Typhoon cooking

The weather is likely to deteriorate later on today as the typhoon No.14 is approaching Tokyo. Even though I wanna go to a Halloween Party, finally I decide to stay at home. Nothing much I can do at home, so I decide to make tempura tonight.

There are various kinds of tempura powder. But I choose the simple wheat flour, which I make something else later. For ingredients, I used shrimps, eggplants, seaweed (nori) and perilla (green shiso).

You know what, actually the word tempura comes from a Latin word "tenpora"meaning "times". This cooking method won't take time at all. Just put whatever you like into it! Easy made and fast served. Actually I should called it "typhoon cooking" especially in this typhoon night! Hopefully the typhoon No.14 will come and go fast as well as my tempura.

Portable Okonomiyaki

Even though you are not familiar with Japanese sweets, you must heard of Dorayaki （銅鑼焼き）which is a Japanese cartoon character Doraemon's favorite snack. The most common filling for Japanese sweets is red bean (sweetened azuki beans). Not just Dorayaki, you can find red beans in various kinds of Japanese dessert.

Among Japanese sweets, taiyaki (たい焼き) is my favorite. Tai (鯛) means sea-bream in Japanese. That's why taiyaki is fish-shaped. Besides red beans filling, custard, chocolate or cheese are common fillings as well. Seasonal flavors are also available too, such as chestnuts in fall and ice-cream in summer.

By the way, my Japanese friend tells me there was heated debated concerned whether the Taiyaki should be eaten from the head or tail. My friend prefers starting from the head and he said if you can find the red beans at the tiny baked tail. It means the taiyaki is well made as the red beans spread evenly. For me, I do like to start with its head, though I don't mind to end with a plain baked tail. Anyway what I like taiyaki not just the various flavors I can select, also its portable size and shape.

Have you ever tried Okonomiyi（お好み焼き）? Okonomiyaki is known as a king of Japanese-style pancake. As its name indicates you can add whatever you like in okonomiyaki. If you have it at restaurant, you can cook it all by yourself on an iron table. Sometimes non-Japanese may find it difficult and not sure what to do. If you don't want to get into this trouble, I highly recommended Okonomitaiyaki（お好み鯛焼き）, that is a taiyaki with the okonomiyaki filling. You may not have wide selection of ingredient, but you can enjoy it everywhere, not just in front a hot iron table!

即使你不熟悉和菓子，你也該聽過日本卡通人物多拉A夢/叮噹最愛吃的豆沙餅（銅鑼焼き）吧。日本甜紅豆是最常見的和菓子餡料。不只是銅鑼燒，你可以隨處找到各種紅豆製的和菓子。

日本甜點中,我最喜愛鯛魚燒(鯛焼き）。日文TAI是指鯛魚。就如其名, taiyaki當然是製成魚形。除了紅豆餡，吉士、朱古力和芝士也是非常普遍的餡料。也有時令風味，如在秋季的栗子口味或在夏季的雪糕鯛魚燒。

曾經有日本朋友告訴我,在日本有不少關於應該先吃鯛魚燒的頭部或尾部的辯論。我的朋友比較喜歡從頭部開始吃，他說如果能在小小的魚尾上也能吃到紅豆餡,那表示紅豆分散均勻,那鯛魚燒必定製作精良。我也喜歡從頭吃起，倒是我不太介意紅豆餡沒有走到那小小的魚尾。反正我喜歡鯛魚燒是因為我可以選擇不同的口味，及其合到好處的尺寸和形狀。

你有沒有試過 Okonomiyi（お好み焼き）？它被稱為日式煎餅。正如其名 「お好み」，你可以把任喜歡的材料加入煎餅。如果你在餐廳吃這個的話，你還可以在鐵板上親自下廚。對外國人來說,或許會有點無所適從吧。但如果你不想自找麻煩，我推廌大家試試這個 Okonomitaiyaki（お好み鯛焼き），這是結合了日式煎餅味道的鯛魚燒。你不但不用在熱騰騰的鐵板前享受它,還可以帶它四處逛呢！

Japanese Dried Fish

Not sure if you like Chinese dried fish. Dried fish in Japan is popular, and its price is rather cheap. It's used to be a traditional breakfast too. But of course, it's different to those in Hong Kong.

Today I tried dried fish at at "himonoya"(ひもの屋）. You can tell with its name, this izakaya （居酒屋） is selling dried fish (himono). The restaurant decorated as a little house in the Edo period. Dried fish is hanging over at the counter where the chef cook the dried fish. A whiff of dried fish permeate the air, but it is not overwhelming.

The way of preparing the fish is to remove their innards, salt the and dry them in the sun. It similar what I can see in Tai O, Hong Kong. There are two types of Japanese dried fish named himono and maru-boshi. As you can see in the photo, the fish is called hiraki ( which means open) that was cut open before drying. Another type called maru-boshi(whole- dried) is dried in original shape by salting the fish before drying it in the sun. I think it's a usual way that people used in Hong Kong. Anyway I'm not expert... but it seems to be same!

不知道你是否喜歡中國的魚干。魚干在日本頗受歡迎，且價格相當便宜。這原本就是一個傳統的早餐菜。當然，日本的魚干有別於香港的。

今天我去了“himonoya”（ひもの屋）試試看。從店名看，這居酒屋當然是賣魚干（himono）的。餐廳裝飾成一個江戶時代的房子。魚干掛滿在廚師調理食物的地方。燒魚干味道滲透於空氣中，但它一點也不濃烈嗆人。

魚干的製法一般是先清除了內臟，再鹽醃製,然後放在陽光下製乾。有點像我在香港大澳看到的。日本的魚干主要有兩種。一種叫hiraki,如其名是把魚打開。正如你可以看到，在照片中的就是hiraki，這是在乾燥前切開的。另一種類稱為maru-boshi,是製乾前,先把整條魚以鹽醃製·再在陽光下製乾。就像香港人製咸魚吧!雖然我不是專家 ...但它們就似乎就是像製咸魚啊!

撮影場所：杉並区

Jazz Street 2010 Asagaya

From yesterday there is a jazz festival two days in a row at Asagaya. It reminds me the brief chat I had with an Italian professional jazz musician couple weeks ago. He has been in Tokyo for a year as well as me. Though he finally moved back to Rome two days ago. For us, Tokyo is excited, but we both agreed that there was something missing here. Is it a our root? I wonder.

Even I am a resident here, I don't have a strong sense of belonging. Of course it takes time to fit in the community. The good thing in Japan is there are numbers of festivals in a year giving us opportunity to be closer and closer to the community.

I've been looking forward to the Jazz Street in Asagaya for months. Though it doesn't seem that excited as I expected. Comparing to people from Hong Kong, the Japanese seem to have a better sense of melody in music. They are always good at following the beats and clapping hands along the music. Though it's not usual to see the Japanese people dancing freely along the music.

I believe music is a media for communication. It creates no boundary among people. Especially jazz music that is not strictly structured as other genre like classics. It's hardly to see a Jazz performer reading music notes. No doubt that jazz musicians have very flexible and own way to interpret each tune. They rarely repeat the composition exactly. That's an attitude. Having this individual attitude in a group, the collective sound forms an inspired piece of art. But as you can see, the Japanese are just too organized sometimes, and eliminate the passion. From what I see today, it seems to be arranged orchestra. And I can feel a little tensed when the players playing the music.

在阿佐谷一連兩天的爵士音樂節從昨天正式展開。這使我想起了幾個星期前與一意大利專業爵士樂音樂家簡短的交談。他和我一樣在東京住了一年,但前兩天他最終回羅馬去了。對我們來說，東京是充滿驚喜的城市。但我們同時也同意，在這裡像是有什麼缺漏。是無根的原故嗎？我也不太知道。

即使現在名義上我是一名東京住民，但我並沒有丁點的歸屬感。當然，適應從來也需要時間的。我慶幸在日本有大量的節日活動，給予我更多機會把自己拉近社群。

我已期待著阿佐谷爵士街音樂節好幾個月。但它似乎並不像我的預期的熱鬧。相對於香港人，日本人似乎有更好的旋律感。但總覺得他們的反應過於機械式。在日本不易看到隨歌起舞的日本吧。

我相信音樂是一種溝通的媒體介,使人與人之間沒有邊界。特別是爵士音樂，沒有像有古典音樂嚴格的結構。我幾乎不曾看過一個爵士音樂演奏者會細閱樂譜。毫無疑問，爵士音樂家們都非常靈活，以自己的方式來演釋每一個曲調。他們很少重複的完全相同的音韻。這是一種態度吧。結合著不同個性的聲音,啟發了藝術的創作。但依我所見，日本人講的嚴謹，往往使熱情減卻。從我今天所看到的，這似乎是純樂團演奏的爵士樂。我就是覺得他們的音樂感太拘謹了

Authentic Shichuan Style in Tokyo

I've some low- and high-end dining experiences of Chinese cuisine in Tokyo. Most of the time, I enjoyed the pleasant environment more than the food. The Japanized Chinese meals only spoil my appetite. Also I found them slightly overpriced.

Despite of the price, 'China Grill Xenlon Tokyo' left me the strongest impression because of its 8-meter dragon installation, but not its food. The service there was great, but their western presentation for Chinese food didn't impress me much. They served a multi course meal with a standard sequence as if western-world multi-course meals. The whole setting didn't give any lively atmosphere at all. Though they surprised me with the dessert - a piece of cheese cake.

Another day, I was dying of hunger, I popped into a restaurant called Chin-ma-ya (陳麻家) that specializing in a Sichuan-style tan tan men. I got a full sized tan tan men and followed by a almond pudding (杏仁豆腐). Savoring the taste, smell and texture of the authentic Sichuan-style food brought to heaven.

At first, I thought this restaurant was founded by the Chinese. In fact, it was found by Japanese. The number of the restaurants has been increased rapidly since it has found. I'm impressed that the Japanese can grow the popularity of Sichuan-style tan tan men not only in Japan, but also in the states.

I went to several different chains of them. The taste was sightly different between them. Once I went with my Italian friend. He said the plate of vegetable looked like pesto spaghetti and almond pudding looked like 'panna cotta'. Won't you have the same thought?

Stay Free

Many free magazines are available in Tokyo at major stations, supermarkets and CD stores. A 80-page 'Metropolis' is the most popular free magazine for non-Japanese speakers. It carries information about entertainment, events, culture and news. Also classified ads for cars, job, real estate, and everything else.

'att.JAPAN' is free seasonal magazine that I recommend. It focus on Japan travel and culture in both Chinese and English. Why don't take one to obtain more tourist information, such as accommodations, transportation, restaurants and useful numbers, before you plan your next spot?

Besides the above two, I found 'ELLE cooking', available in some supermarkets, is definitely a handbook for cooking lovers. It carries a lot of recipes including Japanese, Italian and other cuisines. Now I have less stress on thinking what to cook for the rest of the week.

在東京主要車站、超級市場和唱片店等地,都有很多可以免費取閱的雜誌。對於外國人而言,一冊80頁的「Metropolis」算是最流行的免費雜誌了。其內容包括娛樂，活動，文化和新聞等資訊。此外還有汽車、求職、房地產等的分類廣告。

另一個推介是'att.JAPAN',它是一本免費的季刊。內容主要是介紹日本旅遊和文化，並以中英對照。大家也不妨在計劃下一個行程前,先看看這本雜誌,取多一點如住宿，交通，飲食等旅遊信息吧!

除了上述兩本雜誌,最近我在超市拿了一本烹飪雜誌'ELLE cooking'。這絕對是一本烹飪愛好者的手冊。內容包含大量的食譜，包括日本，意大利和其他各國的美食。我現在不用煩惱下一週該做什麼菜了。

The 1300th anniversary of Nara Heijo-kyo Capital

Time flies fast! Soar into the last quarter of year, the celebrations for the 1300th anniversary of Nara Heijo-kyo Capital almost come to the end. In the past several months, if you have visited Nara, you must know Sento-kun, a Buddhist child monk wearing deer antlers, which is a mascot created by Nara City Office for the 1300th anniversary of the ancient capital of Japan.

Today I received a box of choco pie (チョコパイ） of this anniversary. That tastes very good as palmier. If you will visit Nara, it could be a good option for souvenirs.

For more information of the events there this fall, you can visit the official website of the 1300th Anniversary of Nara Heijo-kyo Capital http://www.1300.jp/

時間過得很快！2010年也快己踏入是季尾，為慶祝平城遷都1300年紀念活動也幾乎到了尾聲。在過去幾個月裡，如果你到過奈良，你一定知道Sento-kun，這穿著鹿角佛教僧侶的孩子是這次活動的吉祥物。

今天我收到了一盒巧克力餡餅（チョコパイ），味道好像蝴蝶酥。如果你將到訪奈良，這可是一個不錯的手信。欲了解更多信息，您可以劉覧平城遷都1300年紀念活動官方網站 http://www.1300.jp/

Asagaya JAZZ STREETS 2010

Asagaya JAZZ STREETS 2010

Asagaya, located in western side of Tokyo, has its own unique setting and atmosphere. There are shopping streets on both the north and south sides of Asagaya Station and the arcade leading away from the south exit to Ome-kaido Street is known as Pearl Center. Almost every month, there are some events at Pearl Center.

Asagaya Tanabata Festival on August is one of the major events. Next weekend, October 22nd (Fri) and 23rd (Sat), we can experience another major event called "Asagaya Jazz Street" which turns 15th this year. Some bands will be roaming the streets with the sounds of jazz. In these two days, concerts will be held around 40 locations including the station square, the ward office square, cafes and restaurants. It probably a good choice to welcome the autumn with some fabulous jazz music!

阿佐谷，位於東京西面，有著自己獨特的環境和氣氛。商店街位於阿佐谷車站南北兩側。其中一方由南口伸延至青梅街,道街被稱為Pearl Center。在這幾乎每個月都會舉行大大小小的活動。

八月中的阿佐谷七夕節便是其中一個主要活動。下週22日（五）和23日（六），我們可以體驗另一個稱為“阿佐谷爵士街”的活動。這在今年己是第15屆了。一些樂隊將漫遊街頭演奏爵士樂。在這兩天，音樂會將在約 40個地點包括車站廣場，區政府廣場，咖啡館和餐館等舉行。以爵士樂來迎接初秋,可能是一個不錯的選擇呢！

Enjoy Tokyo's music

Many people complaint yen is way too strong now. But one of the great things about Tokyo is you don't even need to pay 100 yen for enjoying music performance. There are various kinda of free entertainment in the weekend, especially at Yoyogi Park, Ueno Park or some major train stations where are filled with all sorts of street performers playing for pedestrians. So far, what I've seen are mostly folk-pop music performances. Though today I see something different. An endless flow of pedestrians with an exciting mix of the street performance makes Tokyo a more lively city.

許多人抱怨日圓現在實在太強了。但是，在東京的好處是我們甚至不需要花上100日元，便可欣賞音樂表演。在週末，還有各種免費娛樂供大家欣賞，特別是在代代木公園，上野公園或一些主要車站,各地方都會擠滿各式各樣的街頭表演者。到目前為止，我所見過的大多是民謠流行音樂表演。但是今天我看了有點不同的音樂表演。連綿不斷的行人與街頭表演者交織起來，使東京變得更有活力。

My friend, Mr. Calories

I always receive many small gifts in Japan without any specific reason. I'm simply overwhelmed by their generosity. Who would avoid the glaze slides down the doughnut between the thumb and forefinger? Of course, it's hardly to wait to have a bite. Though I feel confused after a bite. Is it really a doughnut? It tastes like a pound cake.

This bakery shop is quite popular in Ginza, together with its cafe. There is a product called "Angel's chocolate ring" which is highly recommended by the baker. I don't know how it tastes, but it looks interesting with its 18 cm width. Also it's interesting that there is photo competition using this product as a theme.

-------------------

正所謂無功不受祿,在日本我常收到大大小小的禮物,倒是有點受寵若驚。今天我就收到了一些冬甩。有誰可以抵擋糖霜從指間滑下呢？我當然也免不了有咬它一口的衝動。可是咬了這一口,我倒是有點疑惑。這真的是冬甩嗎？這味道好像雪芳蛋糕。

事實上這是一間在銀座頗有名氣的咖啡座。其中一個叫“Angel's chocolate ring”的產品,是麵包師高度推薦的。我不知道它的味道如何，但它其18厘米的寬度的外官,看起來很有趣，。另外有趣的是，這店有使用這個產品作為攝影比賽的主題呢!

monorail

Andiamo a mangiare! (Let's eat!)

10.5 Italian+0.5 German+2 Japanese+ 1 Chinese = 14 people

Am I here in Tokyo?!

Is "spoon-fed" education better?

I do think a more flexible education could inspire the children more. There is nothing wrong to learn from games. Look at the photo! I asked two children aged 5 and 7 to draw their faces for a English game. Their pictures look great! I think Japanese kids are very smart and good at music and art. However, surprisingly Japanese starts learning English since Junior high. Won't it be too late?

Since I grew up in Hong Kong where was a British colony, it stands to reason that I learnt English from kindergarten. There are always varies education reforms in Hong Kong. After 1997, the government had advocated the new generation should master two written languages (Chinese and English) and three spoken languages (Cantonese, English and Mandarin). Won't it be too much for the children?

The mainstream education system in Hong Kong has been often described as "spoon-fed". I was well educated under this system by doing massive amount of "mechanical work and meaningless homework". Obviously, this system is less welcomed than before. I rarely heard Japanese who was "spoon-fed" educated. Their schools and parents tend to encourage children to develop different interests and abilities freely. However, according to some researches, the academic performance of Japanese children falls behind China or Korea. Given all that, it seems Japanese is more willing to adopt the "spoon-fed" education system in the future. Education reforms seem to be essential, though it will be a very difficult task. It's hard to tell what is the best method, but I do believe it's more effective to learn new things in native tongue. Although I do believe it's better to start to learn a new language in early age.

Eating spaghetti without fork and spoon

Eating spaghetti can be tricky without making a mess. Italian may tell you the proper way to eat spaghetti is using fork and spoon. Well some suggest to use twist fork, while some may just sllurp the noodles down. None are any improper than the other.

Another day I went to Youmenya Goemon, a chian restaurtant that specializes in spaghetti in Japan. There, you can enjoy a set meal with Spaghetti, muso soup and salad. However, I couldn't find any fork and spoon there. Instead, there is a pair of chopsticks. Though it's not usual to me, it's a easy way to eat spaghetti without getting dirty! Later I figured out that's the gimmick of this chain restaurant!

洋麺屋五右衛門は「お箸でスパゲティーを食べる」お店なのです。

習慣就好了

昨年の同じ日はちょっと遠過ぎますか。

その日は何をしていましたか。

遠くまで走り過ぎていたと思う。

這麼遠那麼近

在這麼陌生的城市　不論身處在那

都不怕迷路 　怕是怕一種距離

以為是這麼近　卻是那麼遠　是一種無形的距離

習慣了就沒感覺

習慣就好了