Hiru-gohan; Lunch!

We ate lunch with one of Brandon's coworkers at a very nice Japanese place Friday.  Brandon ordered a "set" and got this wonderful presentation of a number of fun foods to try!  From the top left: not-sweet custard-like substance with meat and mushrooms (he wasn't too keen on that), variety of tempura (yummy!), tempura dipping sauce.  Second row: pickled seaweed, mackerol sashimi (raw tuna), bean sprouts.  Third row: Rice, pickled shredded veggies (to clear the palate), and miso soup (with seaweed and tofu).

It was definitely an interesting meal for Brandon.  He handled everything with grace and dignity.  He tried everything and everything stayed down.  We both agreed that the display/presentation was gorgeous. 

Since I know the question will arise, I already have had this type of "set" on my previous trips, so I ordered a "mix bowl" of rice, pork cutlet, and shrimp tempura.  Yummy!  It also came with a bowl of miso - it was so nice to get back to Japan and the fresh seaweed.  I don't care for dried seaweed, so this was great!

We'll be venturing out again, searching out new food and new friends, boldly going where we (or at least one of us) have never gone before!

---Arielle