Itadakimasu has no direct translation but something like –

“Thank you for the effort you made in preparing the meal I am about to enjoy”.

And we had many during our first days on our own in Tokyo … from hole in the wall cook your own to multi course meals.

Here are some of our self discovered experiences.

Our first meal (already reviewed) wasn’t easy to find as we put to full use our fledging abilities in Google Maps and translation apps. The effort was rewarded by a wonderful experience on the first night.

Sitting at the counter where we watched food being prepared under the watchful eye of the waiter who did his best to break the communications gap.

Next we ventured into cook your own food. Communication was again difficult and the overworked staff were less helpful.

A visit to a local where they showed a picture saying

“only lamb” .

Fine with us but we were not prepared for the heat, smoke and lard cooking oil.

The ventilation was inadequate to remove all the smoke from the caveman like fires in front each table or counter seat.

Despite the enticing idea of “all you could drink” whiskey sours from handy at your table taps, we restricted ourselves to beer and sake.

It was good but our clothes needed airing and two washes to get rid of smell.

Fortunately next morning we found a Zen inspired tea house to sooth our digestive and breathing abilities.

Did we learn from our experience of the previous night? Of course not since we booked a chefs choice full tempura meal in a basement location with less than 10 counter seats.

A tempura only counter served wonderful food but you can’t eat that much fried food and not feel a little queasy.

Next try was better as we visited the Kitchen District known as a whole area dedicated to kitchen tools of every kind – for both professional and at home cooks.

My partner in crime was in her element, but we also found a wonderful ramen eatery that was welcoming to tourists and served delicious soups and noodles perfect for a rainy day

By this time we sought out some much needed help.

A pre booked professional guide was brought in to properly explain and allow us to enjoy the culinary delights of Tokyo.

See next post….Oishii Desu