“washoku - try” at japanese Ambassador's residence in NYC

At the invitation of the Consulate General of Japan in New York, my sister and I, representing J-Simple Recipes, attended a reception called “Washoku - Try Japan's Good Food” which was held at Ambassador Shinichi Nishimiya's residence on February 26, 2010. The reception is part of a project managed by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to them, the project proposes through the use of opinion leaders, mass media, restaurant owners and chefs, etc. to make Japanese dishes and food products more popular among the public and to increase the export of Japanese food products in the future. The reception was held for the first time in New York City, although receptions have been held since 2006 in other U.S. cities and in other countries.

Because there was a very bad snowstorm that day in New York, a number of the invited guests were unable to attend. However, for those who did get there, it was well worth the effort. Ambassador Nishimiya gave an opening speech. The Ambassador's Japanese chef demonstrated the cutting of yellowtail sashimi (flown in from Japan for the event) and how to prepare shabu-shabu. Mr. Timothy Sullivan, who publishes UrbanSake.com, gave a lecture about Japanese sake. Ms. Yukari Sakamoto gave a lecture about shōchū (Japanese distilled spirits). There was also a preview of the Japan Pavilion at the International Restaurant and Foodservice Show of New York (held Feb. 28 - March 2 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center) where 20 companies displayed Japanese food products and seasonings. Their owners and staffs explained their goods to the invited guests. Sweet strawberries were served for dessert. We also attended the Show at the Jacob Javits Center.

We who make recipes hope this important project will help spread the word about Japanese food to more people. It was very valuable for us because we were able to meet many people who share our same love for Japanese cuisine.