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