Japanese Attaché dinner - Feb. 4/16

Dinner at the home of the Japanese Attaché

Shingo & Satoko

In this diplomatic world we are fortunate to experience many different cultures and cuisines. Last night was a dinner party at the home of the Japanese Attaché and it was a fantastic evening filled with several different alcoholic beverages (champagne, wine, saki and finally, because we are in Russia, I had strawberry vodka and it was delicious) and, of course, great company and great food! Here are a few pictures from our evening.

Cool Samurai doll in their home

Our menu for the evening....

This was interesting because everything was soft enough to eat it with chopsticks! I love the little place cards with each country's flag and our names written in Japanese. Last name first, then title/rank, then first name.

This was probably my least favorite... a custard dish with vegetables, but still I appreciate the opportunity to try new things!

The tempura vegetables were delicious with a green tea salt (top left)!

 

Of course we had to have sushi! I was looking forward to that. I even enjoyed the rice wrapped in tofu. Craig would not even try it - what a baby! lol

Who knew I would ever try green tea ice cream? It was refreshing. They told us that normally they do not eat dessert because some of the main dishes are already sweet enough for them.

The beautiful little flower arrangement that was on the table and then they gave it to us as a parting gift. Each bouquet for each couple was designed with the flag colours from each country. What a great idea!

The group: Japan, Kazakhstan, USA, and Canada represented. Notice our little slippers. Before you enter a Japanese home you must remove your shoes and put on slippers.

 

Of course no Japanese dinner party is complete without a Kimono. I learned that the word "kimono" means "thing to wear"(ki "wear" and mono "thing"). A kimono is always used at important and formal events. This kimono - a Uchikake kimono - was very old and apparently would be worn by a bride. The cranes on it represent long-lasting love because cranes mate with one partner for life. The evergreen trees also represent the same thing.

An example of another traditional Uchikake kimono with cranes

And trying one on!

And being silly!