By Ann Shimasaki
The Mayor`s mansion is a two acre estate of beautifully landscaped gardens overlooking a river. I can feel the energy of feng shui and zen as we entered the massive mansion guest hall, through several living areas to a Japanese garden where the reception was held under the blue moonlight. The weather was perfect, about 68 degrees with low humidity.
(Look, that's Gary to the right. After touring the Mayor's mansion, he's pondering whether or not to enter the mayoral race. This residence is a slight upgrade from his.)
The Mayor`s mansion is a two acre estate of beautifully landscaped gardens overlooking a river. I can feel the energy of feng shui and zen as we entered the massive mansion guest hall, through several living areas to a Japanese garden where the reception was held under the blue moonlight. The weather was perfect, about 68 degrees with low humidity.
(Look, that's Gary to the right. After touring the Mayor's mansion, he's pondering whether or not to enter the mayoral race. This residence is a slight upgrade from his.)
n were several bamboo-lined rock garden pathways that led to a large koi pond. In the middle of the pond was a waterscape tower. There was a bridge over the pond that led to a watermill illuminated by soft gleaming lights. I found the first of two ceremonial tea houses in this part of the garden estate. It was
breathtaking! From the mansion, on the right side of the garden, was the second and larger tea house and kitchen where formal tea ceremonies and international events often take place. This is also where a second koi pond was located, closer to the mansion near the entrance to the garden.The reception was setup beautifully, an elegant soiree with fine linens on four rows of round tables positioned in the middle of the estate lawn. I can wear long white gloves and a ball gown and fit right in. T
he silver chaffing lined buffet table showcase
d over 50 different food dishes prepared for dinner reception. Tiny parmesan cups filled with cesar salad, mini hamburgers (aka sliders), scallop and mushroom skewers, prawn skewers and an assortment of delicious miniature desserts were among some of the American dishes that were artfully prepared by the Ambassador Chefs, Scott Howard (to the left with Ann) and Bruce Hill (to the right)
, from San Francisco with assistance from a team of Japanese sous chefs.
he silver chaffing lined buffet table showcase
d over 50 different food dishes prepared for dinner reception. Tiny parmesan cups filled with cesar salad, mini hamburgers (aka sliders), scallop and mushroom skewers, prawn skewers and an assortment of delicious miniature desserts were among some of the American dishes that were artfully prepared by the Ambassador Chefs, Scott Howard (to the left with Ann) and Bruce Hill (to the right)
, from San Francisco with assistance from a team of Japanese sous chefs. 
representatives from both sides of the Pacific exchanged words of appreciations for 50 years of friendship. The Mayor was out campaigning for reelection next month so he didn`t arrive until much later. When he arrived, Darrell Corti of Corti Brother market in Sacramento, presented him with a bottle of wine he personally labeled to sell at his market. Darrell generously donated all the wines for both formal dinner parties and as gifts for our
Japanese dignitaries and friends. To show our appreciation, the San Francisco delegation presented the Japanese delegation with gifts that represented the food culture of San Francisco: a can of San Francisco clam chowder, a bag of Ghiradeli chocolate, wine, and a book on San Francisco dinni
ng authored by Patrica Unterman. The mayor (above) was extremely hospitable and humbled by our visit to his Mansion. He kept 
the speech short, because he was more interested in eating, I like this guy!