Must. Go. To. Shirokiya.

Ok, this post took me waaaay too much time to get format. AAAARGH!!!!!!!

 

There is a large store here in Honolulu named Shirokiya. It's been around since before I was born (methinks). It is a mulit-level mecca for all things Japanese. Electronics, toys, make-up, handbags, clothing, kitchenware, health products....you name it. But best of all, an entire floor is devoted to FOOD. Imported Japanese food, from grocery items to delectible goodies cooked right in front of you. I always go into a frenzy when I visit because it is total, orgasmic sensory overload. These are a few pics from the last time I visited, but this is a just a miniscule sampling. I stuffed my face (and with me, this is some kind of fish, raw or cooked, or both), then surreptitiously snapped some pics on my way out. Asian food has been and will always be my favorite, and this is my preference, in order (although it changes sometimes):

1- Chinese
2- Japanese
3- Korean
4- Vietnamese
5- Indian
6- Thai
7- Filipino/Malaysian (noy HUGE on it, but they make kick-ass roasted pig)
Next week, we are going to a fantastic Indian restaurant and I'll snap lots of pics!! It's named Himalayan Kitchen, and the food  does have some Napalese Influence. I can't wait!!!!

Roasted turkey and crabs

Hey, it's more meat and seafood :-D!! And my text is still at the bottom :-/.

Perch on a board

More fishies!! Me rikes fishies.

Heirloom Tomato mountain

I've made more tomatoes today than I have in my entire life...or, at least, in one sitting. The platters are made by my good buddy, woodturner Thomas Saunders. The platter on the left is for a customer, and the one on the right I am listing.

A charming website

A friend and customer of mine directed me to this website which displays the work of Syreeta Edwards. She makes wonderful bath and body goodies, as well as other things like gourmet chocolates!! I felt like I was walking right into a miniature Crabtree and Evelyn store! See for yourself:

http://www.syreetasminiatures.com/(en)index.html

Getting over feeling like shit....

but I kept making stuff through the worst of it. I HAD too!!! When I get commissions, I can't rest...I have to attack it until it's done. But I sometimes think that miniature making keeps me sane. Before this, I would sometimes bounce off the walls. This is a way to channel all that angst, restlessness, and boredom. I'm sure many of you feel the same way, to varying degrees. My output has been somewhat hampered by my illness, but now I feel like I need to make up for lost time!!

Ok, why can I not put this text above the pics?? What harpooned!??

Hunks of meat

I've been sick the past few days, so I haven't been able to make much stuff, but here's a bloody roast and a leg of lamb. Meat is probably right below fish for some of my favorite things to make. I am posting at 2:50 a.m. Why?? Because I am suddenly wide awake after being in bed pretty much all day yesterday!! AAARGH!!!

Atlantic Cod and Bolete Shrooms

I am on autopilot again. You know how you have bursts of creativity and the juices start flowing and you almost can't make stuff fast enough? And then, you fall back a bit and go into your "comfort zone"? This almost seems to be a pattern with me :-/. It peaks, then hits a little valley. I am in a little valley. Not that I don't love making fish and fruit and mushrooms (because I always do), but methinks I need a little vacation. Why does the Chicago trip have to be a YEAR away????? I am making these as I watch Anthony Bourdain in exotic, far-flung destinations, eating things like shark's heads, raw seal's eyes, and goat's stomach. Not that I want to eat any of that (with the exception of the shark's head), but it makes me want to get off this damned rock (as much as I love it)! Hell, I could use a slice of real Chicago pizza right about now!!