Very Good Scary Fish

Okayama Sake

Semi-sweet and very very smooth.

Cold Udon Noodles

Our first lunch in Okayama was at an Udon noodle shop.  We learned you can order your Udon noodles either hot or cold.  David had a traditional pork Udon noodle dish, while I opted for a cold Udon noodle dish topped with tempura shrimp.  There is a special name for this dish, however I forgot to write it down.  It came with a soy type sauce which you pour over the noodles.  Also, there are some shavings that you add on top reminding us of topping a dish with Parmesan cheese. 

Far East Meets Southwest

Habenero infused sake

Finally

My Anago Meshi, BBQ Conger Eel, and was it worth the wait. Smokey flavor with a real hint of the sea that is just out the front door of this tiny restaurant. Tables are packed with the last remaining Japanese tourists enjoying their Golden Week holiday. Enjoyed with an ice cold bottle of Asahi beer, or two. And Jane, she apparently likes the oysters, she had the fried oyster set for lunch. 

Now, off sake hunting ....

Miyajima Street Vendors (and deer)

Miyajima Street Food

After a hike to Mt. Misen to visit the wild monkeys and see one of the top three scenic views in Japan, we found a street with vendors selling various items on sticks.  There were many selections including octopus, pork and fish on a stick.  We chose the fried oysters on a stick as Miyajima is known for it's oysters.  Did I say "Cat's Eye" oysters were the best?  I now think fried oysters on a stick are the best.

Walking another block there is a line formed.  I go to see what the excitement is about and find more oysters!  This time a man is roasting them (see picture below).  My new favorite is roasted oysters!  I'm so easily swayed.  

Roasted Miyajima Oysters

Traditional Japanese Style Dinner

  Miyajima is a very spiritual Japanese island, so we decided to stay at the traditional Japanese style inn.  Dinner and breakfast are included in the cost of your room.  Dinner is served in your room and breakfast is in the restaurant.  At check-in, you give your preferred dinner time.  

  At the requested time, there is a knock at our door and the little lady assigned to our room enters with our dinner.  She speaks very little English, but is able to describe the dishes to us.  We have miso soup, 3 types of sashimi, whelk (like conch), pickled veggies, wild greens salad, tempura prawns, rice and two more interesting items.

  The first is meat, onions and broccoli which cooks in a little pot at your table.  Eventually the flame goes out, so you don't need to attempt to blow it out like I did.  This dish is delicious. Tender beef in a broth with vegetables.  

  The second dish is frightening to me (see picture below).  Scary fish looking up at me from the plate.  How on earth are you supposed to eat this?  With some effort I manage, but my final plate looks like mangled fish parts.  I hope no one is offended.  Really, not the kind of fish I prefer.  

  The dinner was saved by the fresh strawberries.  We are from Florida and the area is known for strawberries.  However, these strawberries were the best we've ever had.  Yummy.

Scary Fish Dish in Miyajima