about the JFR and harris salat

I launched the Japanese Food Report as a journalistic inquiry into all aspects of Japanese food culture. My hope is that it serves a place of all of us in the English-speaking world interested in the cuisine to learn, share and exchange know-how. I'm approaching this as a reporter: asking questions, thinking about things, explaining and reaching conclusions. I encourage you to join me in this quest -- please comment and contribute to the site!

I got hooked on Japanese cooking on my first visit there a decade ago, when I discovered a deep culinary world way, way beyond the sushi I was familiar with. I've been returning to Japan ever since, visiting tofu makers, soy sauce makers, sake makers, shochu makers, farmers, fishermen, potters and grandmas to learn everything I can about the cuisine.

I've written about Japanese food culture for The New York Times, Gourmet, Saveur, Salon, Hemispheres and Islands, among other publications. My next Japan pieces are due in 2008 in Saveur and Gourmet. In addition, I'm currently co-writing a Japanese cookbook with Chicago chef Takashi Yagihashi for the Ten Speed Press (publishes in 2009).

Besides writing about Japanese cuisine, I'm also cooking it -- thanks to my sensei and friend Chef Tadashi Ono of Matsuri Restaurant in New York, in whose kitchen I volunteer one night a week. Chef Ono has been a remarkable and gracious teacher, and I'll be sharing lots of what I learn from him on this blog.

A bit about my professional background: I turned to journalism in 1991, after stints as a dairy farmer, bread baker and cook. I reported for Associated Press radio, produced TV news at CBS News and CNBC, and worked in internet media before pursuing my taste for storytelling, travel and good eats.

Enjoy the Japanese Food Report!

Special thanks to my friend Jesse Alexander, the art director, designer and creative powerhouse behind the firm Crumley Alexander, who designed this website.

Photo: Me and Chef Tadashi Ono with the revered Chef Hisao Nakahigashi of Kyoto (center), in a field in Ohara, Japan. Image courtesy of the Tokyo-based photographer Jun Takagi -- please check out his work.