If you buy one of these books, I receive a small commission.

The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo HIgishino

The Decagon House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji

The Honjin Murders by Seishi Yokomizo

Inspector Imanishi Investigates by Matsumoto Seichou

The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai

My Japan Mystery:

Vanishing into the 100% Dark is part travelogue, part “kitchen sink novel,” bringing together so many things I love. The characters from my Bean to Bar Mysteries series (normally set near my Texas hometown, on Galveston Island) travel to Japan when Felicity gets invited to a chocolate festival. The fest in the book is very loosely based on the Salon du Chocolat held in Shinkuku every February. Felicity gets the invite from another YouTuber mentioned in previous books, a former Hollywood actor reinventing himself after botched plastic surgery ruined his career with a channel called GoGo Tokyo.

The actual case Felicity solves in the book involves the death of a stunt man on the set of a budget movie called Kaiju’s Day Out, which she visits chasing after Chloe, who is trying to get a bit part in the film. There’s an adorable cat, Honda, named after the special effects guy from the original Godzilla.

The History and Folklore of Chocolate

This section contains Amazon Affiliate Links. If you buy one of these books, I receive a small commission.

Check out my cookbook There are Herbs in My Chocolate for recipes showing ways chocolate has traditionally been incorporated into dishes – and some innovative ideas.

What I’ve Learned from Writing About Chocolate

Check out my cookbook There are Herbs in My Chocolate for recipes showing ways chocolate has traditionally been incorporated into dishes – and some innovative ideas.

Grand Openings Can Be Murder is the first in the Bean to Bar Mysteries series. This takes everything I learned about chocolate makers funneled into my protagonist Felicity as she learns the industry and begins sleuthing.

Free Chocolate is my first published work soon after getting to learn about just how chocolate is grown and produced. This was early on in the Dallas Chocolate Festival history where I got to speak with chocolate professionals.

Of course all this writing led to teaching others about writing and coming up with different ways to get the point across. So I put these worksheets together to form Story Like a Journalist a workbook for writers. If you’re stuck on something in your story, there’s likely a section to help.

Dark Chocolate Barbecue Sauce

20 c. chopped cored peeled tomatoes 2 c. finely chopped onions

9 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1-2 tbsp. hot pepper flakes (to desired spiciness)

1-5 tbsp. chili powder (to desired spiciness) 1 tbsp. celery seeds

1 ½ c. lightly packed brown sugar 1 c. apple cider vinegar

1/3 c. lemon juice 2 tbsp. salt

1 tbsp. fresh ground black pepper 1 tbsp. dry mustard

1 tsp. ground ginger 2 tsp. ground cumin

2 tsp. paprika 1 tsp. ground cinnamon

2 ½ c. cocoa powder 3 (16 oz.) pint glass preserving jars with lids and bands

In a large pot over high heat, mix together tomatoes, onions, garlic, hot pepper flakes, chili powder and celery seeds. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, then reduce heat to medium low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring frequently. Place a sieve or food mill over a large bowl, and process mixture a cup at a time, pressing the mixture through the sieve/mill and discarding the solids left behind. Pour the liquid and pulp back into the pot. Add the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, mustard, ginger, cumin, paprika, cinnamon and cocoa powder. Over medium high heat, bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer, stirring frequently for 30 minutes, or until sauce has thickened to desired consistency. Meanwhile, starilize jars, bands and lids in a hot water bath and leave them in the bath until the sauce is ready. Immediately ladle the sauce into the prepared jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Process jars in the boiling water bath for 20 minutes.

* Never use aluminum when working with vinegar – choose stainless steel and glass containers, wooden spoons

** If you don’t intend to process for shelf stability, use 16 oz. dark chocolate in place of the cocoa powder

Minty Chocolate Cookies

½ c. butter ½ c. sugar

½ c. brown sugar 1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract ¼ c. milk

½ c. flour 1/3 c. cocoa powder
½ tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. salt

1 ½ c. crème de menth candy thins, chopped

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla and milk, and mix well.

In a medium bowl, mix together flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Add flour mixture to wet ingredients, beating until thouroughly blended. Stir in the chopped mints. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfulls onto greased baking sheets, and bake 10-12 minutes.

B&B Style Hot Chocolate

1 c. heavy cream 8 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped

½ vanilla bean milk for serving

whipped cream Nutmeg or cinnamon, for garnish

In a medium saucepan, bring the cream to a rolling boil. Immediately remove from heat and whisk in chocolate. Scrape the paste from the inside of the vanilla bean and add to the mixture. Whisk to combine. Push the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a jar. Cover and refrigerate the chocolate concentrate for up to 2 weeks.

For each cup of hot chocolate, stir together ½ c. chocolate concentrate and ½ c. milk. Heat over low heat or until warm but not boiling. Top each serving with a spoonful of real whipped cream. Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon.

Planning a Picture-Perfect Tea Party

Brewing a Perfect Cup of Tea:

Focus on:

Quality of Leaves

Time

Temperature

Tea Party Planner

Sample invitation wordings:

Formal Invitation

(all numbers should be spelled out)

Miss Jane Smith
invites you to join her
for afternoon tea
on Saturday, the sixth of June
two thousand and ten
at four o’clock
at her home

Tea Tasting Invitation

Come and sample

exotic Chinese teas

at a couple’s tea tasting

to be held

June 24

at four in the afternoon

at the Smiths’ home

123 Garden Avenue

Arlington, Texas 12345

Teas will include a

Special Lapsang Souchong

Jill’s sister brought back

From her honeymoon in China.

Special Occasion Invitation

Join us for a

bridal shower tea

for

Jane Smith

Sunday, May 12, 2010

4 p.m.

123 Garden Ave.

Arlington, Texas 12345

RSVP to Jill Smith

123-456-7890

Jane is registered at Bed Bath and Beyond

Kid’s Invitation

It’s a Tea Party!

Bring your doll or teddy bear

To Anna’s house – we’ll all be there!

Moms are invited too,

to share a cup of tea with you.

4:00 p.m. on May 12, 2010

123 Garden Avenue

Arlington, Texas 12345

For more information

contact Anna’s mom, Jane

at 123-456-7890

Who’s on Your Guest List? (remember to name all members of a household who have been invited on the invitation)

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

Filling in The Invitations

Host/Hostess Name:_____________________________________

Contact Phone Number:__________________________________

Party Location Address:___________________________________

Party Date:_____________________________________________

Party Start Time:________________________________________

Optional Information to include (The more you tell your guests, the fewer questions . . . and the less opportunity for embarrassment)

Will the party have a specific end time? YES / NO Time: _______

Are RSVPs requested? YES / NO

Are guests allowed to bring a guest? YES / NO

Will children be invited? YES / NO

Will spouses be invited? YES / NO

What is the dress code? Formal / Dressy / Casual / Costume / Other: ________________

Are guests supposed to bring food? YES / NO

Are guests supposed to bring gifts? YES / NO

Theme:

For adults

r Victorian

r Garden Party

r Southern Belle ***

r Bridal Shower

r Baby Shower

r Couples

For children

r Princess

r Artist

r Doll/Teddy Bear

r Sea Shore ***

r Trains

r Ballroom Dance Lesson

r None

r Other: ________________

*** Complete instructions, including menus/recipes for these parties can be found on my web site.

The Menu:

r Traditional Afternoon Tea?

r Full-meal High-Tea?

r Modern elegance?

r International fare?

r Desserts only?

r Other: _____________________________

What two teas will you serve? ****

**** If you are planning a tea tasting, choose at least 5 teas, and match a snack to the taste of each.

What dish will be the “show-stopper”?

What other dishes will you use to complement the flavors of your central dish and your teas?

Activities (These are an optional part of your tea party. They aren’t necessary, for example, at a tea tasting where the progression of events is structured. )

r Ice breakers

r Autograph bingo (each space has a quality the person autographing it must have, i.e., has brown hair, lived in Vegas, etc.)

r Telephone (first player makes up a message, each player has to whisper it in turn to the person sitting next to them, last person says it out loud)

r Other: ___________________________

r Games

r Croquet

r Cards/Board Games

r Shower-Theme Games: _____________

r Other: ___________________________

r Crafts

r Hand-painted teapots

r Crochet teapot cozies

r Other: ___________________________

r Other

r Gift Exchange

Tea Accessories: If your party is going to be large, you may need to borrow, rent, or buy some of your accessories. Keep track of who loaned what, so it won’t be a mess to give it all back.

	No. Needed	No. Secured	From Whom
Tables
Tablecloths
Tea Pots
Tea Cups / Saucers
Dessert Plates
Forks
Sugar/Creamer Sets
Serving Utensils

Growing and Cooking with Culinary Herbs

This section contains Amazon Affiliate Links. If you buy one of these books, I receive a small commission.

Check out my cookbook There are Herbs in My Chocolate for recipes showing ways herbs have traditionally been incorporated into dishes – and some innovative ideas. There are also herb-related stories.

Sample Menu for a “Fresh” Dinner Party

Amuse Bouche:

Rosemary Glazed Walnuts

2 tbsp. fresh rosemary needles, chopped

1 tsp. Tabasco sauce

2 tbsp. palm sugar or honey

2 tsp. sea salt

1 tbsp. butter

2 c. walnut halves

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients except walnuts in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until butter and sugar have melted. Place nuts in a shallow baking pan and pour butter mixture over them. Toast in the oven until, stirring occasionally, until the nuts look glazed and are lightly browned, about 7 to 10 minutes.

Steak and Basil Bruschetta

12 (1/2-inch-thick) slices from a long Italian loaf (3 inches wide)

3 1/2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

4 slices Mozzarella, thick

3 oz. cooked Flank steak, medium or medium rare

Balsamic vinegar

½ c. tomato, diced

2 tbsp. basil leaves, in chiffinade

Preheat broiler. Arrange bread slices in 1 layer on a baking sheet and brush tops with 1 1/2 tablespoons oil (total). Broil 4 to 6 inches from heat until golden on top, about 30 seconds. Turn toasts over and broil until golden, about 30 seconds more. Remove from oven. Cut each Mozzarella slice into four pieces and place a piece on each toast. Slice the flank steak and place a few slices on top of each piece of Mozzarella. Return to oven long enough for the cheese to melt. Transfer toasts to serving platter. Drizzle with a touch of balsamic vinegar. Place a spoonful of tomato on each toast and top with a pinch of the fresh basil.

Salad Course:

Make up a salad using your favorite mixed greens and cold vegetables, plus a few sprigs of fresh parsley. Then top with one of these herbal dressings:

Creamy Herb Dressing

¼ c. mixed herb leaves 1/2 c. mayonnaise

1/2 c. plain yogurt 1 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. ground pepper

Chop the herb leaves finely. Combine all ingredients in a glass jar. Place a piece of plastic wrap over the mouth of the jar, then screw on the lid. Shake to combine and refrigerate for at least half an hour to allow the flavors to mingle.

Herb Vinaigrette

¼ c. white wine vinegar 2 c. extra-virgin olive oil

2 tsp. Dijon mustard ½ c. freshly squeezed lime juice

4 tablespoons chopped lime zest 6 cloves garlic, pressed

¼ c. mixed fresh herb leaves 1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Combine all ingredients in the work bowl of a blender or food processor. Pulse until smooth. Chill covered for at least half an hour to allow flavors to mingle.

Main Course:

Lavender Roasted Chicken

1 whole roasting chicken, skin on Sea salt

Freshly ground pepper 1 tbsp. fresh lemon thyme leaves

1 tbsp. chopped fresh rosemary 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped chives

1 tsp. lavender flowers 1 garlic clove, minced

1 shallot, minced 1/2 c. honey

2 tbsp. orange liqueur 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Sprinkle a whole chicken with salt and pepper. Combine herbs, garlic and shallot in a small non-reactive bowl. Stuff 1 tbsp. of this mixture under the skin of the chicken. Combine remaining ingredients with the herb mixture. Place chicken in roasting pan, and pour the herb and honey mixture over the chicken. Roast the chicken for 30 minutes. Baste with the lavender honey marinade. Continue basting every 5 minutes until the skin has browned. Cover with foil and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

Lemony Greek Potatoes

1/2 c. extra virgin olive oil 4 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

1 large shallot, chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped

2 tbsp. chopped fresh Greek oregano 2 tbsp. chopped fresh Italian parsley

1 tsp. fresh lemon thyme leaves 1 tsp. sea salt

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 3 lb. large russet potatoes

1/2 c. chicken stock

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, shallot, garlic, herbs, salt and pepper. Cut potatoes into thick wedges and place in the bottom of a roasting pan. . Add lemon mixture and toss to combine. Add chicken stock to the bottom of the pan. Roast potatoes until fork tender and browned, turning occasionally with a pair of tongs, for about 40 minutes.

Asparagus with Chives

2 lb. asparagus, trimmed, thick stalks peeled

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. freshly ground pepper

2 tbsp. Extra-virgin olive oil

½ tsp. tarragon, finely chopped

½ tsp, chervil, finely chopped

1 tbsp. chives, finely chopped

Place the asparagus and salt in a large pot of cold water. Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat to medium low and simmer uncovered until for7 to 10 minutes, or until asparagus becomes tender enough to pierce with a fork. Drain and pat dry, then transfer to a serving dish. Add the olive oil and herbs. Toss to coat.

Dessert:

Serve your dessert with a selection of herbal teas.

Lemon Thyme Cookies

1 c. butter
1 1/2 c. sugar
3 eggs
3 c. flour
1 tsp. cream of tartar
3 tbsp. lemon thyme leaves, finely chopped

Cream the butter with the sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and mix well, then add the remaining ingredients. Blend until it forms a sticky dough. Chill for at least 2 hours. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on greased cookie sheets. Bake 10-12 minutes at 350°.

Strawberry Basil-Lime Sorbet

2 c. basil leaves, packed
3 ½ c. water
1 c. sugar
¼ c. fresh lime juice
1 pt. fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered

Puree the basil and water in a blender on high speed for 1 minute. Pour the resulting liquid through a fine-meshed strainer. Discard the solids. Wipe out the blender then puree together the sugar, lime juice and strawberries until smooth. Pour the berry mixture and the basil liquid together into an ice cream maker, and freeze according to manufacturer’s directions.

From Cooking with Dog to the British Baking Show

This section contains Amazon Affiliate Links. If you buy one of these books, I receive a small commission.

Did I mention that the protagonist of my Chocoverse books – starting with Free Chocolate – is a culinary arts student on the other side the galaxy, trying to get away from her celebrity chef mother and the paparazzi?

I’m a huge fan of competition cooking shows and celebrity chefs in general.

Here’s a list of my favorite influential celebrity chef cookbooks.

Mastering the Art of French Cooking Volume 1 by Julia Child

Mastering the Art of French Cooking Volume 2 by Julia Child

Lidia’s Mastering the Art of Italian Cuisine: Everything You Need to Know to Be a Great Italian Cook by Lidia Bastianich

Chef Paul Prudhomme’s Louisiana Kitchen by Paul Prudhomme

Jaques Pepin’s New Complete Techniques by Jaques Pepin

Delia’s Complete Cookery Course by Delia Smith

Essential Emeril: Favorite Recipes and Hard-Won Wisdom From My Life in the Kitchen by Emeril Lagasse

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat by Samin Nosrat

Ratio by Michael Ruhlman

Good Eats: The Early Years by Alton Brown