NOODLES!

One of our closest friends, a noodle aficionado, once remarked " ... I have never met a noodle I did not like!" Well, he would be in heaven in Japan. Every culture has its own interpretation of a good bowl of noodles and Japan is no exception. What made them slightly different is in addition to their own versions under the large umbrella of the ramen, udon, and sorba categories Japan has incorporated certain aspects of Chinese noodle recipes. As for marketing, just look at this unique display in front of a large 'fits-all-taste' noodle joint on Tenjimbashi.

By the way, we think Shinsaibashi has lost its local flavor in a big way. What used to be a fascinating walk with kimono shops, hardware stores, gifts shops, and local produce outlets is now swamped by franchised names like ... Zara. On the food front Macdonalds, Crispy Creme and Subway have popped up to replace indigenous, local snack stops both tourists and locals love. Hello? While this is all sad to see the saving grace is the survival of Tenjimbashi, off Minami Morimachi Station. This long stretch of covered shopping is like Shinsaibashi in its yester years, abundant with a much more interesting parade of retail outlets. We strongly recommend this walk.

Speaking of noodles, there was a Japanese movie from at least 15 if not more years ago by the name of 'Tenpopo'. It is the charming story of how a widow managed a neighborhood ramen shop via the help of a Robin Hoodish truck driver. It had to be the first ever Nippon foodie movie that made the international stage, and it was masterly. There was a scene when a ramen guru showed novices how a bowl of ramen is to be appreciated and religiously consumed, step by step. It was a classic, as classic as the famous Gone with the Wind or Casablanca scenes if you ask me, or any noodle lover. It is not easy to get this DVD, not even in Japan as I have tried so good luck looking for it.  Of all places, my exJ&J Mentor Russ picked mine up from a ABC retail store in a Sydney suburb, of all places.