Sushi and Beyond: One Family's Remarkable Journey Through the Greatest Food Nation on Earth - Softcover

Michael Booth

3.98

2,044 ratings by Goodreads

9780224081887: Sushi and Beyond: One Family's Remarkable Journey Through the Greatest Food Nation on Earth

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0224081888 ISBN 13: 9780224081887

Publisher: Jonathan Cape, 2009

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Japan is the pre-eminent food nation on earth. The Japanese go to the most extraordinary lengths and expense to eat the finest, most delectable, and downright freakiest food imaginable. Their creativity, dedication and ingenuity, not to mention courage in the face of dishes such as cod sperm, whale penis and octopus ice cream, is only now beginning to be fully appreciated in the sushi-saturated West, as are the remarkable health benefits of the traditional Japanese diet. Inspired by Shizuo Tsuji's classic book, "Japanese Cooking, A Simple Art", food and travel writer Michael Booth sets off to take the culinary pulse of contemporary Japan, learning fascinating tips and recipes that few westerners have been privy to before. Accompanied by with two fussy eaters under the age of six, he and his wife travel the length of the country, from bear-infested, beer-loving Hokkaido to snake-infested, seaweed-loving Okinawa. Along the way, they dine with - and score a surprising victory over - sumos; meet the indigenous Ainu; drink coffee at the dog cafe; pamper the world's most expensive cows with massage and beer; discover the secret of the Okinawan people's remarkable longevity; share a seaside lunch with free-diving, female abalone hunters; and, meet the greatest chefs working in Japan today. Less happily, they trash a Zen garden, witness a mass fugu slaughter, are traumatised by an encounter with giant crabs, and attempt a calamitous cooking demonstration for the lunching ladies of Kyoto. They also ask, 'Who are you?' to the most famous TV stars in Japan. What do the Japanese know about food? Perhaps more than anyone on else on earth, they are judging by this fascinating and funny journey through an extraordinary food-obsessed country.

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About the Author:

Michael Booth is a travel writer and journalist who contributes regularly to Conde Nast Traveller, The Independent on Sunday, Monocle among many other publications at home and abroad. His last book, Sacre Cordon Bleu, was Book of the Week on BBC Radio 4.

Review:

"His account of their "foodie family road trip" establishes Booth as the next Bill Bryson." -- New York Times "Booth is one of the sharpest food writers around, and this is essential fare for foodies" -- Simon Shaw * Mail on Sunday * "Booth's style is hugely enjoyable...an entertaining guide to the food you should try on a trip to the area" -- David Phelan * Timeout * "Booth's descriptions of food made my mouth water. This book is a must for all lovers of Japanese cuisine" * Guardian * "The reader will learn much about one of the great Cuisines of the world" -- Christopher Hirst * The Independent *

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