Tsukiji is the largest fish market in the world.  And for me it represents the intersection of three passions – photography, food and travel.  If you’re ever in Tokyo you should not miss this.  Since all the action begins at 5:AM its popular attraction for vistors who are jet lagged from the trip to Japan. 

 Tsukiji’s primary function is a tuna auction to supply the local wholesalers and restaurants throughout the region.   Over the years Tsujiki has become the transit point for 3000 tons of seafood daily.   Surrounding the market numerous restaurants founded to fuel the market workers.  If you want fresh sushi look no further, this is the place for the freshest sushi in Tokyo if not the entire world. 

Among the 39 or so restaurants, half of whom serve sushi, the following are recommended.   All are small measuring between 20-30 square meters and prefer to serve “sets” (set-o as a local would say).  A set comprises of the basic sushi items – tuna, squid, anago, plus a roll or two.

1. Daiwa Sushi (5:AM – 1:PM), +81-3-3547-6807

2. Dai Sushi (5:AM – 2:PM), +81-3-3547-6797

3. Sushi Bun (6:AM – 2:30PM. +81-3-3541-3860)

If you know me, you know that my two favorite things are eating and traveling.  Here’s an interesting website after my own heart – Where the Local’s Eat.  However, make sure you check out my travel tips first 🙂

Cheese is one of, if not my most, favorite foods.  I like it for or with any meal.  So when I heard of grilled cheese naturally I was hooked.  Because of its higher than normal melting point, Halloumi (goat & sheep’s milk cheese) is perfect for frying or grilling.  Available at iGourmet and hopefully at your local market.  Here is an example receipe.

There are plenty out there.  Here are just a few:

• iGourmet – great selection of cheeses, fine foods and gift baskets
• Market Hall Foods
• Fine Foods of the World
• Best Turkish Foods– three guess what they specialize in (and the second two don’t count)
• Fromages– cheese, cheese, cheese, cheese…did I hear someone mention cheese
• Donnelly Chocolates
• FungusAmongUs – editors choice for best name
• La Tourangelle – hand crafted oils
• Salt Traders – the Danish Viking Smoked salt is a must for any serious foodie
• Sea Bear – online seafood, great selection of salmon
• Tsar Nicoulai Caviar– if there is a better foodie indulgence, I haven’t found it

I do not have a garden.  Simply put I find it just too easy to head to the Fresh Market and buy my produce.  Guess I am just too far removed from our agrarian ancestors.  However if you have a garden and are looking for traditional Italian plant and vegatable varieties look to Franchi Sementi