Comments for You, madam, are no Sei Shonagon

Comment on Happy New Year 2012 by lInda W.

lInda W. — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:18:44 +0000

what a wonderful start to the year!

Comment on Sunday breakfast and omusubi leftovers by Sivilasica

Sivilasica — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 06:51:47 +0000

Thank you! I thought of using it with Fish Tea Rice (http://srivilasicatimes.blogspot.com/2011/12/fish-tea-rice.html) but then thought the poem was of a more sombre shade than that. However, I love the picture – it reminds me of my native place Kerala, India, where fish and rice are much-preferred combination. :D

Comment on Peonies from a friend’s garden by thesoulofjapan

thesoulofjapan — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 04:29:27 +0000

Honestly, didn’t know you could write such beautiful prose, until I read this piece. Lovely.

Comment on Jun Ai Shikomi (The Brew of Pure Love) by thesoulofjapan

thesoulofjapan — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 15:36:25 +0000

You have certainly come a long ways little sake padawan. Just kidding.
I think you have convinced me to take John’s course next year. Excellent write up. Thanks for sharing this lovely blog.

Comment on August harvest by spiky

spiky — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 17:52:21 +0000

yummy…summer is not yet occurring in philippines. ill wait for 3 months to eat watermelon, good for hot season.

Comment on Sunday breakfast and omusubi leftovers by Madam

Madam — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:35:52 +0000

Which post on your blog? Lovely blog…

Comment on Sunday breakfast and omusubi leftovers by Srivilasica

Srivilasica — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:16:44 +0000

I have used this photo in my blog, with credit to you and link to your blog. Please do let me know if you have any objection. If you do, I will take it off. Thanks!

Comment on August harvest by strawberrykoi

strawberrykoi — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:33:19 +0000

おいしいそうね～！ Aya ♥ Strawberry Koi

Comment on Pants Optional Sunday by Hayley Makinster

Hayley Makinster — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 01:39:58 +0000

If I saw a half-mannequin (pantless no less) while I was out walking, I would probably do a double take and then go over and investigate. I have always wanted to take part in an “improv everywhere” stunt, though this one I might pass up in favor of dancing in a train station or giving out free hugs. I find it thought-provoking that those who took part in the pantless improv had better manners than the touists on the metros. These kinds of things make great youtube videos that I love watching in between homework assignments, and with my friends on Friday nights.

Comment on August harvest by vellum

vellum — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 12:48:36 +0000

Glad to hear you are surviving the heat which we hear was atrocious. Your harvest looks delicious! Buen provecho!

Comment on Slumdog Catbird by vellum

vellum — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 03:06:43 +0000

You know I have to share this with Audubon Mexico!

Comment on Saturday Rapture by Madam

Madam — Mon, 23 May 2011 11:53:03 +0000

We still have December 2012 to look forward to…

Comment on Saturday Rapture by The Honourable Husband

The Honourable Husband — Mon, 23 May 2011 08:43:38 +0000

Damn! It looks like I’ll need to pay off those credit cards after all.

Comment on Jun Ai Shikomi (The Brew of Pure Love) by ML Awanohara

ML Awanohara — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 17:20:07 +0000

Thanks, I really appreciated this post because so personal and so expressive of your love for Japan and its people. I posted something on Seen the Elephant describing the mix of emotions (from relief that I wasn't there to guilt to grief) as well as the many memories it churned up. I would love it if you would come in and comment and link to your own post. (I'm intending for my post to serve as a kind of record of first reactions by Japonphiles and others...)

Comment on Jun Ai Shikomi (The Brew of Pure Love) by vellum

vellum — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 20:46:36 +0000

Well done, Madame. You and your friends have been in our thoughts. Your postings have even more impact and meaning… a toast to healing.

Comment on Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! by Madam

Madam — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 02:30:12 +0000

Have a recipe?

Comment on Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! by ML Awanohsra

ML Awanohsra — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 04:37:11 +0000

What a gorgeous sake cup–will you also use for otoso?

Comment on Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! by Madam

Madam — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 20:54:43 +0000

Back at you, sir!

Comment on Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! by headbang8

headbang8 — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 22:02:10 +0000

Carlos made you a desk? I would send you love for the holidays, but you already have an abundance.

Oh, well! Here’s some more love, just for the hell of it!

HB8

Comment on What I see when I close my eyes by Madam

Madam — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 00:40:19 +0000

Check out SakayaNYC http://www.sakayanyc.com/

Comment on Never Too Angry to Spellcheck: The Jon Stewart Rally by Quack Birder

Quack Birder — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 15:46:25 +0000

Great post. Thanks for sharing the experience! Wish I could have been there.

Comment on What I see when I close my eyes by silentplummet

silentplummet — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 14:44:52 +0000

That sake (くどき上手) has an epic name. Does it/did it have flavor to match? Where can I get some?

Comment on Never Too Angry to Spellcheck: The Jon Stewart Rally by William Lofstrom

William Lofstrom — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 15:35:57 +0000

Madam has outdone herself, allowing us all to vicariously participate in what no doubt will be seen as an iconic event. And it looks like you had a great day for “continual low-level amusement” too. Family Father

Comment on Del Ray Halloween Parade by Madam

Madam — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 23:55:39 +0000

: )

Comment on Del Ray Halloween Parade by William Lofstrom

William Lofstrom — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 20:56:48 +0000

Rejoice!!
Madam and her camera are back on the beat!
Ah to be in Del Ray in Autumn. Or Spring. Or any old time at all.

Comment on A Question from a Reader by Linda W.

Linda W. — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 02:22:41 +0000

Hooray. We, too, have been wondering why the absence of palate prose.
Come Back.
Great!

Comment on Hong Kong Palace (Chinese: Sichuan) by Madam

Madam — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 12:51:23 +0000

The baths were closed when we went, the pipes froze! But thanks.

Comment on Hong Kong Palace (Chinese: Sichuan) by tsduff

tsduff — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 21:15:29 +0000

Your blog is great! I was hoping to see a better picture of the Japanese baths (your trip to the B&B) but the food pictures were awesome. I know how to make sushi – but that is about the extent of my cooking prowess. Yum.

Comment on Hong Kong Palace (Chinese: Sichuan) by Madam

Madam — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 22:53:49 +0000

Thanks for your comment! Welcome.

Comment on Hong Kong Palace (Chinese: Sichuan) by Lee

Lee — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 04:16:26 +0000

The chinese words literally means “every mouthful is fragrant and crispy chicken”. I just stumbled upon your blog and it captivates me.
Thank you.

Comment on Hong Kong Palace (Chinese: Sichuan) by Madam

Madam — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 21:26:54 +0000

Hey there stranger, Axis power activated.

Comment on Hong Kong Palace (Chinese: Sichuan) by Madam

Madam — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 21:26:08 +0000

The chicken was great, but the freakin’ stuffed peppers were amazing.

Comment on Hong Kong Palace (Chinese: Sichuan) by Quack Birder

Quack Birder — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 19:56:38 +0000

I love this blog. Makes me hungry, though. Axis, out!

Comment on Hong Kong Palace (Chinese: Sichuan) by Vinod V.

Vinod V. — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 18:29:15 +0000

oooh, that chicken sounds terrific! Fragrantly dangerous? Dangerously fragrant?

Comment on Hong Kong Palace (Chinese: Sichuan) by Madam

Madam — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 03:27:20 +0000

The characters were: 口口香脆鸡 (also added to the post). I would love to hear what you find out.

Comment on Hong Kong Palace (Chinese: Sichuan) by Bruce

Bruce — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 03:14:17 +0000

Do you have a photo of the kanji for Stuffed Pepper Chicken? I’d love to see whether any of our local Szechwan chefs out here in Seattle know it/can make it (sounds delicious!).

Comment on The SakéOne Challenge, Part 2: Momokawa Organic Ginjo and Momokawa Ruby by Madam

Madam — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:11:11 +0000

Oh my goodness, a sake lover is born. Please do try some premium Japanese brands (see here for one: http://youmadam.com/2010/06/20/shimeharitsuru-jun-junmai-ginjo/) And yes, old dusty sake not kept in fridges in the store should be regarded as suspect.

Comment on The SakéOne Challenge, Part 2: Momokawa Organic Ginjo and Momokawa Ruby by Val

Val — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 17:34:46 +0000

We tried the Diamond Momokawa at PF Chang’s 2 days ago and fell head over heels in love with it (first sake I even drank)! I saw the organic at Whole Foods and decided to try it, but the experience was pretty disappointing. My aunt and I both thought it seemed rather “harsh” compared to the divine smoothness of the Diamond, and didn’t much care for it. The smell is also slightly unpleasant … “fruit past it’s prime”? The stamp on the bottom reads March 28, 2009. So maybe it’s just too old (I didn’t look for a date before buying it). Will try the Pearl next, unless we find the Diamond somewhere :-)

Comment on Cardinal Death by Madam

Madam — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 21:01:29 +0000

Yes, of course. Memento mori is what YOU make of it.

Comment on Cardinal Death by ML Awanohara

ML Awanohara — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 20:54:12 +0000

Adore the quote, am not so keen on the photo…but I suppose that is your point?!

Comment on Watermelon sake by Madam

Madam — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 22:30:20 +0000

I strained it, the watermelon after 2 days of steeping had some squishy texture issues. Next time I might steep the watermelon, strain, and put fresh watermelon pieces in a glass. I served it in small summertime ochoko (small sake cups), mainly for the visual effect (I have a bunch of cute ochoko), but really anything would be fine. Most of the time I drink sake at home in a Riedel stemless white wine glass.

Comment on Watermelon sake by ML Awanohara

ML Awanohara — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 17:56:59 +0000

Oishii wa yo! It sounds so delicious!!! How did you serve the drink: in what kind of glasses?

And did you strain it first or just pour in with the fruit, a la sangria?

Comment on Watermelon sake by Madam

Madam — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 22:49:21 +0000

The watermelon sake was a huge hit. One of our guests said he never liked sake before but he loved the suika sake. I usually don’t care for flavored sakes because they have an artificial, factory-fruit taste, but making it yourself at home results in something really lively. The fruit steeped in the sake a total of 48 hours before we drank it. I wouldn’t do it with a sake with a lot of character (yamahai/kimoto) or a daiginjo with a great nose. The clean dryness of the Otokoyama worked pretty well. My guests were digging it. I’m going to try it with peach next. Cantaloupe would be interesting, too, since there are often hints of it in good sakes.

Comment on Watermelon sake by Tokyofoodcast

Tokyofoodcast — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 01:20:59 +0000

Suika sake sounds good, actually. Curious how you liked it. I hope you stayed cool with suika sake on 4th of July.

Comment on Watermelon sake by Tweets that mention Watermelon sake « You, madam, are no Sei Shonagon -- Topsy.com

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 11:51:42 +0000

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Pamela. Pamela said: RT @saketechan: Madam made some very colorful, summery watermelon sake! http://youmadam.com/2010/07/03/watermelon-sake/ #nihonshu [...]

Comment on Watermelon sake by Te-chan

Te-chan — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 10:44:29 +0000

That certainly looks pretty refreshing, even for someone like me who isn’t a huge watermelon fan. Hope it was a hit on the Fourth. From what I’ve heard, anything cool would be a hit lately. Hard to picture that even Boston has been hotter than Tokyo recently.

Comment on Shimeharitsuru “Jun” junmai ginjo by Madam

Madam — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 11:41:37 +0000

Why aren’t you going out and finding a bottle right now?

Comment on Shimeharitsuru “Jun” junmai ginjo by Bruce

Bruce — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 03:40:59 +0000

Your sake description makes me want to go out and find a bottle right now. :)

Comment on New Year’s greetings by Shimeharitsuru “Jun” junmai ginjo « You, madam, are no Sei Shonagon

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 02:28:05 +0000

[...] smacked my lips on it in December 2009 at Sushi Taro, before picking up my osechi. That day I drank it heated, which gave it tones of [...]

Comment on Saint André de Figuière, Magali Rosé, 2009 by Madam

Madam — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 11:40:25 +0000

I raise a glass to you. Your comment gives me some ideas about the sake posts…