Oyako-domburi

While I'm on vacation in Canada I won't be eating Japanese food at all. Of course I will be too busy trying the local food so I've been wondering what I sould have for my last meal before leaving Japan.

I decided on "Oyako-domburi"a very popular Japanese home style dish which is very simple and quick to prepare.
The name can be roughly translated to"mother and sons(oyako) served on rice(domburi)".
It's served rice in a bowl with chicken and an beaten egg boiled with soup stock.
(Egg and chicken = Mother and sons)

Usually I would make it at home,ingredients are usually on hand but in preparation for my trip to Canada I've totally cleaned out my fridge which I'll leave empty while I'm away.
See you next month!!!

JR Osaka eki

In early May Japan Rail(JR) Osaka eki(station) was opened,after being renovated over 7years or so.
The renovations,while in progress were covered so we couldn't see anything for a long time and I can't remember what it used to look like.

After being unveiled and opened to the public,they has been great excitement.Everything is new and beautiful there are fashion shopping malls,movie theater,shop for everything including cosmetics,flowers,books and accessories.

There is a huge department store and of course lots of restaurants and food shops.I love eating out and trying new bakeries but it's a little bit difficult at the moment.Every restaurant has long queues, especially at lunch time,so I have to wait at least 1hour.No way!!!

Probably the most remarkable addition to the new station surroundings is the amazing water clock.
It's difficult to explain how it works but it's beautiful to see the water flowing over the screen,creating images of flowers,fireworks etc along with words and the time.

check it out !!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKn7KMzWOp0

It's always surrounded by people everyone trying to take pictures and it's also becoming a popular meeting place.
The design has included some stone seats to cater for senior citizens,who are now able to sit and enjoy this fabulous new spectacle.

Tenzaru-soba

In Japan the large department store house usually two floors of gourmet food,where you can buy anything from pre-cooked selections and high class ingredients to cakes,bread and wine.They are usually known as "depachika"which comes from "Department" and "chika"which means underground.Due to the fact  that they are usually on lower floors(underground) of the large department.
The selection of cooked foods are gorgeously presented and jealously guarded from any competitors.
You will feel like taking photos but you will be stopped if you try.
It's a great place to go on your way home if you are hungry and don't have any time or ideas for dinner.

Last time I went I was attracted to "Tempura"and came up with an idea.I would put together two Japanese favorites soba and tempura.To make tenzaru-soba it's a very popular choice amongst Japanese housewives in the summer.

It's only takes 15 min to prepare but it makes a very satisfying meal.
Of course we can buy ready made tempura in any supermarket but the selection in the depachika has many more choices and the taste much better.

If there are any Japanese restaurants in your town they will definitely have it on the menu or be able to make it for you on request.