60 replies to this topic

[Milz]

I adore this English language cooking show broadcast on NHK World (tv stations and on-line):

http://www3.nhk.or.j...masu/index.html

The two chefs, Tatsuo Saito and Rika Yukimasa, explain and demonstrate the techniques very well. And the recipes I've tried work too.

I just can't stand the two co-hosts, very annoying. I liked the former co-host better.

Editing to add a few of links to complete shows.
http://www.youtube.c...h?v=QKuyTx-Gcu0
http://www.youtube.c...h?v=Mg_WRSbVFEk
http://www.youtube.c...h?v=xP6BeeHgEMM

Edited by Milz, Dec 20, 2012 @ 2:35 PM.

[sumimasen]

I'm so glad you started this thread! I love NHK and watch every day. I never miss Itadakimasu on Sunday nights. I agree that those co-hosts are annoying. I don't know what is wrong with that Seira woman. I miss Shelly and used to get a kick out of the way Chef Saito would waggle his finger at her. It was like she couldn't do anything right in his opinion! Poor Shelly. I really miss Your Japanese Kitchen. Harumi is called The Charisma Housewife in Japan. I'll be checking in now and then. Sayonara!

[Milz]

NHK is one of my favorite channels! I love the quality of their programming. I loved Harumi's show too.

Anyhow, I'm glad I'm not the only one who can't stand Seira. It's like watching a toddler. And that guy, whatshisname, he's annoying too but less than Seira.

[sumimasen]

Last night was a rerun. I thought the shrimp looked oishii. I love Japanese food. That guy is the funny half of a comedy team I've never heard of. And Seira with her boob job and cartoonish voice and seal clapping is just waaaay too over the top.

Did you vote in Viewers' Choice? It was so much fun, and they showed lots of my choices.

[Milz]

I didn't vote in it this year, because too many things were happening and I never got around to it.

Yes, the shrimp did look oishii! (I watch "Meet and Speak" whenever I get the chance!)

I've tried several of the recipes like the Japanese hamburger steak (my husband pronounced them a winner), sukiyaki, and the tempura. I tried several of Harumi's recipes too, like her fried chicken nuggets, udon noodles (we have an international grocery store nearby and we can buy fresh udon), green peas and rice and the fried fish cakes.

According to the website, next week's episode will be a Rika's Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ). Is Rika the new Harumi in Japan?

[sumimasen]

I watch Meet and Speak every day (I wish they would make new episodes, so far there are only 30 and I've seen them all several times now) as well as following the Japanese Lessons offered by NHK on their website. I have really learned a lot so far, both spoken and written. I like that you can take it at your own pace.

We also have an Asian market and I can find everything I need there. They even have a deli where you can get several kinds of ramen soup, sushi, fried oysters, takoyaki and Chinese home cooking. Japanese food is so healthy! I've made lots of recipes from Chef Saito and Rika including chawan mushi, oyakodon, and cold miso soup with cucumber. We eat a lot of miso soup. I've also made Harumi's pork belly, leek and ham pancake, and meatballs.

I like Rika, she's so laid back and has a twinkle in her eye. Her English is so much better than Chef Saito's.

[Milz]

The chawan mushi is on my "To try" list. The international grocery store I go to is owned by Koreans, so their deli section offers their in house made kimchi, chap jae, ready-to-cook bulgogi, spicy dried squid, etc. But they do carry Japanese/chinese/filipino/india ingredients and packaged foods, like retort curry, different types of noodles, miso--the Japanese and Korean versions, etc.

What I like about Itadakimasu (and even Harumi's show)is that they just don't make sushi! And so, it's refreshing to see Japanese cooking that isn't sushi. lol.

RE: Meet and Speak

I'm surprised by how much Japanese I've learned, just by casually watching the program. It makes me think if I watch it to really learn, I'd know much, much more.

[sumimasen]

That's true. There is so much more to Japanese cuisine than sushi or sashimi, even though I love the stuff. It's interesting to see what they do with Western dishes (yoshoku)like the hamburger patty you made and things like omurice which is an omelet stuffed with rice with ketchup drizzled on top or sometimes a beef patty with gravy as well. They have their version of croquettes (korokke) curry, cutlets, spaghetti and a whole bunch of other stuff.
BTW, I'm making Rika's fried shrimp tomorrow night. Looking forward to her Tokyo style bbq on this weeks show.

[Milz]

That bbq looked terrific! We have nearly all the ingredients (except the beef) at home. So that's on this week's shopping list.

I can't decide which host I dislike the most: Seira with her squeals and seal-clapping or Patrick with his Austen Powers-like leers. During the bbq episode, I expected him to leer into the camera and say "Yeah Baby!". Ick.

Did you catch the episode of "Food and Pottery"? Harumi cooked korokke, ginger pork and kikka daikon and kikka carrot. I absolutely LOVED those blue colored dishes!

Edited by Milz, Jan 14, 2013 @ 11:50 AM.

[sumimasen]

I did see Harumi. Loved those dishes and love korokke. Rika's fried shrimp were so good. I cut them like she said to and they came out straight. I'm definitely going to try her BBQ, but I don't know about using Wagyu beef. I know where to get it, but it's so expensive. The story about her husband concocting the sauce was cute.

Rika's sidekick has got to go. And whatever happened to Shelly? I've tried to find out but to no avail. She's on some kind of book show, but I think it's NHK Premium.

Do you ever catch Your Japanese Kitchen Mini? It's just 5 minute clips of her old show. Yesterday she made okonomiyaki, which is like a breakfast of champions. I'd like to try it though. Shredded cabbage pancake with shrimp, scallops, pork belly, fried egg. Topped with mayo and bonito flakes.

[Milz]

okonmiyaki, is VERY good! I made it adhering to Harumi's instructions initially. But I've tweaked it by using proscuito or bacon rather than the pork belly and using a regular potato in place of the taro. I've also used other vegetables in addition to the cabbage like carrot, green onion, shredded kale, etc. Mr. Milz and I have it frequently because it's really fast and good. And we have the basic ingredients at home all the time too.

I can't stand Seira or Patrick. Patrick is really creepy......

[sumimasen]

Well that settles it. I'm going to make some okonomiyaki. Maybe this weekend. Tonight I'm trying Chef Saito's recipe for Kabocha pumpkin as a side dish.

[Milz]

Kabocha is my favorite squash! I've read about it for several years before finding it in a regular supermarket. It's better than any of the winter squashes and I prefer it over sweet potatoes.

[sumimasen]

The kabocha was delicious. Seasoned with dashi stock, mirin and soy sauce, it was the best ever. And the rind is edible. I'll definitely be making that again. Tomorrow night it's time for Harumi's okonomiyaki.

[sumimasen]

Was Seira drunk or something last night? It was a rerun, but I didn't notice it the first time. When she clapped her hands and squealed "I love drinking!" it just cracked me up.

[Milz]

No, I don't think she was drunk. I think that's her normal behavior. Is Chef Saito standing on a box? He looked taller in that episode than he did in the braising ones he did.

[sumimasen]

Seira makes him look like a shrimp, so maybe he is standing on something.

[Milz]

Next week is a repeat of "Steaming: Part 2"----oh yippee. more seal claps and squeals.....can't. wait................

[Milz]

Look's like next week's episode is new: Rika's hamburger steak with soy and wine sauce. I wonder how different/similar it will be to Chef Saito's teriyaki hamburger steak?

[sumimasen]

The steamed turnip thing didn't do much for me. I've got a pound of ground sirloin in the freezer, so now I know what to do with it, Teriyaki hamburger steak! I've been searching for more about Tatsuo Saito, but can only find Itadakimasu references. I wonder what he's done besides that. Rika Yukimasa has written books, I believe, as has Harumi. I wouldn't mind having a couple of their books.

[Milz]

I've been hankering for soup or stew because it's been cold the last week here. Mr. Milz suggested something like sukiyaki, but today it's nearly 70 degrees! I think we're having a cool down this weekend, so maybe then.

I'm looking forward to Rika's episode, but i'm not looking forward to that creepy Patrick.......

[sumimasen]

These are the blurbs from the NHK World website about Saito and Rika:A prominent master of Japanese culinary arts, active around the world, he has served as head chef at the Japanese embassies in Paris and Washington and given special instruction in Japanese cuisine at a Swiss hotel school. He takes great care in arranging each and every food item to draw out the distinctive characteristics. He runs a cooking school in Tokyo, works in TV, magazines and on the lecture circuit, and is also a prolific author. In the program, he takes us to the heart of Japanese cuisine through scientific analysis of the culinary techniques used with all the various ingredients and inside instruction on everything from basic to startling professional skills.

She is a "cooking researcher" who uses her own original techniques to introduce cooking that everyone can enjoy. She has written books on such diverse themes as Japanese cuisine, home cooking, entertaining, and cakes and sweets. In the program, she both introduces the Japanese food culture now drawing attention abroad and proposes her own easy-to-make Japanese recipes. She offers ideas, too, for alternatives to items and utensils that might be hard to obtain abroad so that you can make your own Japanese-style food wherever you happen to be.

And their sidekicks Siera Kagami and Patrick Harlan:

Model, singer, actress. Born in Tokyo in 1987 to a Canadian father and a Japanese mother. She debuted as a model at age 12 and soon after began her acting and music career. She is currently featured in TOKYO GIRL'S COLLECTION in addition to modeling for various other magazines. Ms. Kagami also appears on television and in films. In her free time she enjoys ballet, hip-hop dancing, swimming, basketball, and shodo Japanese calligraphy.

Born in the USA and now one of the best known foreign-born entertainers in Japan, in addition to playing the funny man in comic duo Pack'n Mack'n, Patrick is an accomplished actor, radio DJ and TV personality. His Japanese skills, Harvard education and comedy credentials give him the depth and credibility to succeed in a variety of roles. Patrick's solo work ranges from TV dramas to game shows to commercials, from political commentary to picture books

[Milz]

I liked Chef Saito's hamburger steak better. The four mushroom soup looked good....too bad I can't get nemeko mushrooms here!

[sumimasen]

I like Rika. She has a sense of humor which Chef Saito lacks. Well, he is funny in a sort of campy way, but it's unintended. And he's constantly needing his ego stroked, fishing for compliments on his expertise. Rika is relaxed. I'd try this. I think the sauce might work, strange as it sounds. I've seen those mushrooms at the Asian market, so I'll try the soup too.

[Milz]

New episode next week: fried chicken.

Unfortunately, Siera will be there......ick.

[sumimasen]

NHK reception here has been really bad lately, and yesterday all I got was a "no signal" message, whatever that means. It's back on today, but still intermittent static. I called Comcast, but they were no help whatsoever. Last night was Rika's BBQ, which I've seen at least twice. I'll look forward to seeing the fried chicken, though. I've seen Harumi do it with potato starch and using boneless thighs. Here's to hoping Chef Saito gets a new sidekick soon.

One other thing, Meet and Speak used to be on here at 1:15 and 4:15 pm, but now since last week it's only on on Saturday at 6:40, so just one episode per week. Good thing I have my notes on all 30 episodes. I just wish they'd make more. The show is an older one, because I noticed in one airport scene that they had Northwest up on the arrivals board, and I think Northwest was sold to Delta a few years ago.

[Milz]

I hope your NHK issues have been resolved.

Seira wasn't half as annoying in the episode. Hardly any walrus clapping or toddler squeals (it looks like she's matured to the level of a 6 year old) from her.

BUT what grossed me out was her neon green Fu Manchu fingernails when she was forming the onigiri and wrapping the nori strip around it. Ick.

[sumimasen]

Yeah, she seemed almost normal aside from balling her little fists up and holding them next to her face to show how excited she was about cooking. My mister thinks it's all an act. Those fingernails are just gross. Shelley and Risa have them too. Maybe health regulations are different in Japan, because that would get you thrown out of any chef's kitchen here.

I'm watching Tokyo Eye right now. Shopping phrases!

[Milz]

I remember Shelley's nails.....<shudder>.....

I'm going to try the tatsuta-age fried chicken tonight. I have all the ingredients at home and Mr. Milz is a willing guinea pig.

Next week is a new tempura show from Chef Saito.

[sumimasen]

I'm going to make that fried chicken this Sunday. With soba and a dipping sauce instead of rice. But before that, there is a special Itadakimasu on on Saturday night:

20:10 Itadakimasu! Thailand Special This edition of "Itadakimasu!" focuses on the rich food culture of Chian Mai in Thailand. Chef Rika Yukimasa introduces "Tokyo Cuisine", combining Thai ingredients and Japanese cooking techniques.

and on Friday:

19:10 Forbidden Kyoto The Essence of KAISEKI Cuisine. By stepping into the profound, gorgeous world of Kyoto cuisine, an Italian chef comes into contact with the secrets of Kyoto's distinctive culture that lie behind it.