Eating Like the Locals

After spending all day working through unpacking our stuff, Matt & I ran to Sannonmiya to get a few items for the house, hit the grocery store and grab a quick bite to eat. After walking around for a few minutes we decided to eat traditional Japanese and hit a yakitori stand.

Since we had plans to carry several bags home I did not take my camera with me. However I was able to capture my first Yakitori experience via my cell camera.



Yakitori basically means "meat on a stick". Usually the meat is chicken, traditionally any part but the breast. However most places have beef, pork, seafood and various parts of each animal. You also can get veggies as well.

We entered through a hanging curtain and took a place at the counter. There were no chairs and people just squeeze next to each other at the counter. Since it was right after work , I was the only female in the place.



Excuse how we look. Between the rain and unpacking we looked a bit rough.


Matt has been there before so he ordered us some pork, beef and chicken. Just the main parts of the animal. No gizzards, skin, hearts or other organs for us. They then gave us some raw cabbage with some type of soy dressing. It was so tasty we each had two bowls.

Once the meat arrived Matt showed me how to roll my skewer in some type of teriyaki sauce then soy sauce, before eating it. I have to say it was quite good. And the best part? Each stick of meat is only 110 yen.



While I am sure this place wasn't the best for our cholesterol level, and if we go often we will be needing to look for the best diet pill (is grilled beat fattening?), it was so good that I can't wait to go back.

Help! Make-Ahead Meals

I am trying to make things as easy as possible for my mom with the kids. Between running them to practices, school and doing homework meals will be rushed. One of the things I am doing is planning a menu for each day and then premaking the meals. I have never really frozen a bunch meals so I am at a loss as to what to make. My mom does not really eat Mexican food so that leaves out any type of taco, enchiladas, etc. I also do not want to serve pasta every meal.

We will be gone 10 full days. I figure if I make 6 or 7 different items that will allow for supper, leftovers for lunch and supper and maybe a meal out.

So far I am thinking of making:

• Pancakes (lots of pancakes. Good for breakfast or supper)
• Baked ziti (all she will have to do is heat)
• Meatloaf (buy some premade mashed potatoes and serve those with veggies)
• Pineapple chicken (she would just have to heat up some minute rice)

It will be pretty warm so soup is out. Chris is able to grill so he could do chicken or burgers one night if need be. I would love some other ideas. Both for main dishes or sides. If it can be frozen that would be great. If not that is okay too.