Ramen

I have recently discovered one of my new favorite foods since I have been a student here at UW. I owe my new discovery to the movie “Tampopo” we watched in class this past week. Ramen… it is simply amazing.

Since living in the dorms I have gotten to experience the joys of dorm food. However, I don’t think I am quite the biggest fan of the processed meals of Café 1101. In hopes to search out some new, tasty cuisine, I embarked on a walk down the Ave. When I came across a noodle restaurant, I wanted to go in and try it out since we had just watched the movie in class. I sat down and ordered the standard noodle dish with chicken instead of pork. Let me tell you that it was one of the best meals I have had in a while. Previously, I have eaten the typical “Top Ramen” or “Cup of Noodles” but those do not even come close to the ramen I had at this restaurant. It was fresh, full of flavor, and very authentic. I know I will be making many visits back to the restaurant to get a break from the café’s hefty meatloaf, nachos, or cheese tortellini.

Lunch time

I know for my parents, as well as many other parents across the country, making school lunches is a mundane, everyday chore that is simply a hassle in the early mornings as they are trying to hurry themselves along to get to work. However, for the elite women of the Japanese culture, it is a form of art that reflects strongly upon them and the future of their child.



An obento box is an elaborate tradition of Japanese culture. They are boxed lunches mothers make for their preschool aged children. The mother creates a meal for their child that is much more than just nutritious, it is a work of art that requires thought and creativity.

There are many rules that go into making obentos. Everything must be made into bite-sized pieces, all the food needs to be neatly organized in the box, and the colors are supposed to contrast against each other and pop. Most importantly, the little preschooler has to finish his whole obento box because it reflects upon both the child and his mother who prepared it.

This tradition is much different than the standard paper bag lunch I was used to growing up. Everyday I would receive the all-American PB and J sandwich along side my apple slices, crackers, and little bag of cookies accompanied with either a water, Gatorade, or Capri-Sun beverage. Although mine was nutritious and tasty, it does not quite measure up to the beauty and art of the obento.

Food and Family

Growing up, I have always been surrounded by a large family. One of the things that brings us all together is food. On average, I probably have about one meal a week with my extended family. Every meal we have together is never simple or small, it is extravagant, fresh, and very gourmet. I personally, would not want this to be any other way.

I love going over to my grandparent’s house because I know there will be a delicious homemade meal in the making. Upon my arrival, I immediately wash my hands and get down to business in the kitchen along side my grandmother. It is a great way for us to connect and communicate. We have many traditions together such as making Portuguese Sweet Bread during the holiday season and peach cobbler in the summer. This bond we have formed while in the kitchen has developed into my strong interest in food and an idea of a possible career in my future.



Food is one of the strongest parts of life that helps me connect with others around me. Like MFK Fisher wrote, our three basic needs are food, security, and love, and they are all intermingled. These three aspects of life directly parallels to my relationship with my family and our common interest of tasty cuisine.