Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Russian Movie

"Taxi Blues" is a Russian movie, Directed by Pavel Lungin.
It is a dark comedy, bitter heart warming, also about a strange friendship story.

Shlykov is a main character, manly hard-working cab driver- kind of an old fashioned man.
Lyosha is a trotter-type Jazz musician, I would say "new" type of a guy.

The story began the two opposite type people met at the taxi Shlykov drove.

Cinematography and scenes reflects 1990's Russia,
I could enjoyed simply two opposite type of people's really strange and funny story but also I couldn't help to think about what is the meaning of freedom and happiness for human's life.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Matsutake mushrooms

Do you know Japanese mushroom called Matsutake?
They are high-quality mushrooms and expensive, I couldn't have many chance to eat them when I was in Japan.
The other day, I met a mushroom picker at a restaurant and bought Matsutake from him with good price.
Japanese people appreciate to enjoy their flavor, so recipes are quite simple.
My first Matsutake cooking was-
I grilled them, without oils or sauces, strip them to a few pieces by hands and serve them with sauces with citrus juice, also I made Matsutake gohan such as rice cooked with matsutake and Japanese broth.
I think the Matsutake mushrooms have really strong flavor, the best way to cook is using simple method and use small amount.








Sunday, October 18, 2009

Happy Sunday

A Japanese second hand book store, I often go there to sip Japanese feeling from the books.

Today I bought bunch of books at the store and was reading at home, in one of the magazine, I found a hat with familiar look.
I was thinking "Well, it is very similar look hat as I made, but why??" and I couldn't believe the hat is mine.
Actually it was my hat, there is my name and the store name I 've sold to.

I didn't know the hat was in the magazine(it is published in 2008) and coincidentally I found it - such a happy thing happened!



Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Living in a forest

I took a trip to visit my friends in Vancouver island.
They are a couple just moved there from Vancouver, are living in a woods close to a beach.







































The otter caught and ate a seagul!

It was a wild life drama(?), a shocking matter.

























My friend makes good Japanese homestyle meals always!























Beautiful fresh eggs from a local farmer.























These logs are for their stove, maden by her husband.Amazing!














Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Where the wild things are

















YMI Jeans featured my item on their blog -
Actually, my boyfriend told me about the book(where teh wild thing..) was his favorite when he was a child.

I am from Japan and I didn't know about the story since he told me but I'm sure if I was born in States or North America, it must be a favorite book.

Can't wait to watch the movie.







Saturday, October 3, 2009

Golden Mushrooms




I tried Chanterelle mushrooms, they are golden yellow color, unique trumpet like shape.
Even they were simply sauteed and made them taste with salt'n pepper, very flavourfull and good texture.
I heard they can be found in forest.
You can look at more recepies here -


Thursday, October 1, 2009

slow and steady wins the race



People might be wondering about this title -
actually, slow and steady wins the race is a clothing brand in NY.


Very simple but each piece has unique constractions.


Specially I like their shoes.