Writing from the road: Kyoto and Osaka

After deplaning from the 12 hour flight from San Fran and Osaka, I was humorously greeted by the gentleman at customs in Osaka. As I lifted up my bags for inspection, he pulled out a large, two-inch binder filled with laminated pictures. He began to flip through a multitude of pictures that ranged from colorful Mexican coins, to what looked to be like really bad replicas of Picasso. Then he referenced my bagage with a point of a finger, connecting it with a page that looked to be straight out of a National ant0-drug campaign from the mid 70’s. Quickly realizing the pages were filled with fields of cannabis, used needles, coke, smack, boom, pow, whatever you call all that stuff, I raised my hands up “no way”, needless to say he pulled my bag aside for an extra careful inspection. 10 minutes later, and clean as a whistle, I walked down to the greeting area and travel terminal.

Hmm…I don’t really know who’s picking me up…oh, Misao…is that a guy or a girl? As I slowly descended down the escalator, is started scanning through the field of signs plastered with a world of names. Hmm, no House, or Johnosan, maybe one with Chehalem? Hmm, ah, a Chehalem newsletter! A beautiful, doll-like Misao graciously* greeted me, and we immediately moved toward the train to Kyoto, for a Chehalem-Elk Cove wine dinner at Le Bouchon was to take place in just a few hours. *Note: I do not use the term “graciously” lightly in any case in Japan, the people here are beyond what I’ve known in America. Going into my thrid day of residing in Japan, my initial impressions are only being fortified in that the people have a level of refinement, class and thoughtfullness that makes me think about how I’ve used those adjectives in the past…You know, what do they really mean? Refined (r-fnd) 1. Free from coarseness or vulgarity; polite. 2. Free of impurities; purified. 3. Precise to a fine degree. Even as Misao and I rode in the train to Kyoto, a couple with a crying baby apologized to us repeatedely, as if it were some vagary to have a tired baby. Anyhow, after a 5:30am rainy-Portland wake up, a 12 hour flight to Japan, a one and half hour train ride to Kyoto, a 20 minute cab ride to Le Bouchon, it is time to perform and eat classic French cuisine….wait a second! FRENCH cuisine?!?

That’s right folks, here are a few shots from a classic Provencal meal in Kyoto Japan:

Tourrine of the day, Bar at Le Bouchon , Hama and Shirley talking Oregon up! , Chocolate dessert, Gratine du Chocolate , My supposed Poussin du Jour, I’m pretty sure I got the fish of the day! .

And of course after all that eating and drinking we headed back to the hotel…or not! Who would of thought that after a French meal in your first few hours in Kyoto that you’d be going to a Champagne bar of all places?! Hey, I perk up when I hear bubbles. You’re not gonna want to know what I had, but it was oh so good, and who would’ve thought there would be a veritable selection of grower Champanges at fair prices? Larmandier Bernier Vertus NV , Perfection in service and opening a Champagne bottle .

So this is just what happened in my first few hours in Japan. What happened yesterday? Stay posted, and I’ll give you this hint…Hide Sushi + The beginnings of Lunch . Cheers, JHo