tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76238678947553540372024-03-12T19:45:26.063-04:00Belly Button Lintdredged from the bowels of SicklyBug and CassaendraCassaendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587666499186976948noreply@blogger.comBlogger708125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7623867894755354037.post-32804338749527653212013-11-29T18:24:00.001-05:002013-11-29T18:27:21.374-05:00Semi-Hiatus<br />
There have been numerous posts I've wanted to write. I haven't been able to link pictures from Flickr to Blogger since October. Until I figure out what is wrong, I will provide a link to my pictures on Flickr and "blog" from there. It'll essentially be providing better descriptions to my pictures. :) Perhaps this will be better format? <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/" target="_blank">Cassaendra's Flickr site</a><br />
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Thank you for stopping by! <br />
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- CassaendraCassaendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587666499186976948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7623867894755354037.post-57888284321954053802013-09-29T22:11:00.000-04:002013-09-29T22:11:02.975-04:00Lemon Ginger Yogurt<br />
Snowville Creamery's lemon ginger dessert yogurt was extremely popular for several weeks through Fresh Fork Market, so it was unavailable unless special ordered. Perhaps a ton was ordered or many got their fill recently. To my surprise, we were able to procure a 16 oz tub without special ordering.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/9882042275/" title="Snowville Creamery Lemon Ginger Yogurt by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Snowville Creamery Lemon Ginger Yogurt" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7298/9882042275_95dd8b1b63_b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Lemon ginger yogurt + Ikea lilac Godta bowl</span></div>
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Silky in texture, the lemon ginger yogurt is subtly sweet with a subdued citrus-ginger flavor. The tang is pleasant, not jarring. I can see why this is labeled as a dessert yogurt.<br />
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If Snowville Creamery sounds familiar, perhaps you've had <a href="http://www.jenis.com/" target="_blank">Jeni's ice cream</a>? Their sweet cream is sourced through Snowville. <br />
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- Cassaendra<br />
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<a href="http://www.snowvillecreamery.com/" target="_blank">Snowville Creamery</a><br />
Pomeroy, OH (near Parkersburg, WV)<br />
Available through Fresh Fork Market, Heinen's, Whole Foods, and select Giant Eagle supermarkets.<br />
<br />Cassaendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587666499186976948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7623867894755354037.post-48517210088178801372013-09-28T19:12:00.000-04:002013-09-28T19:13:56.298-04:00Mango Munchies<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/9886883355/" title="Monkeypod Mango Chipotle Jam by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Monkeypod Mango Chipotle Jam" height="375" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2853/9886883355_727208ae15_b.jpg" /></a><br />
Mango chipotle jam</span></div>
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Monkeypod Jam mango chipotle jam from Kaua'i is fantastic feasting with a spoon to sate a sweet craving. The chunks of macerated mango with a hint of smoky heat also works well as a sandwich spread.<br />
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For a quick dinner tonight, I spread chipotle mayonnaise and mango chipotle jam on a wrap with leftover smoked chicken, cucumber sticks, diced orange and yellow tomatoes, and a pinch of fresh ground black pepper.<br />
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- Cassaendra<br />
<br />Cassaendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587666499186976948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7623867894755354037.post-69230947575401921812013-09-23T23:07:00.003-04:002013-09-23T23:07:26.034-04:00Catwalk<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/9752839056/" title="Catwalk by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Catwalk" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7292/9752839056_7890fd680e_b.jpg" width="375" /></a></span></div>
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Here's an earworm that wriggled its way into my head when I walked across this crosswalk. If you know this song relatively well, you'll know why. :)<br />
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<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/39YUXIKrOFk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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- Cassaendra<br />
<br />Cassaendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587666499186976948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7623867894755354037.post-79401227480806376582013-09-22T23:55:00.001-04:002013-09-28T22:03:02.469-04:00Happy Belly<br />
On a corner along Detroit Avenue, Happy Dog is easy to miss. Parking is along the street and at two small lots across the street, an open lot and at another business' lot (available after business hours weekdays and all day on weekends).<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/9698521358/" title="Happy Dog Storefront by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Happy Dog Storefront" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7357/9698521358_6a29773135_b.jpg" /></a><br />
Happy Dog storefront</span></div>
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Aside from hearing about $5 make-your-own quarter pound hot dogs, what really light a match under us to visit for lunch was finding out they had pinball machines. Funky reason, I know.<br />
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Medieval Madness is a castle siege with a cool castle in the upper left corner of the playfield. In X-Men, Magneto manipulates the pinball when it passes through the center.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/9695285291/" title="Happy Dog Pinball by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Happy Dog Pinball" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5345/9695285291_9a2d7af45f_b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />X-Men and Medieval Madness pinball machines</span><br />
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Ordering off their menu is similar to ordering sushi, or if you're familiar with ordering at a make-your-own spot, via rectangular slip of paper with an immense number of toppings [50] to consider. Choices run from the traditional to creative: ketchup, apricot chutney, black truffle honey mustard, Yuengling sauerkraut, pimento mac and cheese, yellow mustard, chow mein, peanut butter, ...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/9698526590/" title="Happy Dog Chili Sriracha Onion Egg by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Happy Dog Chili Sriracha Onion Egg" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5476/9698526590_8c6e127340_b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Chorizo chili, nacho cheese, Spanish onions, sriracha, fried egg</span></div>
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It took us a while to decide what we didn't want on our dogs. Bug ordered chorizo chili, nacho cheese, Spanish onions, sriracha, and a fried egg with his hot dog, while I ordered chorizo chili, pimento mac and cheese, and Momocho habanero sauce.<br />
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The dogs are made by Blue Ribbon Meats, a local company that sources its meat in Ohio. Veggie dogs are sourced elsewhere.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/9695283211/" title="Happy Dog Chili Mac Cheese by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Happy Dog Chili Mac Cheese" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5456/9695283211_c94207ce85_b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Pimento mac and cheese with chorizo chili</span></div>
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Chorizo chili with pimento mac and cheese in a super soft white bun fulfilled my chili dog craving. I was pleased the macaroni had texture, a concept (pasta cooked al dente or at least with some semblance of texture) that is lost at many places. In the event the Momocho habanero sauce was flames-bursting-from-all-orifices hot, I ordered it to arrive separately. Fortunately, it was a pleasant heat. <br />
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The wieners, plump and not overly salty, were heftier than expected, which is silly since a quarter pound dog is a quarter pound dog. Toppings were appropriate so I could appreciate all the ingredients.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/9695290935/" title="Happy Dog Tots Bourbon Beans by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Happy Dog Tots Bourbon Beans" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2815/9695290935_b5efb7a811_b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Tater tots with bourbon pork and beans</span></div>
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Tater tots and fries are $3 and offered in a similar manner to their dogs. Sauces are available for free and toppings are $1.00. I wanted to try the bourbon pork and beans on a hot dog, but didn't want to smother mine with too many toppings, so I ordered it with our tots along with ancho chile coffee barbecue and Jamaican jerk mustard mojo sauces.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/9695288843/" title="Happy Dog Mojo Coffee Habanero by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Happy Dog Mojo Coffee Habanero" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5473/9695288843_e48ec36ff0_b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Jamaican jerk mustard mojo, ancho coffee barbecue, and Momocho habanero sauces</span></div>
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While the ancho coffee sauce was interesting, sweet and smoky, I prefer the spicy stone ground mustard with the tots. I wonder what hot dog toppings would go well with the coffee sauce.<br />
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After our visit, I read about a basement with more games! There was no doubt we would return to try more tasty hot dog combinations, but our curiosity is substantially piqued. <br />
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- Cassaendra<br />
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<a href="http://www.happydogcleveland.com/" target="_blank">Happy Dog</a><br />
5801 Detroit Ave<br />
Cleveland, OH 44102<br />
Tel: (216) 651-9474<br />
<br />Cassaendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587666499186976948noreply@blogger.com45801 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44102, USA41.484831 -81.72654999999997539.7634355 -84.30833699999998 43.2062265 -79.144762999999969tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7623867894755354037.post-15769418455860307162013-09-01T21:40:00.001-04:002013-09-28T19:31:47.270-04:00A Night in Hakata<br />
Just another night in Hakata near the train station.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8207723138/" title="Hakata Train Station Boots by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Hakata Train Station Boots" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8207723138_cddac758a0_b.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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Department stores have oodles of restaurants. Train stations have a plethora of food options. The Hakata station has a couple of large department stores attached to the train station. The food options are mind boggling.<br />
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I can't wait to try Pietro (left) some time when I visit Hawaii. The udon restaurant to the right was mediocre. My father's udon was oooverdone. How does one overcook udon other than on purpose? Fortunately, I ordered ebi tendon (shrimp tempura over rice).<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8192619724/" title="Hakata Train Station by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Hakata Train Station" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8192619724_8564f26696_b.jpg" width="375" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Basement</span></div>
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We ran into family and had an after dinner snack at one of the basement department store - train station restaurants. I was still full so I ordered a small bowl of mentaiko (spiced cod roe), famous throughout Japan. At the table, one can have takana, spicy shoyu-pickled mustard greens, a regional condiment, at your hearts content. With the salty roe and salty salty takana, the large mound of rice and tea were appreciated.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8206752027/" title="Hakata Eki Mentaiko Rice by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Hakata Eki Mentaiko Rice" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8201/8206752027_1082752bb2_b.jpg" width="350" /></a><br />
Mentaiko</span></div>
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For an after after dinner snack, we headed upstairs to one of several department stores buzzing with activity even though it was later in the evening. How could anyone ignore this dessert case at Fugetsu?<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8187226535/" title="Fugetsu Display Case by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Fugetsu Display Case" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8187226535_6335b28e02_b.jpg" width="350" /></a><br />
Dessert case</span></div>
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Chestnuts are one of my favorite Japanese dessert ingredients. How could I pass up pureed chestnuts, chopped chestnuts, and a whole chestnut (inside), in a chocolate cup?<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8188306574/" title="Fugetsu Mont Blanc by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Fugetsu Mont Blanc" height="350" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8188306574_7651da9664_b.jpg" /></a><br />
Mont Blanc</span></div>
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I didn't.<br />
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- Cassaendra<br />
<br />Cassaendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587666499186976948noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7623867894755354037.post-48409786438561489252013-08-18T19:41:00.001-04:002013-08-18T19:41:43.580-04:00Tom Yum Pretz<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/9541492520/" title="Tom Yum Pretz by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Tom Yum Pretz" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7403/9541492520_65fd50603f_b.jpg" width="375" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Tom yum Pretz</span></div>
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If you're a fan of Chicken in a Biskit, savory Pretz, and tom yum, you'll like Glico's tom yum Pretz "breadsticks" made in Thailand. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/9541498342/" title="Tom Yum Pretz Box Thai by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Tom Yum Pretz Box Thai" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7285/9541498342_edd02f6805_b.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Box in Thai</span></div>
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While it isn't like crunching on a bowl of tom yum goong nor very spicy, the salty, lime-sour, and shrimpy flavor hits the target. Blindfolded, one would easily guess the flavor.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/9541495684/" title="Tom Yum Pretz Box English by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Tom Yum Pretz Box English" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3770/9541495684_ea4dddba3a_b.jpg" width="375" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Box in English</span></div>
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I didn't realize there were over 75 Pretz flavors. This doesn't even touch upon Glico's other more famous stick snack, Pocky. Intriguing flavors that were available for a limited time, in Japan, or around Asia: nozawana, basil, mapo tofu, potsticker, eel, spicy squid, larb, mentaiko, and sharks fin. Salad is my favorite flavor.<br />
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- Cassaendra<br />
<br />Cassaendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587666499186976948noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7623867894755354037.post-33441229676859715932013-07-27T23:53:00.000-04:002013-07-27T23:53:05.989-04:00Train to Zone<br />
There are a few activities I look forward to when I go to Japan. Riding trains ranks high, just after visiting friends and family, exploring historic areas, and food.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8296538861/" title="Tsubame Car by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Tsubame Car" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8075/8296538861_e382149b45_b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Tsubame Express - Hakata to Kumamoto</span></div>
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Since we were non-Japanese citizen tourists, we all bought Japan Rail (JR) passes for a phenomenal price - less than $200 for 7 days of unlimited travel - traveling on the shinkansen (bullet train), most commuter trains, buses, and the ferry to Miyajima.<br />
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When I walked into the car to Kumamoto, I was impressed with the wooden seat backs. Even with use, the wood wasn't nicked much. It is evident that passengers are appreciative and respectful of their surroundings.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8297587190/" title="Tsubame Interior by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Tsubame Interior" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8499/8297587190_8649b92834_b.jpg" /></a><br />
Tsubame interior</span></div>
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Another perk to the shinkansen are the carts with local specialty foods called ekibento or ekiben (train meal) and beer, as well as trinkets. I've written about our meals <a href="http://cassaendra.blogspot.com/2012/12/ekiben.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Japanese trains are clean, even daily commuter "one man" trams. Bullet trains are beautifully maintained and comfortable to ride due to its speed, traveling 150-200 mph. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8296536151/" title="Tsubame Interior by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Tsubame Interior" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8501/8296536151_8e7faea5f0_b.jpg" /></a><br />
Tsubame interior</span></div>
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During my train ride to Beppu, I bought a bento of grilled fish and a large assortment of side dishes for less than 500 yen at a department store. Even with riders eating meals and drinking, I must comment again, the trains are meticulously kept.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8188301452/" title="Kumamoto Eki by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Kumamoto Eki" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8188301452_3038897e44_b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Kumamoto train station</span></div>
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One man trains (trams), buses, and cabs arrive frequently outside the train station. In Kumamoto, the tram stops are beautifully landscaped. It is nothing like the depressing train stops in many US cities that make one feel like a second class citizen for using public transportation. <br />
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I also noticed posters in local trams asking commuters to refrain from speaking on mobile phones. What a wonderful rule!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8188299948/" title="Kumamoto Tram by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Kumamoto Tram" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8069/8188299948_59e734a676_b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Local "one man" tram in Kumamoto</span></div>
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Traveling by train is an adventure, but the major stations are a labyrinth of treats with hours of exploration. One of Angelo Pietro restaurants, a chain of Japanese-Italian bistros based in Hakata, is located in the basement of the Hakata train station. Their miso-sesame salad dressing, sold even in Cleveland, is amazing on salads and as a marinade.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8297286943/" title="Hakata Train Pietro by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Hakata Train Pietro" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8361/8297286943_b4e95cccd4_b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Hakata train station basement</span></div>
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Aside from food, train stations have a phenomenal variety of amenities. One is able to shop for gift-wrapped boxes and fancy jars of regional specialties and fancy jars, as well as textiles and trinkets.<br />
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At the Hakata train station there are two major department stores encompassing 6-8 floors where one can purchase play to formal clothing, prepared foods to take home for dinner or on the train, stationery, books, perfumes, kitchenware, furniture, dine at casual and fine dining restaurants, and so much more.<br />
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- Cassaendra<br />
<br />Cassaendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587666499186976948noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7623867894755354037.post-51131502427974611782013-06-19T22:37:00.001-04:002013-06-29T23:16:06.700-04:00Bonbon Brunch<br />
This was our second weekend in a row to Bonbon Pastry and Cafe for breakfast/brunch in Ohio City, a bright, bustling patisserie and cafe adjacent to the building that houses Crop Bistro and Penzeys Spices, along Lorain Ave, just off of W 25th St. <br />
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Our previous trip took place when only the breakfast menu was available. Bug enjoyed his breakfast nachos with chorizo, eggs, avocado, black beans, peppers, onions, pico de gallo, and cheddar. It was a deceivingly filling platter.<br />
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I was impressed with their corned beef hash. The potatoes were crisp, brussels sprouts were not squishy, and there was just the right amount of corned beef and grilled mushrooms for flavor. Hooray for leftover corned beef hash.<br />
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Additionally, I almost burnt my tongue on a fried-to-order batch of cinnamon sugar mini-doughnuts with chocolate sauce and mascarpone dip. Who is crazy enough to wait until fresh doughnuts cool off? Hmm, or maybe it was the cup of macchiato?<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/9062192656/" title="Bonbon French Dip by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Bonbon French Dip" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2848/9062192656_e62e23b0a0_b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
French dip</span></div>
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With the lunch menu available during this visit, it took only moments to decide upon meals -- Bug got the French dip and I chose the grilled asparagus sandwich. He enjoyed the French dip with gruyere, caramelized onions, and au jus. It's not my thing (the onions). The loaf was wonderfully crusty. His platter also came with am impressive stack of fries. I was enamored with the crispy, tasty slender seasoned potatoes that I probably stole half of them. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/9062189518/" title="Bonbon Asparagus Sandwich by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Bonbon Asparagus Sandwich" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7455/9062189518_f1c736474d_b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Grilled asparagus sandwich</span></div>
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The combination may seem like a difficult jumble to eat; however, the asparagus for the most part cut easily with my teeth. Warm grilled asparagus and meaty mushrooms were enhanced by the oozy-creamy combination of fresh mozzarella and basil pesto. Salad greens and marinated tomatoes provided a cool crunch and piquancy that covered the remaining textural and taste bases. Of course, this wouldn't have worked with tough or dry bread. Loved the crusty baguette.<br />
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When entering Bonbon, there is an enticing display of pastries. As the picture shows below, I grabbed the cream-filled choux with dark chocolate and ate more than half...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/9062196088/" title="Bonbon Eclair by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Bonbon Eclair" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5499/9062196088_c6e5129901_b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Eclair</span></div>
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While I adored my sandwich and would like order it on every visit to Bonbon Cafe, I want to try some other dishes like the tofu hash, bubble and squeak, as well as their other pastries. The fries (a barrel of them) alone are enough to return over and over again.<br />
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At the time of this post, Bonbon Cafe advertises a breakfast happy hour, where breakfast entrees are $5.00 from 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. Parking, as far as we have seen, is what is available along the street.<br />
<br />
- Cassaendra<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bonboncleveland.com/">Bonbon Pastry and Cafe</a><br />
2549 Lorain Ave<br />
Cleveland, OH 44113<br />
Tel: (216) 458-9225<br />
<br />Cassaendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587666499186976948noreply@blogger.com02549 Lorain Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113, USA41.4836888 -81.70409999999998315.961654300000003 -123.01269399999998 67.0057233 -40.395505999999983tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7623867894755354037.post-76866261753129864072013-05-27T17:10:00.000-04:002013-05-27T17:10:27.060-04:00Town and Country<br />
Driving along West 25th, there are numerous buildings with murals that show the goings on of each neighborhood.<br />
<br />
Displayed along a surface lot on W 25th Street and Church Ave, near Detroit Ave, reflects Ohio City's cycling and sidewalk cafe scene.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8847949365/" title="W 25th Church Ave Mural by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="W 25th Church Ave Mural" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7310/8847949365_4d27605afd_b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Town</span></div>
<br />
A few blocks away, across from West Side Market, is the typically bustling Market Square Park of shoppers and foodies. Having taken this early Sunday morning, only a couple of people were roaming about.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8857075527/" title="W 25th St Lorain Ave Mural by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="W 25th St Lorain Ave Mural" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3806/8857075527_46e5f8bf64_b.jpg" /></a><br />
Country</span></div>
<br />
Red brick is a lovely canvas, regardless of whether the fabric is worn or well kept.<br />
<br />
- Cassaendra<br />
<br />
Along West 25th Street<br />
Ohio City<br />
Cleveland, OHCassaendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587666499186976948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7623867894755354037.post-11842024252991707042013-05-25T13:14:00.000-04:002013-05-26T20:29:12.552-04:00Pizza Pizza<br />
The weather was beautiful last night, clear and cool in the 50s (°F), almost fall-like, perfect for something spicy and butternut squash. Why not pizza at Crust?<br />
<br />
We ordered our usual hot pepperoni margherita pizza -- medium, thin crust. We've had the best result with Crust's medium pizza, while not cracker crisp along the bottom, it is not soggy in the center like the large. In addition, we ordered their butternut pizza.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8826936518/" title="Crust Hot Pepperoni Margherita by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Crust Hot Pepperoni Margherita" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7295/8826936518_8e045a451c_b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Hot pepperoni margherita pizza</span></div>
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The thickly sliced pepperoni was meaty, salty, and spicy, but not overwhelming over the smoked mozzarella, garlic, and roasted tomatoes. One of the charms of tonight's pizza was its irregular shape, not perfectly circular.<br />
<br />
Butternut squash pie sounds odd, but if you're open minded about pizza it is quite good, especially when it is well balanced -- sweet apple cider reduction and caramelized onions, spiced butternut squash, nutty pumpkin seed oil, smoky bacon, and sharp Danish blue cheese.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8827700656/" title="Crust Butternut Squash by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Crust Butternut Squash" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7311/8827700656_03836a5d8e_b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Butternut squash pizza</span></div>
<br />
My next pizza will be roasted eggplant, which has roasted tomatoes and red peppers, red sauce, smoked mozzarella, oregano, fresh basil, arugula, balsamic reduction, and romano. The Capocollo sounds pretty good, too, with Italian cured ham, roasted tomatoes, smoked mozzarella, basil, and olive oil.<br />
<br />
- Cassaendra<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.crusttremont.com/" target="_blank">Crust</a><br />
1020 Kenilworth Ave<br />
Cleveland, Ohio 44113<br />
Tel: (216) 583-0257<br />
<br />Cassaendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587666499186976948noreply@blogger.com01020 Kenilworth Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113, USA41.479971 -81.68832299999996815.957936499999999 -122.99691699999997 67.0020055 -40.379728999999969tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7623867894755354037.post-4109037284048055052013-05-19T22:46:00.002-04:002013-05-19T22:58:31.362-04:00Breadsmith<br />
We discovered Breadsmith of Lakewood last Saturday and have nearly filled their customer loyalty punchcard of 12 loaves. Their bread is baked in small batches each day. A monthly and weekly calendar denotes the schedule of available loaves. Not only do they have a large variety and great tasting bread, their service is fabulous -- cheerful, personal, knowledgeable, and warm.<br />
<br />
Our current favorite is their Greek olive focaccia with cheese -- cheesy on top and loaded with olives, enough to flavor it but not overwhelming. We're on our 3rd loaf.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8755886956/" title="Breadsmith Monkey by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Breadsmith Monkey" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8538/8755886956_a0d802fcf9_b.jpg" width="375" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Mini-monkey bread</span></div>
<br />
The mini cinnamon monkey bread pictured above is also quite good, lasting less than half a day. We've also tried their sour dough, sun dried tomato and basil, multigrain, and zucchini walnut loaves, as well as the chocolate chip, sugar, and ginger cookies.<br />
<br />
Ginger cookies are wonderfully soft. Each time we've visited, we've indulged in one. Sugar cookies were fine. The chocolate cookies are soft, thick, and chocolaty, but not as much my preference as the ginger. <br />
<br />
For dinner, Bug served up grilled cheese sandwiches using slices of the sun dried tomato and basil loaf with Mayfield Road Creamery's smoked gouda and some American cheese. Lunch tomorrow will be herb roasted turkey on sour dough bread. Can't wait!<br />
<br />
By our next purchase, we will have filled our punchcard. It was noted during our most recent visit that the free loaf would be the most expensive. That is a first for me.<br />
<br />
- Cassaendra<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.breadsmithcleveland.com/" target="_blank">Breadsmith of Lakewood</a><br />
18101 Detroit Ave<br />
Lakewood, OH 44107
<br />
Tel: (216) 529-8443<br />
<br />Cassaendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587666499186976948noreply@blogger.com018101 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, OH 44107, USA41.484037099999988 -81.82300279999998315.962002599999987 -123.13159679999998 67.006071599999984 -40.514408799999984tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7623867894755354037.post-36729439006831273292013-05-18T11:49:00.001-04:002013-05-19T00:36:00.434-04:00Discoveries<br />
We ducked in from the rain into an office building a few steps from <a href="http://cassaendra.blogspot.com/2013/05/kumamoto-castle.html">Kumamoto Castle</a>. Packed into a small elevator, we zipped up to Uotami, an izakaya chain. It was the first of several visits to izakaya during this trip, more times than I had in my lifetime previous.<br />
<br />
Stepping out of the elevator into the restaurant, one is transported from concrete, traffic, and bright lights to warmth, wood, tatami, paper, and soft glowing lamps. Shoes are removed in one area and taken to a room with three walls of square-foot wooden lockers.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8209448545/" title="Kumamoto Uotami Shoe Key by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Kumamoto Uotami Shoe Key" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8479/8209448545_71d4017a48_b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Shoe key</span></div>
<br />
The characters on the key slide into a slot in a matching labeled door, which is pretty nifty since you don't have to remember the exact location of the locker, except when you pick a locker with a blank key like my uncle accidentally did. The characters had been rubbed clean. Fortunately, we remembered the general area so it took two tries before he was able to retrieve his shoes.<br />
<br />
While I'm not a big fan of random sashimi, I don't mind salmon and shrimp, especially amaebi. When abalone was part of the order, I was excited to try this delicacy. Similar to scallops with a faint fishy flavor and crunchy, but more chewy and sweeter; it was a little tougher than I expected. The mollusks are located at the bottom, 6 o'clock, in the photograph below.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8209449077/" title="Kumamoto Uotami Sashimi by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Kumamoto Uotami Sashimi" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8209449077_fb04f4cfa9_b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Sashimi</span></div>
<br />
The next platter that arrived was basashi, a local delicacy in Kumamoto of thinly sliced raw horse meat. It was similar to raw beef (tried in Hida over 15 years ago), but tougher. With the shiso (perilla leaf) as a wrap and dipped in shoyu, basashi tasted like shiso dipped in shoyu. For me, shiso provides a sharpness to a dish but can overwhelm.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8188295778/" title="Kumamoto Uotami Basashi by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Kumamoto Uotami Basashi" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8205/8188295778_dc5ff2b7d7_b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Basashi</span></div>
<br />
Next up was chicken yakitori - cartilage, skin, heart, thigh, and I think liver. There are specific names for different types of skewered meat. I once asked what yakitori is called when the skewered meat is not chicken (tori) and was informed that it has become a generic term for skewered meats, so it is acceptable to call skewered beef, beef yakitori.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8210536588/" title="Kumamoto Uotami Yakitori by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Kumamoto Uotami Yakitori" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8067/8210536588_9fd2c9f7e3_b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Yakitori</span></div>
<br />
Their gyoza was perfectly fried, crunchy, chewy, and not too garlicky. No complaints! What was memorable about this serving of gyoza from the hundreds of plates of gyoza I have had in my lifetime was the sauce.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8209034113/" title="Kumamoto Uotami Gyoza by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Kumamoto Uotami Gyoza" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8059/8209034113_d6dd61c82a_b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Gyoza</span></div>
<br />
The dipping sauce was not just the standard shoyu, rice vinegar, and rayu. The dab of green is yuzukosho, a citrusy peppery paste made from yuzu, chile peppers, and salt then fermented, a specialty of Kyushu. I fell in love with this paste and imaged the possibilities -- in potato salad, with grilled fish, in fried rice or noodles, ramen, ...so many dishes! It didn't take more than 2 seconds after I found a tube of yuzukosho, to purchase it. Why the delay? Question posed: How many?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8210120464/" title="Kumamoto Uotami Gyoza Sauce by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Kumamoto Uotami Gyoza Sauce" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8208/8210120464_66d2b5de3c_b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Gyoza sauce with yuzukosho</span></div>
<br />
Shared between 5 adults, this meal was a fantastic deal. It left me sated; cost less than $100 total; and broadened my palate by allowing me to try a number of new foods with little risk.<br />
<br />
- Cassaendra<br />
<br />
Uotami<br />
1-22 Kamitori-cho<br />
Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto 860-0845<br />
Kyushu<br />
Japan<br />
Tel: 096-324-2288<br />
<br />Cassaendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587666499186976948noreply@blogger.com0Kumamoto, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan32.8031004 130.7078910999999832.3737844 130.0596976 33.2324164 131.35608459999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7623867894755354037.post-48772959557724046682013-05-17T23:00:00.000-04:002013-05-18T01:53:56.672-04:00Kumamoto Castle<br />
The packed tram ride from <a href="http://cassaendra.blogspot.com/2013/01/suizenji-park.html">Suizenji Park</a> to Kumamoto Castle took ~15 min. Visiting Kuamamoto Castle has been a bit of a dream since I was a child since I've wanted to visit that cool black castle. Unfortunately, when we visited in the fall, it rained through the day and evening.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8188298824/" title="Kumamotojo by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Kumamotojo" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8205/8188298824_f94ef25ee3_b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />Palace and courtyard</span></div>
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Windows along the base and a little higher were used to scope out the area for enemies.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8748879123/" title="Kumamotojo by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Kumamotojo" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8556/8748879123_65cc3f7194_b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Stone base with castle</span></div>
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As majestic as these castles appear on the outside, they are quite functional. Stone stairs near the entrance were purposely built craggy and the steps long in stride to slow invaders. Curved base walls made of stone were difficult to scale.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8296549127/" title="Kumamotojo Aerial by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Kumamotojo Aerial" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8497/8296549127_3e2c2fc069_b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />Aerial diorama of old Kumamoto</span></div>
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Two buildings within the keep are museums with castle and overhead models, and artifacts like helmets and early arquebuses, to building equipment, post and beam fittings, and screens. Both models below were quite sizable.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8209443117/" title="Kumamotojo Model by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Kumamotojo Model" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8209443117_3503dfb21c_b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Models of the keep</span></div>
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The original castle was built in the 15th century. Through the years, the keep was expanded, rebuilt when certain areas were burnt from a rebellion in the 19th century, and reconstructed.<br />
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The tools that are on display weren't used for torture, but for building the castle. It's interesting to see how little certain tools have changed over time.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8297592696/" title="Kumamotojo Tools by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Kumamotojo Tools" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8217/8297592696_25783fc627_b.jpg" /></a><br />
Tools used to build the castle</span></div>
<br />
A stairwell circles the center of the castle, becoming narrower with each higher level. At the top is a panoramic view through large wood frames. I wanted to stand there for much longer to drink in the beautiful mountains with treetops starting to turn. The view from the other side is of the sprawling city.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8188296588/" title="Kumamotojo View Top by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Kumamotojo View Top" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8188296588_2d21cf3b39_b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
View from the top</span></div>
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A few of the rooms were refurbished, providing us a glimpse of what parts of the castle must have looked like when it was inhabited. Below are pictures of the main reception area.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8297595304/" title="Kumamotojo Doors by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Kumamotojo Doors" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8363/8297595304_2e2093496c_b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />Gold doors of the main reception</span></div>
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I haven't done the screens and ceiling of the main receiving room justice.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8187217081/" title="Kumamotojo Gold by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Kumamotojo Gold" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8187217081_37d3d81d99_b.jpg" /></a><br />
Kumamoto Gold</span></div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8296544247/" title="Kumamotojo Rooms by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Kumamotojo Rooms" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8223/8296544247_c9cb18b588_b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />Main reception room</span></div>
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From exquisite gold and colorful depictions of nature to clean symmetry in wood and paper, my favorite is somewhere in between. Several wooden doors were on display. This set with pheasants was my favorite. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8296546463/" title="Kumamotojo Door by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Kumamotojo Door" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8493/8296546463_42cf2aa527_b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />Refurbished wood doors</span></div>
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We didn't have days to tour Kumamoto castle, so I quickly toured everything so I wouldn't regret missing anything. By the time we left, part of the grounds were closed and marched through the drizzle through a different gate forcing us to see a different angle of the castle from the outside, for which I am glad.<br />
<br />
Time for dinner! Kumamoto is famous for basashi (horse meat sashimi), so I was going to be in for a treat!<br />
<br />
- Cassaendra<br />
<br />
Kumamoto Castle<br />
Kumamoto<br />
Japan<br />
<br />Cassaendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587666499186976948noreply@blogger.com0Kumamoto, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan32.8031004 130.7078910999999832.3761034 130.0624441 33.2300974 131.35333809999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7623867894755354037.post-84685117723276628692013-04-30T22:52:00.000-04:002013-09-28T19:14:36.540-04:00Marmalade Symphony<br />
During a recent trip to Ikea, we picked up a jar of sylt fläder and apelsin (orange and elderflower) marmalade. Wafer thin slivers of orange in every bite creates a bright and faintly bitter contrast to the sweet, intensely orange jelly.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8669211305/" title="Ikea Marmalade by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Ikea Marmalade" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8266/8669211305_83cc0bc7e7_b.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Marmalade swoon</span></div>
<br />
This bottled bliss has been versatile with curried Brussels sprouts, spicy bison sausage sticks, mixed in salsa over salmon, muesli and almond milk, taquitos, crackers, oatmeal, straight from the jar...<br />
<br />
Ikea better have their shelves stocked next time we head there! <br />
<br />
- Cassaendra<br />
<br />Cassaendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587666499186976948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7623867894755354037.post-67611545533938794642013-04-20T10:03:00.000-04:002013-04-21T20:59:06.962-04:00Netflix'd<br />
I have a confession. For the past few months, I've been devouring tv series on Netflix. The first major series I tackled was Doctor Who -- seventh through tenth doctors (2005 - 2012) -- over a span of 4-6 weeks. What a remarkable mix of adventure, tragedy, drama, and humor, as I had not heard of the time-space traveling adventurers growing up.<br />
<br />
This led me to watch the entire Torchwood series, a spin-off of the Doctor Who series through Captain Jack Harkness' adventures. At first, the series was pretty light-hearted, but became very dark and quite engaging at its close.<br />
<br />
Numerous long and short series later...<br />
<br />
I discovered "The Guild," a web series based on a group of MMORPG players in a guild, a few days ago. Series 1-5 are available compiled on Netflix. While I am not a fan of comedies, I found this to be quite amusing since some of it is a bit familiar. *cough* Of course, I'll be watching series 6 very soon directly from their website.<br />
<br />
The wonderful part about streaming entertainment is the availability of an entire series on demand, from the first episode through the conclusion, instead of waiting weekly over a span of years or skipping to the end. I've discovered several panned series that were fantastic only to find out, sadly, they were abruptly canceled, and the opposite with highly acclaimed series.<br />
<br />
My favorite Doctor Who? I love Christopher Eccleston (distant, dark), David Tennant (light, brooding) and Matt Smith (playful, eccentric) equally. A few of the companions were painful to watch.<br />
<br />
Perhaps I'll write a snippet about a few of the gems and rubbish I have discovered. So many series, so little time. Allons-y!<br />
<br />
- Cassaendra<br />
<br />Cassaendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587666499186976948noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7623867894755354037.post-33748606204032043862013-04-15T23:21:00.001-04:002013-04-15T23:21:43.571-04:00Aero<br />
Walking in to Gaelic Imports in Parma, I squealed when I noticed three Aero chocolate boxes after reading about them in <a href="http://watkinslynn.typepad.com/pages_pucks_and_pantry/2013/03/crathie-crunch.html">Mrs. L's blog</a> -- mint, orange, and original -- and quickly grabbed an orange bar.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8650150435/" title="Aero Orange by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Aero Orange" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8523/8650150435_16e47e319b_b.jpg" width="375" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Aero orange choco </span></div>
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The photograph is missing a green bar because mint was sold out. *pout*<br />
<br />
When I see a bubbly center within chocolate covered anything, I think of crisped rice. Imagine my disappointment when I bit into the bar to discover a cake-like texture.<br />
<br />
Aero is aerated milk chocolate. Hello. I love orange-chocolate, so no complaints with the prominent orange flavor and would buy it again, but at $1.50, the price is a touch steep for me.<br />
<br />
Along with the chocolate bar, we snagged a meat pastie and beef pie. It was all right, as far as beef, peas, and potatoes baked in puff pastries go. They reminded me that I haven't had curry pan and piroshki in years.<br />
<br />
- Cassaendra<br />
<br />Cassaendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587666499186976948noreply@blogger.com05633 Pearl Road, Parma, OH 44129, USA41.408358 -81.73938599999996815.753286500000002 -123.22376099999997 67.0634295 -40.255010999999968tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7623867894755354037.post-86930841544975126222013-03-31T17:58:00.000-04:002013-03-31T17:58:14.730-04:00Povitica<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8599483472/" title="Povitica Walnut by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Povitica Walnut" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8240/8599483472_f58b20774e_b.jpg" width="375" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Walnut povitica</span></div>
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We recently saw a Strawberry Hill display of poppy seed, apple cinnamon, walnut, and chocolate chip cream cheese povitica at Costco. Povitica is traditionally a spiced sweet eastern European pastry roll. I first became familiar with nut rolls several years ago when someone from work brought in a poppy seed roll.<br />
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Tasting a morsel of each at the sampling station, the apple cinnamon and poppy seed povitica were delicious, as expected. I was sold on the spiced, honey walnut pastry with its moist, dense center and thin flaked crust. It reminded me a lot of baklava, but not as bitter (from the nuts) nor as sweet.<br />
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- Cassaendra<br />
<br />Cassaendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587666499186976948noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7623867894755354037.post-4331963039088910462013-03-20T23:02:00.000-04:002013-03-20T23:02:29.555-04:00Bourbon St<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8576627928/" title="Bourbon Coffee by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Bourbon Coffee" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8232/8576627928_9754ccccf4_b.jpg" width="375" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Bourbon St...imulant</span></div>
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I admit not being a coffee connoisseur, so my favorite feature about World Market's bourbon flavored coffee ($7.99) is the black packaging and whimsical label. Shallow, yes; at least Bug seems to enjoy the coffee. The coffee is smooth, not bitter, possibly the result of not scalding the coffee, purchasing a fairly fresh bag, or simply a great batch.<br />
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- Cassaendra<br />
<br />Cassaendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587666499186976948noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7623867894755354037.post-715165975500050102013-03-17T22:53:00.002-04:002013-03-17T22:53:52.947-04:00Snacks<br />
To lose 25 lb, hopefully permanently, a nutritionist has suggested a 6-meal 900 cal/day diet to jumpstart the weight loss. The diet is an increase in protein and number of meals from my current routine.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8566661800/" title="Snack Tomatoes by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Snack Tomatoes" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8510/8566661800_17f198fd8f_b.jpg" width="375" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Roasted tomatoes, asparagus, chevre, habenero cheese </span></div>
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Each day's allotment includes 11 units of protein, 3+ units of non-starchy vegetables, 1/2 unit of starch, 1/2 unit of fruit, and 1 unit of dairy spread out across 3 main meals and 3 snacks. An example of 1 unit of protein is 1 ounce of chicken or lean red meat; 1 unit of fruit is 4 ounces, 1 unit of dairy is 1 cup of fat-free milk or 1/2 cup of yogurt.<br />
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A jar of Clark Pope Catering plump roasted tomatoes was recently included in one of our bags from our CSA (<a href="http://freshforkmarket.com/">Fresh Fork Market</a>). Packed with fig vinegar, thyme, oregano, basil, and lemon, they are a subtly sweet and summery addition to a salad or to pick out of the jar as a snack.<br />
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Of course, daily rigorous exercise is part of the weight loss plan. I haven't gotten to that part yet.<br />
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- Cassaendra<br />
<br />Cassaendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587666499186976948noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7623867894755354037.post-3853166953032319872013-03-02T16:57:00.003-05:002013-03-02T16:57:37.009-05:00Fizzy Cucumbers<br />
When we were in Japan, I searched high and low and asked numerous people to help me find cucumber Pepsi, advertised several years ago. I thought I missed my chance in a lifetime when none could be found until I walked into World Market recently.<br />
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Impression of my first sip: fizzy English cucumber<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8517914060/" title="MrQ Cucumber Soda by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="MrQ Cucumber Soda" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8365/8517914060_b35f797367_b.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Cool Q</span></div>
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Mr Q Cumber tastes like a bushel of very sweet fresh English cucumber seeds. I prefer seedless Japanese cucumbers, so the intensity was a little more cukey than I would have preferred. Would I buy this again? Yes. How else would I be able to enjoy effervescent cucumbers, aside from owning a SodaStream?<br />
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- Cassaendra<br />
<br />Cassaendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587666499186976948noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7623867894755354037.post-64665759930054565112013-02-28T21:23:00.002-05:002013-02-28T21:23:41.344-05:00PBJ<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8516543239/" title="PBJ Cupcake by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="PBJ Cupcake" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8228/8516543239_dddfe274af_b.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">~PBJ~</span></div>
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Lately, I've had a serious Goober craving. The women at A Cookie and a Cupcake come to the rescue with a PBJ cupcake! Grape jelly, too! <br />
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The remaining special cupcakes were Mexican hot chocolate (moist, spicy with lovely orange filling); vegan (dense, but not a brick - great for buttercream haters); and vegetarian.<br />
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- Cassaendra<br />
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<a href="http://www.acookieandacupcake.com/">A Cookie and a Cupcake</a><br />
2173 Professor Ave<br />
Cleveland, OH 44113<br />
Tel: (216) 344-9433<br />
<br />Cassaendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587666499186976948noreply@blogger.com02173 Professor Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113, USA41.48241 -81.68711515.960375500000001 -122.995709 67.0044445 -40.378521000000006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7623867894755354037.post-27733872128460545152013-02-09T20:50:00.000-05:002013-02-09T20:50:00.370-05:00Sweet Mimosa<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8460335516/" title="Mimosa Cupcake by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Mimosa Cupcake" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8242/8460335516_ea477a4a08_b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Mimosa
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Today's cupcake of the day at A Cookie and a Cupcake is mimosa. The frosting was a boozy citrus, which mimosa lovers will enjoy. I loved the orange cream filling and vanilla cake combination.<br />
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With such fun flavors, how am I going to lose weight? :)<br />
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- Cassaendra<br />
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<a href="http://www.acookieandacupcake.com/">A Cookie and a Cupcake</a><br />
2173 Professor Ave<br />
Cleveland, OH 44113<br />
Tel: (216) 344-9433<br />
<br />Cassaendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587666499186976948noreply@blogger.com02173 Professor Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113, USA41.48241 -81.68711515.960375500000001 -122.995709 67.0044445 -40.378521000000006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7623867894755354037.post-40081601419092462112013-02-03T00:07:00.000-05:002013-02-03T00:15:13.401-05:00Superbowl Cupcake?<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8440403220/" title="Superbowl Cupcake by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Superbowl Cupcake" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8081/8440403220_f72171edf3_b.jpg" width="375" /></a></span></div>
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Buffalo wings with ranch dressing and chips are a couple of dishes I think of when I think of Superbowl grub, aside from pizza, potato salad, beer, and Tums.<br />
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The women at A Cookie and a Cupcake thought up a Superbowl themed savory-sweet cupcake that actually works even though I prefer ranch over bleu cheese. Corn chips with spiced barbecue buttercream are tasty in a french fries in your shake or sundae sort of way.<br />
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- Cassaendra<br />
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<a href="http://www.acookieandacupcake.com/">A Cookie and a Cupcake</a><br />
2173 Professor Ave<br />
Cleveland, OH 44113<br />
Tel: (216) 344-9433Cassaendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587666499186976948noreply@blogger.com22173 Professor Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113, USA41.48241 -81.68711515.960375500000001 -122.995709 67.0044445 -40.378521000000006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7623867894755354037.post-15731737978682478762013-01-14T22:21:00.001-05:002013-01-14T22:21:45.345-05:00Suizenji Park<br />
Suizenji Kouen in Kumamoto was constructed in 1636 by the Hosokawa family with Mt Fuji as its centerpiece. Walking through the park, one can take numerous scenic photographs with many combinations of trees, water, teahouse, statues, shrubs, and rock formations.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8188295066/" title="Suizenji Hill by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Suizenji Hill" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8188295066_da26f42849_b.jpg" width="375" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">A view</span> </div>
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I took over 50 pictures at this park, but this rather plain shot is my favorite. Being right in the middle of an urban area, much of the view is marred by tall concrete buildings, satellite towers, and balloons. Statues of Hosokawa stand near an area that was used for noh performances.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8296541799/" title="Suizenji Potato by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Suizenji Potato" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8357/8296541799_fed6f774ca_b.jpg" width="375" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Potato Lady</span></div>
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One of the women I was traveling with bought sweet potato mochi for everyone. The lightly sweetened golf ball sized sweet potato puree wrapped with mochi were made minutes before, so they were warm, a little sticky on the outside and perfectly smooth and firm on the inside. Perfect with green tea, which I didn't have.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49438472@N00/8297590206/" title="Suizenji Satoimo Mochi by cassaendra, on Flickr"><img alt="Suizenji Satoimo Mochi" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8351/8297590206_d06c6887c1_b.jpg" width="375" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Mochi</span></div>
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At a brisk pace, Suizenji Park takes around 30 minutes to walk the paved perimeter, but I left wanting to spend hours here to enjoy its beauty; however, our next step was a tour of beautiful Kumamoto Castle. The park is a 15 minute tram ride from the castle (30 min tram ride from Kumamoto train station) and is a must-see when coming to Kumamoto. Don't forget to bring a cup of hot green tea.<br />
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- Cassaendra<br />
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Suizenji Kouen<br />
Kumamoto<br />
Japan<br />
<br />Cassaendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587666499186976948noreply@blogger.com0Suizenji Koen, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan32.7906047 130.7319563999999432.7839302 130.72187139999994 32.797279200000006 130.74204139999995