| Japanese cuisine is known around the world | | | | consumption of meat was banned until about a |
| for its distinctive taste and appearance. | | | | hundred years ago. During the course of her |
| Aesthetically pleasing displays of the varied | | | | long history, nearly every part of Japan |
| dishes are considered just as important as | | | | developed its own delightful regional food |
| the food itself. The mood of the season can | | | | specialties and the people became skilled in |
| often be felt in the dishes and they should | | | | preparing a number of beef dishes. Sukiyaki |
| give a sense of visual satisfaction. Each | | | | is one of the most widely enjoyed of such |
| Japanese dish is artfully arranged in | | | | distinctive Japanese dished.Today, Japanese |
| individual bowls, plates and dishes for each | | | | restaurants are spreading throughout the USA |
| person. Often, all courses are presented at | | | | and the rest of the world. In spite of the |
| one time and eaten in no particular | | | | fact that many people enjoy Japanese foods, |
| order.Japan is surrounded by the sea and | | | | they may be reluctant to try making them at |
| consists principally of four main islands. | | | | home. Perhaps it is because of they lack the |
| Her total size, location and population, all | | | | knowledge and skills necessary, or feel |
| combine to demand that much of the people's | | | | hindered by the limited availability of |
| food come from the ocean and her world roving | | | | ingredients. Japanese cooking doesn't have |
| fishing fleets supply that need admirably. | | | | to be a complicated task. There are many |
| It is estimated that the average Japanese | | | | one-pot dishes, cooked at the table somewhat |
| consumes 70lbs of seafood per year. Among | | | | like fondue and these tend to create an |
| the various methods of fish preparation, the | | | | intimate and cosy setting. Preparation |
| most popular are to fry, or present them raw, | | | | orderly beforehand at the table of utensils |
| as in sashimi or sushi. Perhaps sushi, bite | | | | and ingredients leaves you time to enjoy your |
| sized pieces of fresh fish pressed onto a | | | | company, rather than being stuck in the |
| ball of vinegared rice and tempura, shrimp | | | | kitchen.There are many cookery books in the |
| and vegetable coated with an egg batter and | | | | shops dedicated to helping the uninitiated |
| deep fried, are best known to westerners. | | | | prepare, cook and serve the most delicious of |
| Meat dishes were introduced in the last | | | | Japanese dishes (also suggesting alternative |
| century as a new 'western cuisine'.Japanese | | | | ingredients if you cannot find the original |
| culinary tradition has been much influenced | | | | in your local grocery store) and therefore |
| by that of Korea and China. Buddhism arrived | | | | amazing guests and family alike. My favorite |
| via Korea in the 6th century and the eating | | | | books are the ones that give serving |
| of meat was discouraged. Chopsticks and soy | | | | suggestions and appropriate table etiquette. |
| sauce came from China in the 8th century. | | | | Follow the directions and you can be assured |
| The introduction to Japan of Zen Buddhism in | | | | of consistently good results and bring a |
| the 13th century held as one of its tenets | | | | little of Japan into your home. |
| strict adherence to vegetarianism and the | | | | |