日本の週末

Picture we took on the Shinkansen going to Kyoto, last November.

This past weekend was very Japanese themed. It started with my visit to Takashimaya, the Japanese Department store in Midtown on Friday. I went to the tea room in the basement and ate some crispy butter cookies, a pot of rose black tea and pannacotta (which tasted more like flan). I knew I shouldn't pay 4+ dollars for tea, when I have a gazillion teabags + loose leaf teas at home. In fact, I could open a tea shop! But, it was so pleasant. Later hubby and I went to buy some rabbit shaped, Yuzu flavored moon cakes at Minamoto Kitchoan, which was a present for my sister (and brother-in-law).

Jon, Cyn, Bernie and I had reservations for Bond Street (Sushi) on Saturday night. Jon had $150 gift certificate for them, as a reward from Amex. We of course ordered the Omakase (Chef's choices of special dishes). Jon chose the $100 Omakase. To our surprise, we all were forced to have the same Omakase, because when it is ordered it is ordered for the table. We had 6 courses including dessert. I really enjoyed the sushi dish and the dessert. I was not found of the soba dish, since it had red peppercorns that were very strong. All in all, I preferred Morimoto's to Bond St. But, I love that hubby was thoughtful enough to take us there.

On Sunday, we drove to Seton Hall University to view a Japanese Kabuki music/dance festival. Jon's aunt Eiko was helping out. Professional Japanese dancers and musicians were flown in from Japan and California. To my surprise Kabuki music reminded me a lot of Chinese Opera music, which I enjoy very much. The show was very informative and so much fun to watch. Jon said he found Kabuki music very calming. And he would want to research Noh music, where Kabuki originates from.