Sigh

Sometimes...people move on. Sometimes...it sucks. Sometimes it is a blessing in disguise. Sometimes...you just don't know if it sucks or is a blessing. What I do know...it's time to cook. I need some time to not think about anything but the moment. So - what should I make? 

Japanese Comfort Food

Dish: Seafood Bento

Restaurant: Saboten

Location: Fukuyama, Japan

Price: 799 Yen

Description: Shrimp, squid, a crab/potato square, white rice, cabbage, egg, and ginger

Fun facts: This bento is one of the view things on the menu without pork. Getting a take away lunch does not include dressing for the cabbage salad. If you choose to eat inside the restaurant, there are menus available in English.

This was not a healthy lunch, but it was exquisite. I might even describe this as comfort food. My favorite part of this meal was the combination of seafood, seaweed dusted white rice, and soda. Sometimes a Coke provides the perfect reminder of home. 

Can naan fix everything?

Dish: Curry of the day

Restaurant: Sangam

Location: Fukuyama, Japan

Price: 800 Yen

Description: This was the lunch special. It consisted of chicken and pumpkin curry, naan, and and a a delicious cup of hot chai. 

Fun facts: The lunch special includes all you can eat naan. The menu is in Japanese and English. The staff, in addition to their native language (please excuse my ignorance), speaks Japanese and English. 

I love the vibe of this restaurant. As I walk through the door, I feel as if I am stepping into another world. A world that is not Japan. I understand that this may sound a little absurd, but sometimes having a break from the constant influx of Japanese culture is great. It was my decision to come to Japan and to extend my contract and I have no regrets. It's just that not having a break from a culture that is so different than mine is intense. Culture shock does not go away. 


Anyway, back to the restaurant...I love the curry selection and the various types of naan. My favorite thing on the menu thus far has been the Chicken Tandoori Salad. The tangy dressing that has been drizzled across the top provides a nice contrast to the slightly sweet chicken. The menu is large and I cannot wait to see what's next.