Dining in Milwaukee

mercyskye :: June 16, 2004

I was thinking of asking you about this meal! I would be grateful for any comments on our meal—does it look “correct,” or even familiar? I would especially like to know about those lacquered boxes… is this a traditional way of serving certain foods in Japan?

Our meal was fun and as I mentioned in my blog, I certainly want to go back. While American tastes seem to have welcomed sushi in recent years, there is still a stigma attached to it, as most people of a European descent are averse to eating meats which are not fully cooked. I loved it, personally, but then I am considered “adventurous” when it comes to dining out.

Yukiko :: June 16, 2004

I’m glad to know that you enjoyed Japanese dishes. They really look tasty!

The plates are very important in the traditional Japanese food and they are regarded as a part of the whole meal. ‘Urusinuri’, or lacquered box is one of the traditional ways to serve dishes, especially when we serve sushi and unagi(eel). I have a set of lacquer bowls at my house and I use them when I have guests and during the New Year days.

pketh :: June 16, 2004

I think the presentation sometimes is almost as important as the food. Japanese lacquered boxes for example bring to mind some kind of traditional Japan, they give you this feeling that the food you’ll be eating is special and classy- just the thing for the adventurous eater.

When I was in S.Asia, alot of times food would be served on big banana leaves - that’s like the opposite of classy. But that was fine because it wasn’t classy food. I guess it kind of set you up for the simple (but spicy) meal you’d be eating :)

Masami :: June 17, 2004

I think the mysterious “pink in the lower left” is sakura-denbu. Sakura means “cherry blossom” in Japanese, and the pink color is similar to the color of cherry blossom. It may be the same as in the lower right here.

It is made from fish: cooked fish is pounded, dried, and flavored with salt, sugar, soy sauce etc, and finally colored with food red. It is often used in sushi because it makes sushi vivid and beautiful. It is also sold in super markets.

But it is so sweet, not spicy at all. So I think the “pink in the lower left” is really sakura-denbu. But the food you ate is ginger which is also colored with food red. Ginger is spicy and pungent, and also some colored ginger which tastes sweet is often put in the corner of a sushi pack.

mercyskye :: June 19, 2004

Thanks to all for the feedback. It’s helpful to know that my experience with Japanese food is approved by those who may eat it regularly! Thanks also for the cultural background behind the place-settings… I have always been told that, as you have said, it’s “part of the meal.” As for the mysterious pink food, I am now going to have to order that menu item the next time, just to experience it.