Distractions, reflections

Since I have strong preferences in food — some choices due to allergies, others from ethnic background — Satomi asked me for guidance on restaurant selection. I find Japanese food to not have the vegetarian content that Chinese food offers, so she had some time to think about that.

After a day of meetings at the university, we took the train out to Jiyugaoka station.

Maps were consulted to figure out directions.

Up the side street, many of the storefronts in this district were closed. I noticed the bicyclist choosing the safety of sidewalk, while pedestrians casually strolled the streets.

The sidewalks were sometimes non-existent, so we had to be on alert for oncoming cars.

Around the curve, the directions led us uphill.

We found our destination, Aen, with a modest front door.

Shiomi and Satomi had a lengthy consultation with the server about a good selection of alternative dishes. The menu is complete vegetarian, but I complicate matters by trying to avoid dairy products.  Read more... (295 words, 14 images, estimated 1:11 mins reading time)

After a full date in a workshop at TiTech, the group walked out together to the metro station and took the trains to Jiyugaoka. We wended our way through some shopping streets, and Jim led us to the entrance to an upstairs restaurant.

We were seated around a long table. We westerners are thankful for the space under the table for our legs.

The seafood to be grilled came in multiple baskets placed on the table.

 Read more... (145 words, 7 images, estimated 35 secs reading time)