Kuidaore, I'm told, is a term often used to describe Osaka, the 'foodie' destination of Japan. So what better way is there to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the San Francisco-Osaka sister city relationship than to bring 73 SF culinary delegates to Japan to share our obsession with food.
This is an amazing trip, officially sponsored by the city of Osaka and numerous corporate sponsors including United Airlines, Kikkoman, and Fujitsu. The 73 delegates are composed of leaders of the San Francisco Japanese community, culinary professionals (executive chefs, a food critic, restaurantiers, a FoodNetwork producer, to list a few), and of course, the SF foodies. We'll be spending a week in Osaka, exploring everything culinary, from street food, government sponsored receptions, factory tours, the fish market, the food supply industry, and cooking demonstrations. Many of us will then continue to Tokyo as an optional trip extension.
I'm looking forward to meeting new friends, both from San Francisco and across the Pacific Ocean. I am a believer that food and travel bring people of the world together, guiding the way to discovering new tastes, cultures, and perspectives.
Along with new friends, I'm fortunate to be sharing this journey with seven that I already know quite well. Who are they?
** T - My boyfriend, my darling, my love.
** The Shimasaki's - My sister Ann and her husband Dale. Thanks Dale for letting us tag along!
** Mom and Dad - After raising 6 kids, they deserve this trip.
** Gary - Dale's golf-loving brother. He's very charming, intelligent, and quite the catch ;) Call me if your interested. J/K Gary.
** B-O-B of Alameda - Yes, we actually call him that. Bob is Dale's best friend and my travel idol. He's made it a life mission to visit every nook and cranny on this earth!
If this were a formal Japanese introduction, we'd each offer our business cards, held politely with both hands, with heads slightly bowed as we've been taught to do. Instead, I offer this blog and hope you'll come along to share the ride. I'll do my best to post often and hopefully even share some pictures along the way. Oh, I'm so excited!
