Umakute Bikkuri.

I'm not sure what this is. The box says umakute bikkuri. All I know is that I waited 15 minutes in line for them and it was worth it.


I determined that they were pancakes filled with mung bean/azuki (red bean), with a roasted chestnut in the middle of each.


They were delicious, sweet, and warm, and drew a consistently long line. I picked them up at the lower level of Kyoto Station's vast food market. I had been trying to figure out what to eat and I think I made the right decision.

Hidden okonomiyaki.

After today, I've noted to myself to continue tagging along with Sensei, who can chat it up with shuttle bus drivers who tip us off to hidden okonomiyaki restaurants and drop us off there instead of at the intended stop at the train station.

The tiny restaurant was tucked away in the middle of a narrow alleyway in Kyoto -- we as gaijin (foreigners) would never have been able to stumble upon this ourselves without the help of locals.

Okonomiyaki with buta (pork) and soba noodles, cabbage, fried egg and sweet and spicy sauces.


One of my classmates got it with ika (squid), which I liked better. But both were oishi katta (delicious!).

Bakeries at Tokyo station.

There are too many bakeries here. I need to try my best to not stop at all of them, because I'd seriously get so left behind.

Stella's Kitchen.


Andersen Bakery.


Sesame bun with Gruyere and French toast.


Fairycake Fair.

Airplane food.

Yes, I'm even documenting the airplane food. Wow.


Unagi-don (eel over rice), served with cold soba noodles and dipping sauce, a piece of California roll, seaweed salad and shrimp.

As much as I enjoyed it, I hope it's only the least interesting meal of my trip.

Sayonara, and um.. bon appétit.

(How do you say that in Japanese?)

I've been keeping a secret: I'm headed to Japan tomorrow for about three and a half weeks.

But this actually is good news for this blog, because I am taking my laptop with me and plan to post here as I eat my way through Japan. I am sure to be inspired as Japanese cuisine is probably my favorite.

Japan, HERE I COME!

Corn bliss.

I waited way too long to check out Mil Jugos in Santa Ana since reading this review on Food Frenzy/Gluttonista. What was wrong with me? Because these arepas -- little stuffed corncake sandwiches -- are just too good to miss out on.

The reina papeada arepa comes warm and crispy around the edges, overstuffed with tasty chicken potato salad and avocado. A squirt of the zingy green dressing that accompanies this, and it is good to go. Straight into my belly.


Fresh, sweet papaya juice is a delicious way to wash it down (and attempt to mask the potent green sauce breath).


But most importantly, at Mil Jugos I've learned that cachapa means 'corn heaven.'

Well, not literally. But to me, it does. The cachapa con queso blanco:

Corn, pancake, cheese, fresh cream. Yes. Yes, yes, yes.

I need not say anything further to convey the love I feel for this.

* * *
Mil Jugos
318 W. 5th Street
Santa Ana 92701
714.836.4601