Mari @ Albany

New Blog

2009-08-10T08:32:00.001-04:00

I made new blog. I will introduce my Japanese life and good restaurants!

Mari @ Kumamoto, Japan
http://chanmari2.blogspot.com/

Farewell Party

2009-07-30T09:48:00.004-04:00

3 of my best friends gave me a farewell party at one of their house. They prepared many kinds foods and sweets. We drank wine. I really impressed their kindness and was so happy. I have stayed in Albany Almost 3 years and will leave on August 2. Off course, I missed Japan. But I love Albany and my friends in Albany. I will miss all of them.

T.G.I. Friday's (American food)

2009-07-28T16:29:00.002-04:00

When one of the lab member's birthday is coming, we have a lunch at outside, such as T.G.I. Friday's (http://www.fridays.com/home/welcome.aspx), Panera(http://www.panerabread.com/) or ICHIBAN(http://www.ichibanalbany.com/). Today we had a lunch at T.G.I.Friday's. The foods of this restaurant is cheap and big volume, and most of students are satisfied with these foods. I ate "half sandwich and soup combination" today. The volume is half but it was enough for me
----------------------------------------
T.G.I. Friday's
40A Stuyvesant Boulevard #A
Albany, NY 12203
TEL (518)489-1661
----------------------------------------

BBQ Party

2009-07-25T20:23:00.004-04:00

Today I had a BBQ party at my adviser's house. This party was for 2 undergraduates students and me. 2 undergraduates students graduate in last May and I will finish my course this summer. It was a potluck party and I enjoyed eating so much!! Drinking beers, eating delicious food and chatting with my lab mates, it was really nice and made me so happy.

Potato croquette

2009-07-25T11:25:00.002-04:00

Today I will have a potluck party in my adviser's house. Our lab members will join this party. It is difficult for me to decide which food I will bring every time because some one cannot eat beef, some one can only chicken and vegetables, some one cannot spicy food and seafood. Finally, I made potato croquette think morning. I mixed potato with onion and bacon. Then, I covered with crumb and fried. They look delicious ???

Apple cider doughnuts

2009-07-23T18:41:00.003-04:00

Suddenly, I really wanted to eat "Apple cider doughnuts", then I went to "Indian Ladder farm(http://www.indianladderfarms.com/cgi-bin/ilf.cgi)" and bought them. Their doughnuts were so soft and simple tastes. I tried them several times but I cannot get tired of them. So, I can not stop eating...

Free Pastry Day

2009-07-21T08:22:00.002-04:00

Today is "Free Pastry Day(http://www.starbucks.com/retail/print_free_pastry.html)" at the Starbucks. Enter the Starbucks before 10:30am and buy something to drink, then you can get any pastry you want!! Off course, I went there on the way to my lab and got the "raspberry muffin"!

New Chinese market

2009-07-20T12:02:00.002-04:00

New Chinese market opened last Saturday at Central Avenue. It is the biggest Chinese market in Albany area, I think. It is big and clean, and these are many kinds of Chinese product. Especially, I like Deli corner and bread corner. Yesterday I only strolled in the market because there were many customers there and it took long time to pass the register. I will go there later again. Unfortunately, there are a few Japanese product there but I like Asian market and enjoy shopping.
--------------------------------
Asian Supermarket Corp.
家家楽超級市場
1245 Central Avenue,
Albany, NY 12205
TEL (518)438-8868
--------------------------------

Lunch Gathring at Hana Japanese Restaurant

2009-07-20T10:29:00.003-04:00

I had a JLCC (http://www.freewebs.com/jlccsuny/) lunch gathering at "Hana Japanese Steak house and Sushi bar (http://hanaalbany.com/#/home)". There were 20 members joining this event. Last time I came there, I like the Sashimi (law fish) very much and this time I tried "Sushi Dinner($21)". Law fish was still good!
The gathering was so nice. Many Japanese and Americans who study Japanese talked together and enjoyed Japanese food. Unfortunately, I had a meeting yesterday and could not stay longer. But I enjoyed a happy time in this restaurant.

Professor Java's Coffee Sanctuary (Cafe)

2009-07-16T21:16:00.003-04:00

I went to "Professor Java's Coffee Sanctuary(http://professorjavas.com/)" on the Wolf road. I am really interested in the name of this cafe. Inside the cafe is wide and very cheerful. Of course, there are many kinds of coffee but there are some tea and smoothie. Also, they serve sandwiches, cookies, muffins... This cafe makes me little uncomfortable because customers and shop person talks a lot and little noisy. So, I think it is difficult for me to read a book or write a report in this cafe. however, coffee is good. It is Deep-roasted and I love deep-roasted coffee very much.
----------------------------------------
Professor Java's Coffee Sanctuary
217 Wolf Road Albany, NY 12205
TEL (518)435-0843
M-Th 7am-11pm
Fri.& Sat. 7am-Midnight
Sun. 8am-10pm
----------------------------------------

Ragonese Import (Italian Deli)

2009-07-16T15:02:00.002-04:00

This shop "Ragonese Import (http://alloveralbany.com/archive/2009/04/17/tiramisu-at-ragonese-imports)", is near the St.Peter's Hospital. The shop looks old and very small but many customer come there. One of my friends recommended me to try "Tiramisu" in this shop and I went there. I think Tiramisu are not made in this shop and keep in freezer. The price is $3.99 each and it looks little expensive for me. But taste was delicious! Also, it is put in the glass. This glass is pretty and I love it. I will definitely come and buy this Tiramisu again. Also, I bought tuna salad. This salad was mix with celery and very creamy. I put it in my sandwich and it match very good.

---------------------------------
Ragonese Import
409 New Scotland Avenue,
Albany, NY 12208
TEL (518)482-2358
---------------------------------

Cella Bistro (Italian or Frehch)

2009-07-14T22:37:00.005-04:00

I had a dinner with my friend at "Cella Bistro (http://cellabistro.com/index.html)" in Schenectady. Inside the restaurant was very elegant and I like these taste. I ate duck and my friend ate mahimahi. The duck was so soft and the combination of source on the duck, which was made by wine, and duck was really amazing. I love duck and ate duck many times but I have a first time to eat such a tasty one. Mahimahi was also nice, especially the texture of side dish (sauteed mushrooms) was excellent! We really enjoyed dinner. Finally, we ate dessert; I ate caramel cheesecake and my friend ate crumble with raspberry. Unfortunately, they were not special (not bad but not good).
--------------------------------------
Cella Bistro
2015 Rosa Road, Schenectady,
NY 12309
TEL (518)-381-2081
--------------------------------------

Soda or Pop

2009-07-12T17:58:00.005-04:00

When I ate lunch with my lab-mate, one of them called "Pop" to soft drinks. I call "Soda". It is so interesting thing for me. Then, I looked for interesting map in web site(http://gigazine.jp/img/2008/09/11/map_what_carbonated_beverage_called/popvssodamap.gif). Half of the area's people call "Pop". Uh... interesting!

The Jonesville Store (Cafe)

2009-07-11T13:38:00.002-04:00

I went to get my lunch at "The Jonesville Store(http://www.thejonesvillestore.com/)" because one of my friend recommended to go this cafe. It is the one what I imagine the cafe in small American town. It's so cute. They serves sandwiches, bagels, salad, cake and so on. I bought quiche for lunch, Curry chicken salad for dinner, coffee cake for snack and meat loaf doe dinner. Quiche is kind of spinach, cheese and bacon. The pie part was so crispy and I like this texture. I got 1 piece of quiche but I thought I could eat 1 more piece. They have a lot of seats inside and outside the cafe. The terrace seats looks so nice in such a lovely day. Next time, I will stay longer and enjoy the lovely day.
-----------------------------------------
The Jonesville Store
989 Main Street, Clifton Park,
NY 12065
TEL (518)877-0507
-----------------------------------------

Dessert at Barcelona

2009-07-09T21:24:00.003-04:00

I went to have a dinner with my friend at "Barcelona(http://www.barcelona-albany.com/)". I went there several times and I like their food. Today, we ate small portion of food because we wanted to eat dessert! We ate "Cheese cake with strawberry" and "Chocolate cake". Cheese cake was delicious but not special. I was little disappointed. However, Chocolate cake was really nice! Inside the cake, there was hot chocolate source and eat it with cold ice cream was really amazing combination and it was fascinated me a lot!

Pound cake

2009-07-08T18:38:00.002-04:00

I got the pond cake from my friend. She made it for me. It looks Japanese cake taste, it means un-sweet. It makes me in the heaven.

Dinner at Cafe Madison

2009-07-06T21:59:00.004-04:00

I went to "Cafe Madison(http://cafe-madison.com/)" several times to eat lunch but I have a first time to eat dinner. The atmosphere is completely different lunch time from dinner time. Lunch time is very casual and livery but dinner time is very posh and calm. I like both of them. We ate "Crab cake", "Vegetable spaghetti" and "Duck Ragu". Crab cake was crispy outside and soft inside. The combination was really good. There were many kinds of vegetables in Vegetable spaghetti and it tastes very soft. Duck ragu's taste was little thick for me. Also, the amount of pasta was too much and I took out to my house. During dinner, we talked a lot about our job and study because we have not met about 3months and we had many topic to talk. This restaurant made us relax and we forgot to time. I love "Cafe Madison"!

Alessi goods

2009-07-01T18:31:00.002-04:00

I love "ALESSI(http://www.alessi.com/en/)" products. This time I bought the salt and pepper set. The design is unique and so cute! This design has other products, such as magnet, egg cup and key holder. I wan to get another one, too!

Eel

2009-06-29T18:49:00.002-04:00

I got eel in Asian market and today's lunch was eel, which was mixed with cucumber and egg. It's Yummy!!! This eel is not bad but I miss delicious eel in Japan.

Bella Napoli Bakery (Bread & Cake)

2009-06-28T19:45:00.002-04:00

I went to buy some cakes at "Bella Napoli Bakery(http://www.bellanapolibakery.com/)". This shop sells many kinds of cakes and breads. I was so surprised! I did not decided which one I will buy. I roamed this side and the other side for several times. Finally, I bought dozen of dinner roll, an Italian cheese cake, 2 Eclairs and 1/2 pound of Chocolate cream puffs. All of them were only $9.00!! Also, this shop has counter seats inside and we can eat pizza and sandwiches. I will try next time. However, why I did not know such a good shop ???
----------------------------------
Bella Napoli Bakery
Corners of Route 9 & 155
Latham, NY
TEL (888) 800-0103
----------------------------------

Today's sweet

2009-06-20T19:40:00.003-04:00

I am so tired in this week, so I need sweets!
I went to "Debbie's Kitchen (456 Madison Avenue, Albany NY, 12208)" to buy Brownies! I love Debbi's Brownie because they are so soft. I believe their Brownies are best in Albany. I got "plain Brownie ( $3.00)" and "Cherry and rhubarb cheese cake ($2.00)". I tried some kinds of Denni's Brownie but I love plain one. They make me happy!!

Italian Deli

2009-06-18T20:13:00.003-04:00

I love Deli because there are many kinds of foods which I cannot cook. Today on the way to my apartment, I went to "Via Fresca(http://www.viafresca.net/os/index.html)". Here is one of my favorite deli. I bought "Seafood salad", "Italian bread", "Chicken cutlet" and "Fried rice ball with beef". Salad is mixed with octopus and squid marinated with lemon dressing. It is very refreshing taste. I bought it last time and I really like it. This shop also sells freeze food and sweets. Sweets are fascinated me so much.

BBQ Party

2009-06-14T20:56:00.002-04:00

I had a BBQ party with my friends at my friend's house. I like BBQ because it is symbol of summer for me!! Today was real summer day. Sunshine was strong and it made me suntan. We took food and shared. I took Salmon with vegetable and cooked on BBQ stove. Finally, we gave up to be in such a summer day and went into the house. It was comfortable than outside. How many times will I do BBQ this summer???

Dinner at Creo

2009-06-06T23:11:00.003-04:00

I had a dinner with my 4 Japanese friends at Creo(http://www.creorestaurant.com/). I like Creo because of their food and atmosphere. Today we shared to eat some plates; Avocado and tuna roll as an entree, Eggplant & five cheeses wood fire roasted as an entree, Risotto of the day, Pasta of the day, Crème brulee, shortcake with 4 berries and chocolate & Mascarpone cake. All of them were delicious, especially, I love Risotto. Today's risotto was shrimp and artichoke on the risotto. These combination were really good. Also, I became big fan of short cake. I came this restaurant 3 times. Every time I came, I am satisfied very much.

Asian Taste

2009-06-01T19:25:00.002-04:00

Today I dropped in Stuyvesant Plaza(http://www.stuyvesantplaza.com/) because I wanted to get something drink at Starbucks Coffee. Before Starbucks, I went to "EATS(http://eatsgourmetmarketplace.com/)". Still there are many kinds of products which I am so interested in. I checked all products in the sore... Then, I found something interesting in Deli corner. Some of the deli look like Asian. I want to try and bought "Asian style coleslaw with smoked duck breast ($9.00/1 lb)" and "Sauteed Shitakes ($18.00/1lb)". As for the coleslaw, there are cabbage, carrot and smoked duck with source which taste like Japanese one. As for the sautee, Shitakes with sesame were taste vinegar. Both of them were definitely Asian. I will take them in my lunch box tomorrow!

Tea mania

2009-05-31T16:20:00.003-04:00

After coming the U.S., I became a tea mania. I can drink good coffee anytime everywhere in the US but it is difficult to drink good tea. So, I looked for good tea house and found. My favorite tea house is "The Good Leaf Gourmet Tea Company(http://goodleaftea.blogspot.com/)". I went there today. The owner has a lot of knowledge about tea and she recommends some teas which I am interested in.
Today, I asked to refill "Raise (This is black tea and I drink it in the morning. $5.75/20 oz)", "Earl Grey de la Creme (This is vanilla flavored black tea. $5.75/20 oz)" and "Peach Melba (This is also peach and raspberry flavored black tea, and it is good for ice tea. $3.50/0.5 oz)". Moreover, I bought "Lichee Scented (This is lichee and grapefruits flavored black tea. $2.75/0.5 oz)" and "Tropical Fantasy (This is flavored green tea. $3.00/0.5 oz)".
I drink tea before going to school and take tea in my pot every day. Also, I drink tea in the dinner and keep ice tea in my refrigerator!

The Afghan Grill (Afghan food)

2009-05-29T18:54:00.002-04:00

I went to "The Afghan Grill(http://www.theafghangrill.com/)" with my friend. They serve buffet Mon.-Fri. lunch time (About $8). There are salad with Afghan dressing, 2 kinds of basmati rice (White and Brown), Afghan bread, 4 kinds of curry (chicken, vegetable, beef ball and spinach). Every food was mild, not spicy and I love this taste. Unfortunately, there is no dessert. Oh, I wanted to eat afghan dessert (But I do not know what Afghan dessert is...). I need more kinds of food because of buffet, but I was satisfied the food they served.

--------------------------------------
The Afghan Grill
952 Troy-Schenectady Rd.,
Latham, NY 12110
TEL (518)783-9200
--------------------------------------

Anton's (Greek-American Eatery)

2009-05-27T17:00:00.004-04:00

I went to "Anton's(http://www.antonsgreekrestaurant.com/index.php)" today at lunch time. I was so surprised because there were many people there. Inside this shop, there are about 5 tables but most of the people took their food out. I ordered "Pork Souvlaki ($6.75)" and "Today's soup(Gambo, $3.25)". Pork Souvlaki was very big, and many pork, tomatoes and onions were served on a pita. I love tzayziki sauce, which tastes like mayo + onion? The people who work in this shop looked very busy and I could not talk with them. I waned to know the ingredients of Greek sweets which were on the counter, and wanted some of them but I could not do. Next time, I will go there except lunch time and want to try Greek sweets!

------------------------------------
Anton's
577 New Scotland Avenue,
Albany NY, 12208
TEL (518)453-9191
------------------------------------

Japanese PEPSI

2009-05-26T10:50:00.004-04:00

Last summer, PEPSI sold "PEPSI ice cucumber" taste only in Japan.
Then, in this summer they will sell "PEPSI Shiso (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perilla_frutescens)" taste only in Japan.
I wonder how they sellect the taste and why they sell only in Japan???

Indian Dessert

2009-05-24T22:19:00.002-04:00

I went to Indian Bazaar(http://www.indiabazaar.nv.switchboard.com/) today because I really want to look for "Ras malai", which I ate last night. There were 2 kinds of Ras malai there. One of them was frozen ($9.00) and the other was mixed powder ($1.69). I bought mixed powder. I made it after returning my apartment. It took about 30 minutes and the taste was the same as yesterday's. I was so surprised and was happy!! Also, I bought "Mango juice" and "Gulab Jamun" there. This shop fascinated me so much.

International Dinner

2009-05-23T23:07:00.003-04:00

I joined "The International Dinner" at "First Assembly of God(http://albanyfirstag.org/templates/System/default.asp?id=25728) with some of JLCC (http://www.freewebs.com/jlccsuny/) members. About 30 people joined this dinner. Each of us took our country food and shared. I made one bite size of 25 "Tonkatsu (Deep fried pork)". Other Japanese took "Sekihan (Red bean rice : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sekihan)" and "Fried Chicken". I tried many kinds of food and like vegetable and chicken soup (I did not check which country) and Indian dessert "Ras malai (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rasmalai)". I asked Indian woman how to make this dessert and it looks easy. But we can get this in Indian glossary store. I will check!
During eating, we did some easy and fun game. Also, we talked with other people and had a good time.

Dinner with My Friends

2009-05-18T22:29:00.003-04:00

I had a dinner with my friend who will return to Japan next month. We went to "Barcelona(http://www.barcelona-albany.com/)". This restaurant is near SUNY uptown campus but many of my friends do not notice it. Today, I ate "Chicken Paella" and my friends ate "Seafood pasta" and "Pork Mediterranean". As for the Paella, the texture of rice were perfect and Chicken was so nice. As for the seafood pasta, we can choose red or white source. There were many seafood on the pasta and it looked difficult to eat. As for the Pork Mediterranean, Basil and olive oil source were put on the pork, and it make me so hungry.
Some of my Japanese friends graduated this semester and they will return to Japan. I am so sad on this summer...

Greek Festival at St.Sophia

2009-05-16T16:36:00.002-04:00

I went to Greek Festival(http://www.stsophia.net/FestivalFlyer.html) at St.Sophia today. There were so many people. At first, I strolled in the market place, where there were many kinds of Greek goods. Then, I bought Gyros ($7) and saw Greek dance. I love Gyros, especially the source is really tasty and may favorite one! Next, I bought some kinds of Greek sweets and Fried dough. I wanted to eat them at the inside tables but there were almost occupied, and I went to out and looked for the picnic area. However, today is little windy and I gave up eating outside. Finally, I took all my food to my apartment.
This church is big and there are some church tour today. I saw the inside of the church and it is so gorgeous, so beautiful. I highly recommend to see this church!

Lunch at Londonberry Cafe

2009-05-15T20:42:00.002-04:00

I went to have a lunch with my friends at "Londonderry Cafe (1475 Western Ave # 30, Albany, NY 12203)" in Stuyvesant plaza. Today was lovely day, so many people had a seats in outside. Last time I came this cafe, I ate quiche and it was nice. Today, I ate half size chicken salad sandwiches and pumpkin soup. Sandwich was little plain taste and soup was sweet. I wanted to eat soup more.
After eating lunch, we move to Starbucks coffee and talked for a long time. We sat in a outside and enjoyed beautiful day!

My B-Day #4 "End of Semester Party"

2009-05-12T11:11:00.003-04:00

The spring semester will end next week, so we had a party in our teacher's house. Her house has big backyard and comfortable area. We brought some food and did BBQ. Unfortunately, there were around 10 students to join this party. But I met my friends for the first time of these 6 months, so I was so happy to talk with her.
Food was good and talk was continuing....

My B-Day #3 "Fruit Cake"

2009-05-12T10:57:00.002-04:00

After eating lunch with my lab-mates, we return to our lab and found that today's meeting will be canceled. I thought we would eat cake in meeting time. Then, we ate cake in the lab (Actually, eating and drinking are prohibited in the lab).
The cake, which were made by my friend and she brought it to my apartment yesterday, was fantastic. Fruits were sweet and cream was soft. My lab-mates love it too.

My B-Day #2 "Hana Japanese Steakhouse"

2009-05-12T10:46:00.003-04:00

I went to my lab after interview.
My lab-mates celebrated my B-day and we went to have a lunch at
"Hana Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar(http://hanaalbany.com/#/home)". One of our lab-mates really love this restaurant but I have not gone yet. Inside the restaurant was little dark but good decoration and atmosphere. There are many kinds of lunch menu and I ate "Tonkatsu lunch box". Other members ate "Sashimi Lunch", "Sushi Lunch" and ... In my lunch box, there were Tonkatsu (deep fried pork), 2 dumplings, California roll, vegetable tempura and miso soup. It was lot for me. The taste of my Tonkatsu was so-so but Sushi looked so delicious. Fatty tuna was beautiful and fascinated me.
One of the member told "Today is my B-day" to waiter, so they sang a birthday song and gave me ice cream tempura, but they asked me to dance, dance!! Sorry, I could not dance...
---------------------------------------------------
Hana Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar
1620 Western Avenue,
Albany,NY 12203
TEL (518)452-4262
---------------------------------------------------

My B-Day #1 "Interview"

2009-05-12T10:35:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday to Me! Yesterday (May 11th.) was my Birthday. There were many events for me.

In the morning, I went to Union College(http://www.union.edu/). One of my friends teaches advanced Japanese class and the final project of her class is "talk with native Japanese", so I and other 2 Japanese joined her class and talked with students. I talked with Jacky, whose major is East Asia literature, and she went to Japan as a exchange student last year, so her Japanese was really good. Other student I talked with was Jeff, whose major is molecular biology, and he also went to Japan as a exchange student last year. Our topic were "Why did you come to the U.S.?", "What are you doing now?", "Are their any difficulties living in the U.S.?" and so on. We talked for about 30 min. and I enjoyed very much.

Their passion of Japanese influences me so much!

Korean Food

2009-05-10T22:57:00.002-04:00

One of my friends will return to Japan next week, so we had a dinner together at "Ta-Ke　Japanese Steakhouse(http://www.timesunion.com/entertainment/restaurants/onerestaurant.asp?name=&cuisine=-1&style=-1&location=-1&price=-1&zipcode=&restaurantID=1203)". This restaurant mentions Japanese steakhouse but I think their Korean foods are better than Japanese. We ate Korean food. Food was so-so and price was so-so...

Spring Picnic Lunch

2009-05-09T19:59:00.003-04:00

I have a "Picnic Lunch Party" at Indian Ladder Farm(http://www.indianladderfarms.com/cgi-bin/ilf.cgi) today. There are many apple trees and most of them bloom beautifully. More than 30 Japanese came there and they brought food which we share. Rice ball, Boiled pumpkin, Fried chicken, Onion salad and so on. The weather was soooo nice and we enjoyed eating and talking. Children enjoyed rode the hey ride, saw baby animals and played in the ground. I was really happy to see some of my friends who have not contact for long time. I love these kind of gathering!

Koinobori

2009-05-03T21:09:00.003-04:00

May 5th is "Children's Day (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kodomo_no_Hi)" in Japan.
Before that day, families raise "Koinobori (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koinobori)", which are the carp-shaped flags (carp because of the Chinese legend that a carp that swims upstream becomes a dragon, and the way the flags blow in the wind looks like they are swimming), one for each boy (or child). We made the Koinobori by piece of fabrics and decorated.

Capital Q (BBQ)

2009-05-02T17:04:00.002-04:00

I went to buy my lunch at "Capital Q (http://eatmypork.com/index2.html)" today. This shop is famous as "The best of BBQ in 2008". The shop in small but there are some chairs to eat there. I bought "Capital Q Pulled Pork ($8)" by the plate, which comes with the choice of 1 side dish, cornbread and coleslaw. I selected Fried Okra as a side dish. I am familiar to eat okra but I have a first time to eat fried okra. It likes a snack and I love it. The pork was with spicy vinegar sauce and this is little spicy for me. The amount of this lunch was too much for me and I could not eat all of them. Other meats, such as chicken, yard birds and beef, also sounds good. I will try later.

----------------------------------------
Capital Q
329 Ontario Street,
Albany, NY 12208
TEL (518)438-7675
Mon.-Thur. 11am-9pm
Fri.&Sat. 11am-10pm
Sun. 11am-8pm
----------------------------------------

Crazy students in Fountain Day

2009-04-26T20:18:00.003-04:00

Today was "The Fountain Day" in SUNY. I went there with my friends and I saw so many crazy students. However, this event was jump-up.

Dinner Club at P.F.Chang

2009-04-26T08:14:00.003-04:00

I had a dinner with 2 of my friends at "P.F.Chang(http://www.pfchangs.com/)". We ate "Chang's for 2 ($39.95)" and "VIP Duck". As for the "Chang's for 2", we can select 2 cup of soup, 1 starter, 2 entrees and 2 mini desserts. We selected "Hot and sour soup", "Egg drop soup", "Chang's chicken lettuce wrap", "Pepper steak", "Cantonese shrimp", "Tiramisu" and "Strawberry cheese cake". All of them were so good, especially I really love "Chang's chicken lettuce wrap". As for the "VIP Duck", duck was little oily and tasted Chinese spice.

Finally, we could not eat all of the food and took of them to my home.

Japan Night 2009

2009-04-24T12:58:00.003-04:00

I went to "Japan Night" in SUNY with my friends.
I heard Japanese food would be served between 7:00pm and 8:00pm, and we rushed in the event at 7:00pm. Food was nice but the amount of food were terrible. Even though I ate my portion but still hungry. Same as my friends.
The show was awesome! The member of JSA(Japanese Student Association) presented some Japanese popular songs and skit which showed Japanese life style. They presented "Fashion Show" last. The show was so interesting for me. They changed to ware Kimono (Japanese traditional clothes) characteristically.
I really enjoyed this event and it was much better last year.

Eco Bag

2009-04-22T19:47:00.002-04:00

On the way to my apartment, I went to Hannaford(http://www.hannaford.com/) to buy grocery. At the Hannaford, I got free ecology bag. I have not used an Eco bag before, but I will use next time because I got it today. I think that the picture of the Eco bag is children's drawing and it looks cute.

Japan Night in this year

2009-04-16T14:57:00.002-04:00

"Japan Night" in SUNY, sponsored by Japanese Student Association in SUNY, will be held in April 23 this year. We can buy a ticket ($5.00 in advanced, $8.00 at the door )from today.
Last year, I joined this event with my Japanese friends and enjoyed very much, so I will go again!

Spill'n the Beans (Cafe)

2009-04-10T21:37:00.004-04:00

After eating lunch, we went to "Spill'n the Beans(http://www.spillnthebeans.com/)". I really want to go there because one of my friend recommended me to drink their coffee. I drank cafe latte. I selected the size (small or regular or large), a kind of milk (skin or whole or low fat), coffee beans and concentration of coffee (single or double or triple). I am not familiar with coffee beans and I asked them to drink light one. Amazing! This cafe latte is the best I drank in my life. Also, my friend's Mochaccino is sweet and tasty. I am so impressed their coffee. Why they are not near my house...
----------------------------------
Spill'n the Beans
13 3rd Street, Troy,
NY 12180
TEL (518)268-1028
Mon-Fri 7am-5:30pm
Sat 8am-5:30pm
Sun 8am-3pm
-----------------------------------

Brown's Brewing (Beer restaurant)

2009-04-10T21:33:00.003-04:00

I went to have a lunch with my friends at "Brown's Brewing(http://www.brownsbrewing.com/)". last time I went there was dinner time, so I had a first time to have a lunch. I ate hamburger and my friends ate sandwich. I really wanted to drink beer but did not drink it because I have to drive after eating lunch. Many customers were drinking beer and I was envy them!!!
-----------------------------------
Brown's Brewing
417 River street, Troy,
NY 12180
TEL (518)273-2337
-----------------------------------

Interesting recipe

2009-04-05T16:56:00.002-04:00

I found interesting recipes of "Pan cake (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/87/242224749_18afda2f7b_o.jpg)" and "chocolate cake (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/97/239247558_680df673c0_o.jpg)". There are only pictures, no sentences. I can understand how to make by these pictures but I think I need sentences!

Cherry Blossom

2009-04-05T16:52:00.002-04:00

In Japan, Cherry blooms bloom in April. My husband, who is in Japan now, sent me some pictures of them. This weekend, he could see beautiful cherry blossom trees in the park and enjoyed taking pictures.

Van's

2009-03-28T21:23:00.003-04:00

I went to have a dinner with my friends at "Van's Vietnamese (307 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12206)". We arrived there about 6:00pm and there were many customers in the restaurant. We can get our seats but people who came there after us waited for long time. We were so lucky! I ate a "half duck ($18.99)" and my friends ate chicken and beef. The surface of duck was crispy and inside was juicy... Oh, so delicious!! I love this duck!! When I saw my duck, I thought I could not eat all of them, but I could. Also, my friends said each dish was so big but they could eat all of them. I really appreciate the menu of this restaurant.

Ship Shape

2009-03-26T20:10:00.003-04:00

I am big fan of "ALESSI (http://www.alessi.com/en/)". This time I got butter case. Its shape is ship and it is very cute! I love these cute and stylish kitchen goods.

Shogun Restaurant (Japanese Restaurant)

2009-03-23T21:28:00.003-04:00

I had JLCC(http://www.freewebs.com/jlccsuny/) meeting at "Shogun Restaurant(http://www.shogunofdelmar.com/)". Inside the restaurant is clean and fancy. I ate "Chicken Tempura ($15.00)" and other members ate "Chicken Teriyaki", "Maki-Sushi Combo" and so on. The taste of "Chicken Tempura" was good but the surface was too crispy for me. All food were decorated cute and they looked beautiful. The service was really good. Their service made us so comfortable.
-------------------------------
Shogun Restaurant
318 Delaware Avenue,
Delmar, NY 12054
TEL (518)729-5727
-------------------------------

Thank you card

2009-03-22T22:40:00.004-04:00

There is a Japanese study group for elementary and junior high school students. I teach Japanese and mathematics there as volunteer teacher. Today we had a commencement. In the morning, all students made a presentation about their interesting topic, such as "How to make Chinese characters", "Why breakfast is so important" and "How to save energy". Each student prepared their presentation and had good performances. I was so happy to see them. After their presentations, we had a ceremony. In the ceremony, some students gave a present and a thank you card to volunteer teachers. I got them. All students wrote the massage for me and I an so glad to see it.

Lunch Buffet at Karavalli

2009-03-07T15:27:00.002-05:00

I joined the meeting of "The Capital District Gourmet Meetup (http://cooking.meetup.com/534/)". Today's meeting was at Karavalli (http://www.karavallilatham.com/). One of my Indian friends recommended me their lunch buffet, and then I was looking forward to eating good Indian foods there. Their foods were really delicious and all of them were so tasty, especially I love Tandoor chicken very much. Also, desserts were amazing. The buffet of this restaurant have many kinds and I wondered which one I eat first... I like 4 members joined this meeting. We had a attractive talking and had a good time.
The price of branch buffet (Saturday and Sunday) is $14.95 and Buffet lunch (Monday-Friday) is $10.95. In addition, they serve lunch boxes to go and their prices are $7.00-$9.00. I want to try lunch box next time!

Toothpick Holder

2009-02-28T22:42:00.003-05:00

I got "Magic Bunny", which is toothpick holder by Alessi (http://www.alessi.com/en/). I love Alessi's product very much but they were so expensive in Japan. In the U.S., I can buy these products almost half price of Japanese price. So, I got this one. It is sooo cute!

Creo again

2009-02-28T22:11:00.002-05:00

I went to have a lunch with my friends at "Creo".
This time, I ate "Today's Risotto", which is risotto with Boletus edulis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boletus_edulis) source and confit of duck. I love duck very much and I love confit!! The surface of the duck was crispy and inside is very soft... I was so satisfied of this duck taste but the price was expensive. Uh.... expensive for lunch....

Laptop bag

2009-02-26T22:45:00.003-05:00

I was looking for my laptop bag because the bag I am using now is soooo old. At first, I went to "Target" and "Best Buy" but I could not find pretty one, then I was looking for it in Amazon.com. I could find cute and pretty one, and I got it today!! I will take it tomorrow and show my friends.

This Saturday

2009-02-26T22:31:00.005-05:00

There will be "Russian winter festival(http://www.newrussiacenter.org/winter_festival.htm)" in this Saturday. As for Russia, I love costumes and folk music, but I like food best! What can I eat?I will GO!!

Also, there will be "Winter carnival(http://www.troyrecord.com/articles/2009/02/22/opinion/doc49a0cc6e34c26164285318.txt)" in Troy. This is the first winter carnival in little Italy, I heard. It will be a beer garden! it sounds good!

Strawberry Mousse

2009-02-26T22:18:00.002-05:00

I made "Strawberry mousse". They look spring, don't they?

Oh, I am looking forward to coming spring!!!

Delmonico's italian Steakhouse (Italian Restaurant)

2009-02-22T00:19:00.002-05:00

I went to have a dinner with my friends at "Delmonico's(http://www.delmonicositaliansteakhouse.com/)". At the parking lot, there are so many cars and I could not any space and waited about 15minutes. Inside the restaurant was so clouded and little noisy. At first, we ate 2 kinds of appetizer. One of them was small steak which was cut small size. The sauce was garlic and soy sauce taste. Other was Italian chips with tomato sauce. I ate "Veal Parmigiana" as a main dish. It was Veal with cheese and tomato sauce. It was little heavy for me but veal was so soft and tasty. As a dessert, I ate "Tiramisu". It was delicious and good for black coffee. Finally, I was full and packed more than half my dish. I could not understand why so many people come to this restaurant even if the steak is good.
-----------------------------------------
Delmonico's Italian Steakhouse
1553 Central Avenue,
Albany, NY 12205
TEL (518)456-5656
-----------------------------------------

Creo (Italian Restaurant)

2009-02-17T18:57:00.002-05:00

I went to have a lunch at "Creo(http://creorestaurant.com/)" with my friends. This restaurant is a new one in Stuyvesant Plaza. Inside the restaurant is gorgeous, bright and clean. We ordered and shared "Ahi tuna spring roll, red curry vinaigrette", "Ravioli of the day ", "Caramelized onions, figs & balsamic reduction Pizza" and "Crème brulee ". "Ahi tuna spring roll, red curry vinaigrette" is a roll contained raw tuna and herbs with curry sauce. But taste of curry was not strong and I could enjoy the taste of tuna. "Ravioli of the day " was the ravioli which wrapped with ground chicken meat and vegetables. It was mixed with tomato sauce. This ravioli was huge for me. I like smaller one. "Caramelized onions, figs & balsamic reduction Pizza" was a kind of dessert, I think. It was sweet but the combination of onions and figs were really nice. I love this very much. When I will come this restaurant again, I definitely order this pizza again! "Crème brulee" was sweet and rich taste. It was good for black coffee. We were satisfied our lunch today.
-----------------------------------
Creo
1475 Western Avenue,
Stuyvesant Plaza,
Albany, NY 12203
TEL (518)482-8000
-----------------------------------

Debbie's Kitchen (Cafe)

2009-02-16T17:23:00.002-05:00

2 months ago, my friend gave me brownies and these brownies fascinated me a lot. So, I went to buy them at "Debbie's Kitchen". This cafe is near the Washington park and is small. But they sell many kinds of desserts, such as Cheesecake, carrot cake, pies and brownies. Also, we can eat sandwitches($6.75-$7.50), soup and salad in this cafe. Today, I bought 3 kinds of brownies and 1 chocolate cake. These brownies are plain one, coconuts one and nuts one. The texture of these brownies are very soft. When I put it into my mouth, the brownie melts and chocolate taste spreads into my mouth. I really love these brownies!
------------------------------
Debbie's Kitchen
456 Madison Avenue,
Albany, NY 12208
TEL (518)463-3829
Mon-Fri 10am-9pm
Sat 11am-6pm
------------------------------

TEAVANA (Tea shop)

2009-02-15T23:17:00.002-05:00

I found the new shop in Crossgates mall (http://www.shopcrossgates.com/) and went there. The new shop is tea shop "TEAVANA (http://www.teavana.com/shop.axd/Default)". I love loose tea very much and always go to "The Good Leaf Tea Company http://www.goodleaftea.com/index.html)" in Lark Street. But I want to know the new shop and compare these 2.
In the shop, there are many kinds of tea products, such as tea mugs, tea kettles and tea pots. Some of the tea cups are made in Japan and look beautiful. Teas are behind the counter and we can try to see and to snart them at the counter. Most of the teas are blended. If you want to enjoy standard tea, I do not recommend this shop. If you want to enjoy new blend tea, this shop is good for you. I tried some kind of blend teas. Then, I bought one, which is blended white tea with rooibos tea, and mixed with dried tropical fruits. I love fruity one and it smell good. The prices of teas in this shop is twice or third times expensive than "The Good Leaf Tea Company". Sorry, TEAVANA, I love Good Leaf better.
---------------------------------
TEAVANA
1 Crossgates mall Rd.,
Albany, NY 12203
TEL (518)218-0245
---------------------------------

Chocolate for my friends

2009-02-14T09:40:00.002-05:00

Today is Valentin's' day, so I made chocolate muffins for my lab members. This time I used muffin mix of William Sonoma. Most of the time, Muffin mix is not good for me because it is too sweet. But this Muffin mix is better than I used before. The taste of chocolate is rich and really good, and I love it very much. Also, my friends like these muffins. I am so happy to see their eating.

Rice Cooker Cake

2009-02-11T22:25:00.008-05:00

My friend told me that rice cooker can make cake, so I tried to make "Chocolate Cake".

Pancake mix 2 1/4 cup
Cocoa powder 1 1/2 cup
Milk 12 table spoons
Egg 1
Olive oil 2 table spoon

Mix well and put them into the rice cooker. Then, push the start button! After finish boiling, I checked the dough. It was little soft and I push the start button again. Finally, I got the Chocolate cake. It looks good, isn't it?

Bouchons

2009-02-07T22:12:00.002-05:00

Before the big events, such as Christmas, Halloween and Valentina's day, I really want to make something to eat for these days. Today I made "Bouchons", which is famous as French confectionery. The shape of this sweets are wine cork, and the taste and texture are similar to brownie. I do not have an appropriate mold, so I used small muffin cups. The surface is little bit crispy but inside is very soft. I will take them to my friend house tomorrow!

Present for her

2009-02-07T09:48:00.002-05:00

This coming Thursday is my teacher's birthday. She is a IELP(http://www.albany.edu/ielp/AboutIELP.html) teacher and She helped me a lot when I was in IELP class. She is so lively and recommended me many places in Albany, such as museum, Pine bush preserve and ice skating... She made my life in Albany more vivid.
We will have a lunch together this Thursday with other my friends. We all are her students! Off course, some of us will have classes that day, so we will eat at cafeteria in the collage. I got the present for her in "Chocolate Gecko(http://www.chocolategecko.com/)". Now there are many chocolate shaped heart. They are so lovely. I love Valentin's day decoration because they made me warm.

Souvenir from my friends

2009-02-02T21:21:00.002-05:00

I got 2 souvenirs from my friends.
One of them is "Pineapple Pie" from my Taiwanese friend. Pineapple pie is famous as Taiwanese souvenir, I heard. The surface of this pie is crispy and inside is soft(Pineapple filling). It is little sweet for me but tasty.
Other is "Cod roe covered with kelp" from my Japanese friend. This is a kind of side dish for rice. I have never seen it in Japan but it looks delicious. I want to try tomorrow.

New Years Party

2009-01-18T21:17:00.002-05:00

I had a New Year Party with my friends. We brought Japanese traditional New Years food and shared them. All of them were so delicious. Even if I am in Japan, I cannot prepare such a many kinds of foods. I really happy to eat them. Children played New Years games and did a tea ceremony. Some of them wore Kimono (Japanese traditional costume) and took pictures. Today was really Japanese day for me.

Birthday Lunch

2009-01-15T18:53:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow is my friend's birthday and we decided to have a lunch together today. We went to "Phoenicians Restaurant (1686 Central Ave.)". Here is a Lebanese restaurant and I have a first time to go in the lunch time. But the menu is same as dinner. She ate "Falaafil" and I ate "Chicken Kabab". Still delicious! After eating lunch, off course we drank Lebanese coffee and are satisfied. Good food, good mood and good friends! I am happy that time.

Baked Bun (Manju)

2009-01-11T21:09:00.003-05:00

Today I had a plan to have a New Years party with my Japanese friends and to make something sweet. Because of heavy snow, the party is deferred. But I have already bought ingredient at Asian market and made "Baked Bun". Baked bun is called "Manju (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manju_(food)) and is traditional Japanese sweets. Most of Manju contains red bean paste. I put red bean paste and crunch chestnuts in my Manju. I think the size of my Manjus are little bigger but tastes are good. I keep some of my Manju in freezer and will bring our New Years Party in next week.

Chocolate Gecko (Chocolate)

2009-01-10T18:55:00.004-05:00

I went to "Chocolate Gecko(http://chocolategecko.com/)". The inside of the shop is clean and gorgeous. There are many kinds of chocolate and it is difficult to decide which one I will buy. Most of the chocolates were made by the owner of this shop and she is really friendly. We can try some chocolates which we are interested in. I bought "Truffle box", "Dark chocolate raisins" and 4 different pieces. In the truffle box, there are 9 different truffles and we can enjoy different flavors. Dark chocolate raisins are raisin coated in dark chocolate. I love them. As for the 4 different pieces, frog shape one is papaya-lemon chili chocolate, mice shape is filled with mint truffle ganache. Pyramid shape is filled with caramel and butterfly shape is maple syrup caramel. I have not eaten all them yet but I ate some of them. These chocolates are very smooth and unique. I become big fun of this shop!
---------------------------
Chocolate Gecko
21 Colvin Avenue,
Albany, NY 12206
TEL (518)436-0866
---------------------------

Rice Cake

2009-01-04T17:46:00.002-05:00

Some of my friends and I did "Mochitsuki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mochi)" today. "Mochitsuki" is a traditional rice cake-pounding ceremony in New Years day in Japan. But it is rare to see this ceremony even if we are in Japan. One of our friends have tools of ceremony and we landed them. Children tried to make rice cake. After that, adults dipped these rice cakes with many kinds of flavors, such as red bean paste, soy flour with sugar, green soy bean paste and sesame with sugar. All of them were very tasty and children had a hearty appetite. Also, I ate too much.

The Melting Pot (Fondue Restaurant)

2009-01-03T19:09:00.003-05:00

"The Melting Pot(http://www.meltingpot.com/locations.aspx?z=12205&n=311695)" is a Fondue Restaurant in Crossgates Mall. My husband and I went there on Saturday lunch. This restaurant opens dinner time from Monday to Friday, and lunch and dinner time on Saturday and Sunday. We ate "Entrees for Two($59.00)". We could select salad, entree and fondue. In salad, I ate "House" and my husband ate "Caesar". The dressing of house Salad was little sweet and the quality of vegetables were really good. In entree, we ordered "Coq au Vin", which is hot pot contained wine and spices. We boiled beef, chicken, salmon and so on. The taste of the soup were extremely good and it was amazing.
Last, we could choose "Chocolate Fondue" or "Cheese Fondue". We selected Chocolate one. We could dip bitter chocolate with strawberry, banana, marshmallow, cheese cake.... I was in a dream!! They all were delicious and I wanted eat more! Actually, price is high in this restaurant but they serve more than a price. I want to try another fondue!
--------------------------------
The Melting Pot
1 Crossgates Mall Road,
Albany, NY 12203
TEL (518)862-1292
--------------------------------

Marisa's Place (Pizza)

2009-01-02T15:40:00.002-05:00

Here is a small shop in a small mall. But Pizza is really good. Usually, the dough of pizza is thick and 1 slice of pizza makes me full. However, the dough of this shop is thin, I can eat several slices and enjoy topping on the pizza. A slice of pizza is about $2.50 and whole pizza (L) is about $13.00 and (XL) $15.00. In the lunch time, there are many customers in this shop but inside the shop, there are some tables and chairs. We can eat there and enjoy pizza immediately. They also serve salads, appetizers (Fried calamari, meatball, mozzarella sticks...) and subs.
--------------------------------------------
Marisa's Place
5 Schuyler Corners, Route 20 & 155,
Guilderland, NY 12084
TEL (518)464-9900
Mon-Thu 10:00am-9:00pm
Fri&Sta 10:00am-9:30pm
Sun Closed
--------------------------------------------

New Years Eve

2008-12-31T16:32:00.003-05:00

Today is New Years Eve. We, Japanese, have a custom to eat Soba (Japanese noodle, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soba_(noodle) ) in New Years Eve. Eating Soba in the New Years Eve means that we wish to live like Soba (Thin and Long). So, my husband and I ate them as a lunch (usually Japanese eat Soba as dinner in the New Years Eve).

These Soba were carried by husband from Japan and they are instant Soba. Tastes are so-so but they made me to feel the end of the year.

It made me hot

2008-12-30T19:05:00.002-05:00

Because today was little bit cold, my husband and I went to have a lunch at "Arirang(1558 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12205)". Here is a Korean restaurant. I ate "Bul go gi $12.99 (Stir fried marinated beef slices)" and my husband ate "Yuk gae jang $12.99 (Spicy beef and leek soup)". The beef of "Bul go gi" was sweet and spicy, and It become me appetizing. The taste of "Yuk gae jang" was very spicy and I could not eat more than several bites. But my husband really liked this taste and he finished eat all of them. It was amazing for me.

Phoenicians Restaurant (Lebanese Restaurant)

2008-12-27T21:46:00.002-05:00

I found new restaurant at Central Avenue and wet to there with my husband. Here is a Lebanese restaurant "Phoenicians". We ate "Shshi Kebab" and "Mix Shawarma". The beef of Shshi Kebab were so soft and tasty. I love them! But the chicken and beaf of Mix Shawarma were subtle in flavor.
Of course, I ate dessert! I ate "Baklava" and drank "Lebanese Coffee". I ate Baklava several times in Turkish Restaurant and Greek Restaurant. Most of the case, the shape of Baklava was cuboid but the shape of this restaurant's Baklava was cylinder. There were many nuts in the center of cylinder. I like this texture and taste. I had a first time to drink Lebanese coffee and I was surprised. The taste was little different from the coffee I drink everyday. But I am sorry I could not explain how different... So, please drink it when you go to this restaurant.
Inside the restaurant looks very clean and the service was really nice. I think this restaurant will be popular in this area.
------------------------------
Phoenicians Restaurant
1686 Central Avenue,
Albany, NY 12205
TEL (518)464-4444
11:00am-11:00pm Daily
------------------------------

Full Mi Belly (Jamaican Food)

2008-12-27T15:57:00.004-05:00

I went to have a lunch with my husband to "Full Mi belly", because Albany Jane recommended her blog (http://albanyeats.blogspot.com/search?q=full+mi+belly) and I saw the article about this shop in the TimesUnion(http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=730218). This shop is in the Food court in the Crossgates mall. At first, I selected the size (Small or Regular) and selected the food, goat curry. As for the goat curry, the meat was so soft and tasty and the combination of the rice and goat was sooo nice! The vegetables which were boiled with soup were good, also I like the fried bananas. The taste likes sweet potatoes and delicious. I want to try another food of this shop.

-------------------------------
Full Mi Belly
In the Crossgates Mall
TEL (845)242-7256
-------------------------------

* This shop was closed. (2/2/09)

Merry Christmas !

2008-12-24T21:18:00.004-05:00

I love Christmas season. The atmosphere looks really lively and exciting. My friend decorated in our lab and the entrance of my apartment is gorgeous!

Today, I got Christmas cake (http://yuttysr.fc2web.com/)!

Then, I finished preparing Christmas. Only thing I have to do is to wait my Santa Clause!!!!

JLCC Meeting

2008-12-22T21:58:00.003-05:00

I went to have a dinner at "Sushi-Tei(http://www.sushiteialbany.com/)" with JLCC(http://www.freewebs.com/jlccsuny/) members. There were 6 members(2 Americans and 4 Japanese) today. I ate "Gyu Yaki (Pan fried beef)". Before eating, I expected to like Sukiyaki taste but it was more sweet. Other members ate "Sushi regular", "Tempura Soba (Japanese noodle with Tempura)", "Chicken Katsu (Deep fried chicken)" and "Una-ju (Boiled eel with source based on soy-source)". All of them looked delicious, especially Chicken Katsu looked good! During dinner, we talked about ice storm which we had last week. It was terrible and some of the members had black out almost 6 days. I can not believe! Our winter has just started and we will have more snow in this winter....

Lab Party

2008-12-13T22:27:00.002-05:00

2 of the member of our lab will finish their course in this semester, so we had a party and celebrated them. The party was held in our adviser's house. Her house is brand new and really clean and beautiful. Also, her son is really cute!
This party is potluck, then we brought foods. I made "Quiche(spinach and bacon)" and "Tonkatsu(Deep fried pork)". I was little afraid because some of my American friends do not try food which they are not familiar. Then, I thought and selected deep fried pork. Many American members ate them and I am so happy. Other members brought dumpling, pan fried beef, chicken wing, salad,.... All of them are delicious and I ate a lot.
In the party, we could got the secret Santa present. I got fragrance set.
I ate good food, had a lively talking and got present. Today was so happy for me.

Freezing Rain

2008-12-12T21:55:00.002-05:00

Freezing rain is really surprising thing for me because I think this phenomena occurred in only ski fields in Japan. When I saw it for the first time, it was shocked and I had a lot of time to peer the ice covered with my car! Today I had a same thing. My car was packed with ice and I peered it for 30 minutes. Actually, I did not want to go to school such a day but I had a final exam and have to go there. I was tired before my exam but trees and plants were so beautiful...

Soup Mania

2008-12-11T20:20:00.002-05:00

Before I came to the US, I did not have many chances to eat soup except Miso-soup. After coming the US, I became soup mania! I love soup and always looking for good one. Most of the time, I bought a cup of soup at "Au Bon Pain(http://www.aubonpain.com/)" at SUNY's cafeteria. This shop's soup is tasty but little bit thin for me.
Another shop where I buy soup is "The Original Soup Man(http://www.originalsoupman.com/default.aspx）" at Colonie center's food court. This shop's soup is thick. My favorite one is Italian sausage because there are many kinds of vegetables in it and it is spicy. I am still looking for good soup !

Decolation

2008-12-07T17:19:00.002-05:00

I love Christmas season very much because of beautiful Christmas decoration. Today, I went to my friend's house and saw a lovely Christmas decoration. Near the window, there is a big Christmas tree, on the piano, there are many small figures and on the wall, there is cute Christmas tapestry. I really love her decoration and these decoration fascinated me a lot.

Thanksgiving Buffet

2008-11-27T19:56:00.002-05:00

I went to "Thanksgiving Buffet" with my friend, which is sponsored by International Student and Scholar Services and Graduate Student Organization. This Buffet was held the hotel near SUNY. Each international student could get 2 tickets. So, many students came with their friend and families. I ate turkey, salad, potatoes and apple pie. Taste was so-so but I had a good time to talk with my friend and felt good atmosphere.

Red bean paste pound cake

2008-11-23T19:46:00.004-05:00

When I am stressed out, I really want to cook. Is it strange???
Yesterday and today, I am so stressful because I cannot write my term paper. So, I want to cook something. I found canned red bean paste in my kitchen and made "Red bean paste pound cake". It mixes American and Japanese style and tastes good!

Winter dish "Oden"

2008-11-23T19:32:00.003-05:00

Today's highest temperature is about 0 degree Celsius. Winter has come to Albany.
The most popular winder dish in Japan is "Oden(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oden)". I missed too much. The day before yesterday, I went to buy rice at Asian market, then I found "personal Oden set(small portion of oden)". I was very happy to see it and bought it. Its price is about $3.00. So, today's dinner is "Oden"!! It makes me hot and happy.

Recipe : Apple Pound Cake

2008-11-10T16:46:00.003-05:00

1.5 cup All purpose flour
2 Apples (1 for grinded and 1 for fine-chopped)
3 teaspoons baking powder
3 Eggs
1.5 cup Sugar
3 tablespoons Oil
5 tablespoons Butter

1. Preheat oven to 350 degree F.
2. Combine eggs, sugar, oil and butter, and mix well.
3. Add egg twice (half at time) and mix well after each one.
4. Add baking powder, flour and apples, and stir until just combine.
5. Bake at 350 degree F for 40 minutes.

Apple 2

2008-11-08T21:44:00.002-05:00

Still I have a lot of apples, so I made "Apple pound cake" today. It looks good, isn't it?

Recipe : Apple Muffin

2008-11-08T13:32:00.009-05:00

*For Apples
1.5 cup fine chopped apples
2 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons lemon juice

1. Combine fine chopped apple, sugar and lemon juice.
2. Boil then until water is disappeared.
3. Place to be cool.

* For Muffins
1.5 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 tablespoon baking soda
7 tablespoons salt-free butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2/3 cup milk

1. Preheat oven to 350 degree F.
2. Combine butter and sugar, and cream until light and whitish.
3. Add egg twice (half at time) and mix well after each one.
4. Add baking powder, baking soda and half of flour, and stir until just combine.
5. Add milk, half of flour and apples. and stir well.
6. Put them into the muffin cups.
7. Bake at 350 degree F for 25 minutes.

Arirang (Korian Restaurant)

2008-11-07T22:34:00.003-05:00

I went to have a dinner with my friends at "Arirang". This restaurant serves Korean, Japanese and Thai food. We ate Korean food. I tried "Bibimbab(Rice topped with vegetables, meat and red pepper paste)" and it was delicious but I want to serve it hotter. My friends ate "Dumpling soup" and "Jeyuk Bokkeum(Stir fried pork with spicy sauce)". Both of them looked very good. I love Korean food, especially winter day. Fortunately, this restaurant is near my apartment. So, I will go there several times in this winter.
---------------------------------
Arirang
1558 Central Avenue,
Colonie, NY 12205
TEL (518)452-6878
---------------------------------

Apple

2008-11-02T00:05:00.003-04:00

Because I went to apple picking last week and still I have a lot of apples, so I made "Apple muffin" and "Apple tart" today. Apple muffins are for my breakfast and apple tart is for tomorrow's study group.

Pumpkin !

2008-11-01T22:15:00.002-04:00

My friend told me to buy interesting sweets for Halloween at "Crisan". So, I went to there but there were not any sweets for Halloween. I was disappointed.
However, there were many kinds of pumpkin cakes and breads, such as "Pumpkin tart", "Pumpkin pie" and "Pumpkin roll cake". They looked so cute and delicious. This shop's sweets are so unique and they are cheaper than other shop. Every time I go there, I want to try all of them. Today, I bought some of them(Pumpkin tart and Pumpkin bread) and tried. They made me happy!!

Dinner Club in this month

2008-10-25T23:53:00.002-04:00

Dinner club in this month is in "Sushi-tei(http://www.sushiteialbany.com/index.html)". I like this restaurant these days. I love deep fried pork and ate "Katsu ju(Deep fried pork with egg over the rice)". Most of the members ate Sushi and we ate dessert, too. There were 3 kinds of dessert; Ice creame, Ice cream Tempra and Sherbet. I ate Red bean Ice cream and it was so nice. I love it! I tried Ice cream Tempra which my friend was eating. taste is not good and not bad, but batter of the Tempra is little bit thick and it was difficult to eat. As for the dessert, I recommend to eat Red bean Ice Cream. After eating, we moved to Starbucks coffee at Stuyvsant Plaza and chatted until 10pm. I was so happy to meet Japanese friends and talked a lot.

Apple Picking & Picnic Lunch

2008-10-25T23:01:00.004-04:00

I joined "Apple Picking & Picnic Lunch" at Indian Ladder Farm(http://www.indianladderfarms.com/cgi-bin/ilf.cgi). Unfortunately, the weather was bad and it was cloudy and sometimes shower. We bought a bag and put apples in it. We picked "Fuji-apple" and "Mutsu-apple", which are Japanese apple. The ground of apple picking area was wet and apples were on the top of the tree. It was difficult to pick for children and they used the tool for pick.
After picking, we had a potluck party in a hatch because of rain. I enjoyed eating many kinds of food, such as sandwich, potato salad and Tonjiru(Miso soup with pork and many kinds of vegetables). After eating lunch, children went to pumpkin farm and pick own pumpkin. They painted and carved own pumpkin. It was so interesting. Each children enjoyed very much and had a good job!

Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner

2008-10-19T21:19:00.002-04:00

Carl and Joan invited JLCC(http://www.freewebs.com/jlccsuny/index.htm) to dinner. I went to their house. There were 6members(3 Japanese, 1 Korean, 1 American and 1 Chinese). They prepared many food such as turkey, salad, lasagna and mash potatoes. After eating these food, we ate apple crumble and brownie as a dessert. I was so satisfied these food. We talked about American economy these days, Japanese culture, and our work and study. We chatted a lot and had a good time. I really thank to Carl and Joan!

Turnip

2008-10-11T15:07:00.004-04:00

I got many turnips at Troy's farmers market today. I found 8 turnips($2.50) and bought them. However, I returned to my apartment, I regretted little because 8 turnips are too much for me. Immediately, I cooked all of them. I made 4 meals.
First, I fried Turnips' leaves with dried bonito and sesame. Second one is fried Turnips' leaves with chili and baby sardine. Third one is fried Turnips and pork with soy-source. Last one is boiled Turnips and Turnips' leaves with ginger and soy-source. Oh... they looked good and I will eat lunch and dinner!