Before I focus on 2018 and all the new and exciting recipes and travel adventures I want to share with you, I want to showcase the most popular blog posts of 2017 on Flavorful Journeys.
- Eating Tonkatsu at Katsukura Shinjuku Restaurant
Tonkatsu Pork Filet and Prawn at Katsukura Shinjuku
Tokyo features some of the best food in the world. If you’re looking for a delicious tonkatsu meal, check out Katsukura Shinjuku Restaurant; the fried pork is tender and juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside. Plus, they serve Japanese whiskey at an unbelievable price!
- Coffee Jelly: The Perfect After-Dinner Dessert
Coffee Jelly Dessert with Sweetened Condensed Milk and Whipped Cream
Coffee jelly is a coffee lover’s dream. Coffee gelatin, sweetened condensed milk, and whipped cream mix together to create a sweet coffee dessert. It’s great for parties as you can prepare it ahead of time and it looks stunning. But, don’t wait for company. Make it now!
- La Vista Daisetsuzan: A Serene Onsen in Japan’s Largest National Park
View of Mount Asahidake from Our Room at La Vista Daisetsuzan
La Vista Daisetsuzan—a hotel with thermal baths in Japan’s largest National Park—offers guests an idyllic stay in the heart of the Japanese wilderness. From the exquisitely prepared food to the relaxing baths, you will find comfort and tranquility here.
- Mime’s Sand Tart Recipe: My Family’s Christmas Tradition
Sand Tarts Ready for Baking
You can’t go wrong with family recipes. They have survived the test of time. My family always makes sand tarts around Christmas, but you can make them year round by switching up the cookie cutters. No one ever complained about having too many sand tarts!
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen Japanese Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen is a serene garden in the heart of Tokyo. Visit it to experience the more natural side of Japan; you will forget that you’re in the largest city in the world. It’s a wonderful place for a walk. The beautiful gardens will enchant you.
- Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Cake with Edible Gold Leaf
Me Painting on the Gold Heart Using Edible Gold Luster DustI have now made this chocolate raspberry truffle cake at two weddings and for good reason—it tastes like a creamy chocolate truffle covered in ganache with bursts of raspberry goodness throughout. You really need to try it, if you haven’t already!
- Geeking Out in Akihabara: Arcades, Anime, Cat Cafés and more!
Taito Station Arcade in AkihabaraAkihabara is a district in Tokyo catering to video and computer gamers, electronic enthusiasts, cosplayers, manga fans, and other fun and nerdy pursuits. There’s so much to experience in Akihabara, from cat cafés to multi-story gaming arcades. Trust me, you won’t get bored. It’s one of the most exciting places in Tokyo.
- Visit Tsukiji Market and Eat Fresh Sushi at Iwasa Sushi
Omakase Set at Iwasa Sushi
Tsukiji market is the largest seafood market in the world, selling all kinds of delicacies and wonders from the sea. Seafood and sushi lovers must try fresh sushi while visiting Japan and Iwasa Sushi serves some of the best in the city.
- Escape and Unplug: Camping in the Dry Tortugas
From the Battlements of Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas National Park
The Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most isolated and pristine national parks in the United States. It’s great for snorkeling, stargazing, birding, kayaking, and camping. Plus, the views are spectacular—each night you can sit atop Fort Jefferson and watch the sunset.
- Experience Japanese-Homestyle Cooking in Mayuko’s Little Kitchen
Mayuko’s Little Kitchen Tofu Dinner
Mayuko’s Little Kitchen is an experience any tourist looking to dive into Japanese-homestyle cooking should check out. Mayuko invites you into her home and teaches you how to prepare traditional Japanese meals. It’s an intimate and hands-on class full of friendly people and a gracious and insightful host. I highly recommend it!
Thanks for following my blog and helping make 2017 a great year! Let me know in the comments what recipes and travel posts, you’d like to see in 2018.
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