YUZU-licious honey

YUZU is a japanese citrus fruit that is featured very often in japanese cuisine. You see them in ponzu sauces (yuzu & soy sauce), yuzu miso paste, yuzu jams,yuzu ice cream, etc...

You can even buy fresh yuzu fruits from the meidi ya supermarket at Liang court when it is in season. For city folks like myself, I am more than contented to get my yuzu fix in more palatable versions like this honey from Sugi Kohoen company (Sugi Bee Farm).

I came across this delicious YUZU MITSU honey on my trip to Takayama, Japan 2 years ago. I am quite surprised that until now, no one has thought of importing this into Singapore. This wonderful honey tastes equally good in both hot and cold drinks. I love it so much that I slather a thick later on my buttered toast so my 500ml bottle didn't last too long. They were also available in assorted flavors and smaller sizes which make it a perfect gift for loved ones and friends. How I wished I carted home more. Well this will definitely be on my MUST BUY list on my next trip to Japan!

More information on their website http://www.0038.co.jp/foreign/en/company/about/history/

Since I have long finished my precious bottle, the pictures you see here are from another awesome japanese blog. What a nice presentation to enjoy this drink with these floral ice cups. Reminds me of the Martha Stewart tutorials on how to jazz up a cocktail reception just by adding edible floral petals into ice cube/cupcake moulds or an empty milk carton of water! Just peel away the carton after a good freeze and you have a charming bottle or cup laden with flower petals. Well a great idea for your next summer picnic! http://daimakitchen.mysinablog.com

HATO SABLE

Ever since I came across these wonderful melt in your mouth freshly baked butter sable biscuits, I have been hooked on its delicate crumbly taste. I first discovered these wonderful treats on my first visit to the charming town of Kamakura where it originated. There is a charming story on how these biscuits came to be named after the pigeons. Also available from major supermarkets in central tokyo.

Check out their website http://www.hato.co.jp/index.html

awesome JAPANESE PHRASE with cute cartoons

Though its not neccesary to speak fluent japanese when you are on a short holiday trip, it always pays to know a word or two to ease the awkwardness that older japanese folks experience when they encounter enquiries in english.

This book came highly recommended by a fellow jap crazed traveller. As someone who has no patience to go through wordy handbooks. This colorful phrase book was a whole lot of fun to read with cute illustrations by Nachie Enomoto and cartoons by Kiribo Kubo. It makes a fun read for the daily commute to work. It's handy comic book size makes it a lightweight companion for your handbag.

Go get it now from Kinokuniya bookstores. Only S$28.70 per copy. ( tip : enjoy further savings during their 20% seasonal sales )

Happy reading!!!!!

10,000 Free tickets to Japan in 2012

My heart skipped a beat when I heard of this ground breaking news! The recent massive quake was a huge blow to both the economy and morale of the citizens. But they still exhibited such graciousness. Their indomitable spirit is indeed commendable. What's there not to love about Japan?

There is no telling what natural disasters will rain upon us no matter where we are? So before its too late, hurry on down to amazing JAPAN for its glorious food and traditions!!!!

More info right here:http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/topics/2011/free_flights.html

Graphic courtesy of http://www.fotolog.com/tamiyo/66887633

Mino washi reusable paper SNOWFLAKES

Up your eco-friendly cred this X'mas with these reusable snowflakes made of traditional japanese paper from the Gifu prefecture! Watch this short video on how to apply these amazing paper snowflakes onto any glass surface. A fun activity for the whole family.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6TJsCBoZVk

Can't wait to try them out ? Head on down to ATOMI at mandarin gallery(call +65 68874138 to enquire). A set of 5 snowflakes are retailing @S$16 per set. What are you waiting for? With a little bit of creativity, these awesome snowflakes would make wonderful gifts these Christmas! I can't wait to start on my handmade gifts with these lovely creations.

Picture courtesy of IEDA website http://www.iedashikou.com/