Sight words: Cuisine

Mackerel sushi

We would like to write a experience when we visited a certain famous Zen-temple in Kyoto.

There was a Soba restaurant which building made by exposed concrete at the corner of the crossing near the main entrance of the temple. The reason we entered it was that we intended to eat at unusual place. 

Stood in front of the main door. Inside was dark. So, we were afraid that it was closed today. Opening a heavy door, we saw a lady clerk welcomed us. Oops! Soon we noticed that it would be a very expensive restaurant. Ground floor had only an entrance and stairs. She said that we could go up. We walked up the stairs.
 

Soba

 
There were 10 counter seats, 3 tables for a couple. Only 16 seats. Small shop. A group of elderly women, another group of three young women, a woman travelling alone. And the most impressive group were there. They were two gentlemen around 70 years and two middle-aged women. Supposed they were ladies of a bar and often users. The gentlemen might invite ladies to eat lunch. For strangers, this scene seemed so Kyoto, putting on airs.


Being afraid of insufficient, ordered a set of 'Soba and Mackerel sushi.' 17 dollars for each. Only at a time like today.

Beside us, a woman travelling alone was sitting. And one clerk began a conversation between who were in the know.
'Well, this soba is "Ju-wari"?'
'We are afraid we use 4 percent "Tsunagi".'
'I know. But, even though it's delicious.'

And, we were talking very common like 'It's difficult to eat because it was torn off compared to usual one.'
 

Mackerel sushi

Before soba, mackerel sushi was already served. Only two pieces. It was served importantly. It was very delicious. Fleshy mackerel was tightly resting upon vinegared rice and the top was 'Konbu.' Sorry we are not having enough skill to express the charm in English. 

After lunch, we found a small souvenir pack of mackerel sushi on a shelf of the entrance. Surprised at the price, 23 dollars each.

This shop was very useful for 70-year-old gentlemen enjoy eating with middle-aged bar ladies. Three young women were enjoying their afternoon chat which was kind of travelling abroad or purchasing expensive brand goods. Two elderly women were also enjoying their conversation even though cuisine didn't suit their age. They used gauze aprons for little children so that they didn't stain their expensive kimono. This place was the best expression of life in Kyoto. Very good experience. Please try it!

We will explain a little about "Ju-wari" and "Tsunagi".


Dengaku

The Inuyama castle is one of national treasures. And it located in Aichi prefecture. It's famous as the oldest castle main tower still remained. But it's not so big compared with other remained castles.
By the way, Inuyama district is famous as a rural cuisine, "Dengaku." When Japanese people say "Dengaku", sometimes it means a kind of festival. But this time, we will explain another one. It is one of cuisine. At the entrance of the Inuyama castle site, many shops and restaurants are located along the main road. There are several restaurants where we can eat "Dengaku." 

This time we don't intend to describe about these shops. There is a famous soba restaurant where you turn aside from the main road. When we visited this castle, we went there. But in front of that restaurant, we happened to think that it was nothing special.

Dengaku

Was any attractive cuisine around here? There was! We walked a little farther, and found a newly-created "Dengaku" restaurant. Its facade looked like a kind of Japanese style tearoom. Many female customers were on the target of this restaurant. Maybe, its interior was unified along with preference of females. 

Lunch menu was the "Tamatebako" set only. However, it's wonderful. When you open "Tamatebako", there are several dishes and "Dengaku". Moreover, other dishes, rice and Miso soup, and desert and coffee are all excellent. When you visit the Inuyama castle, visit this restaurant. We think you will be satisfied. We aren't agent provocateurs of this restaurant, though!

We will explain a little about "Dengaku" and "Tamatebako".


"Ju-wari"
Typical meaning of this word except Soba is "a unit means a hundred percent". The word "Ichi-wari" means ten percent. And, ten times ten percent equal a hundred percent. However, when you choose this word in connection with Soba, it means "Tsunagi" free.
When you use the word "Tsunagi" relating to Soba, it means "wheat flour." So, Soba made of a hundred percent "Soba flour" is called "Ju-wari soba".

"Tsunagi"
"Tsunagi" is the noun form of "Tsunagu". "Tunagu" is a verb means "connect". Typical meaning of "Tunagi" is a wear called overall. Overalls are clothes connected lower part and upper part, so, Japanese call these kind of clothes Tsunagi. 

However, when you use this word in related to Soba, it means "powder for gluing Soba flour. Specifically, it is "wheat flour". Gluten contained in wheat flour do duty as powder for gluing.

"Dengaku"
A dish called "Dengaku" is barbecued "Toufu" which is pierced with skewers and added "Misodare" sauces. As the ingredient  Toufu is used, but sometimes eggplants and other vegetables are used.


Tamatebako

"Tamatebako"
"Urasima Taro" is a famous children's story. And, "Tamatebako" appeared in this story. Almost all Japanese know the "Urasima Taro" story. The main character gets a treasure box in this story. And it is called "Tamatebako". So, "Tamatebako" reminds most Japanese people of a treasure box.

In the story, a strange incident happens when the main character opens the box. So, Japanese people also expect something surprising would happen when they "Tamatebako". The cook well understands customers' expectation, he offers the better-than-expected.