Thank you Coupang Taiwan for carrying my book - Ruth Paget

Thank you Coupang Taiwan for carrying my book Eating Soup with Chopsticks.

Coupang Taiwan

Wo xie xie ni!

Posted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France

Thank you Desertcart Angola for carrying my book - Ruth Paget

Thank you Desertcart Angola for carrying my book Eating Soup with Chopsticks.

Desert Cart Angola

Posted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France

Thank you Desertcart Seychelles for carrying my book - Ruth Paget

Thank you desertcart.sc Seychelles for carrying my book Eating Soup with Chopsticks about living in Japan as an exchange student.

Desertcart.sc Seychelles

Posted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France

Spicy Crab Salad at Roy's in Pebble Beach by Ruth Paget

Spicy Crab Salad at Roy’s in Pebble Beach, California by Ruth Paget 

The unexpected presentation of ordinary dishes at Roy’s restaurant in Pebble Beach, California make ocean side dining there a pleasant and memorable experience. 

On a recent visit to Roy’s, I ordered spicy crab salad. I like stringy masses of crab with spicy mayonnaise, but Roy’s has a much more elegant way with this salad. 

The chopped crab with a hint of mayonnaise came as a large disc in the bottom of a large flat-bottomed salad bowl. There were about 4 ice cream scoops of crab all together. Spread on top of the crab was a thin layer of spicy, hot wasabi horseradish paste. 

On top of the crab disc, there was a mound of organic Monterey County baby greens with two pink Hawaiian flower petals (plumeria?). I assumed the flowers were edible and ate them along with the salad. 

The dressing was a yuzu-pineapple juice vinaigrette. Yuzus look like prickly lemons and taste like grapefruit. They give the sour tang to the tropical vinaigrette. 

That salad was delicious for light spice lovers and certainly qualified as a spa lunch. 

For dessert, I ordered a chocolate banana cream pie, which arrived as a 3D swirl of bananas and thick whipped cream in a flaky pastry cup topped off with a thick chocolate syrup. 

As I ate this delicious food, I thought of chef Ferran Adrià whose meals at his El Bulli Restaurant in Barcelona, Spain were described as theatre – great food, great beverages, great view, great comfort, and great service. 

Roy’s restaurant at Pebble Beach, California provides all this and offers a varied menu for diners who would like a burger or BBQ après golf. 

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France

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Thank you Atlantic India for carrying my books by Ruth Paget

Thank you Atlantic India for carrying my book Eating Soup with Chopsticks.  

I have loved learning about Indian culture over the years.  Living in Japan encouraged me to study all of Asia.

Atlantic India

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France

Japanese Home Cooking selling for $1.99 on Kindle today - reposted by Ruth Paget

For a glimpse into Japanese culture happening in Los Angeles, check out Sonoko Sakai’s Japanese Home Cooking.  It is selling for $1.99 today on Kindle. 

Delicious ideas for Japanese food lovers - even a discussion about noodle making at home.

Japanese Home Cooking by Sonoko Sakai

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France

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Ramen Obsession Cookbook is $1.99 on Kindle today reposted by Ruth Paget

Ramen Obsession cookbook by Naomi Imatome-Yun is $1.99 on Kindle today (333 pages).

Once you master noodle preparation, ramen comes together very quickly.

Click below for book information:

Click for Ramen Obsession Details

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France

Before the Coffee gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi Reviewed by Ruth Paget

Before the Coffee Gets Cold Reviewed by Ruth Paget 

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi is a novel about a dingy, Tokyo café with a chair that can transport you back in time, giving the book its fantasy element that sells a lot of coffee. 

Beverages, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, are moneymakers for restaurants, so readers involved in the restaurant industry might enjoy how this dinky café uses the chair time machine to ring up lots of coffee, curry rice, and yakitori chicken orders. 

The café regulars are a man staving off Alzheimer’s Disease by reading travel literature, the ghost who sits in the chair time machine and who only gets up once a day to use the bathroom, and the waitress who always has curlers in her hair. The waitress is slow yet friendly and makes even first-time customers feel like family. The waitress lets people confide in her or lets them write or work on creative projects “to keep ‘em coming back” as we say in the Western United States. That phrase is the mantra of all successful restaurants. 

This Tokyo café has interested more than 3 million readers worldwide. Other reviewers call the book cute, chatty, and fun. Reflect a bit, though. One of the novel’s characters plays massive, multiplayer, online, role-playing games (MMPORGs). This café might be a mini role-playing game run by the regulars to ensure meals, to stake out a place of repose, and to maintain steady employment.  

The café owners seem to know what will attract enough customers to make a profit. The owners have identified a market niche and their niche’s needs, wants, and desires. Everyone, for example, drinks coffee – time travelers or not. 

People interested in the following careers might consider this book more than a quick read: 

-restaurant owners 

-servers 

-bartenders 

-restaurant publicists 

-writers 

-interior decorators

-artists 

-coffee salesman 

Before the Coffee gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi is a book that deserves a second reading just to see why this café survives and thrives in a basement location. 

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France

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Asian Cultural Experience Salinas - 4/26/25 by Ruth Paget

The 26th Asian Cultural Experience is happening in April 26, 2025 in Salinas.  This event is organized by the Chinese, Filipino, and Japanese communities in Salinas.

For more information click on the press release link below:

Asian Cultural Experience information

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France

The Poppy War Reviewed by Ruth Paget

The Poppy War Reviewed by Ruth Paget R.F. Kuang’s 

The Poppy War is a fantasy-historical fiction novel that is loosely based on the period of Chinese (Nikara in the novel) history called The Rape of Nanjing or the Nanjing Massacre by Japan (The Federation of Mugen in the novel) during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937 – 1945). 

Rin, the book’s main character, a dark-skinned peasant girl from the South, tests in the military academy at Sinegard, which rigorously prepares its students for a war that has not happened yet, but that will according to daily reminders from professors. 

The entire school becomes mired in war much sooner than the characters think. The horrific atrocities induce many of the soldiers and leaders to use opium to continue fighting, particularly as food supplies dwindle and to invoke warrior deities. 

In the two Opium Wars prior to the Sino-Japanese Wars, the Chinese fought to keep opium out of the country. However, by the time of The Poppy War that Kuang writes about, the Chinese population had begun to widely use opium (derived from poppies like heroin) despite its being illegal. As you read through The Poppy War, you can see its varying effects on soldiers, especially leaders.

One of the great lessons of The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang is that despite efforts to prepare for defensive war, a country can still suffer greatly and be invaded by other countries seeking land and/or wealth. 

The Poppy War illustrates in devastating detail the atrocities of war in Nikara. This makes for difficult yet important reading for readers who are interested in real-life careers as: 

-diplomats -war crimes assessors 

-translators 

-military personnel 

-psychologist, especially for therapists dealing with victims of gang rape by enemy troops 

The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang uses the fantasy format to relate a historical incident like The Rape of Nanjing to make it supportable for readers who probably would have trouble reading about it in history books.

In the end, The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang acts as an excellent introduction to 20th century Chinese history. 

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France

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Hibachi Salmon and Mango Cheesecake at Roy's in Pebble Beach, California by Ruth Paget

Hibachi Salmon and Mango Cheesecake at Roy’s in Pebble Beach, California by Ruth Paget 

Roy’s in Pebble Beach, California is like a little piece of Maui in Monterey County. 

It is a Hawaiian themed restaurant that serves several fish selections worthy of a Japanese steak house. (Descendants of Japanese farm workers make up one of Hawaii’s large ethnic groups.) 

I ordered the hibachi salmon at Roy’s, which is made with wild caught salmon (expect market pricing). 

Hibachi refers to a flat-topped grill used to make this dish and the name for the sauce used to flavor the salmon. The citrusy sauce is made with soy sauce, honey, fresh squeezed lemon juice, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, and a little white pepper. (Recipe source: weekdaypescatarian.com). These ingredients are delicious alone and even better when mixed together. 

The salmon is grilled first before adding the sauce. At Roy’s, the skin on the salmon is papery thin and crunchy. I ate it at Roy’s, but usually leave it at other restaurants. 

Roy’s adds some theatrical flourishes to the hibachi salmon. They top it with silky, sweet pieces of preserved ginger. On top of the ginger, they place a swirling mound of shaved strands of daikon radish. 

The hibachi salmon is served over rice with tender, steamed broccolini on the side. All the flavors blend together just like they are supposed to for an optimal dining experience. 

The dessert was tops, too: a mango cheesecake with pink guava sauce and lemon icing made from tart, freshly squeezed lemons. 

We sat at a window seat with a view on the ocean. I thought the terraced desk outside would be a great place to watch the sunset or listen to the bagpiper at 6 pm with an exotic dessert from Roy’s ($18 each) and a coffee. 

Roy’s is a splurge restaurant, but it is much less expensive than eating a comparable meal in Maui. 

If you want to eat a Hawaiian meal stateside, Roy’s restaurant in Pebble Beach, California is a great choice for you. 

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France

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Thank you Mercado Libre in Argentina for carrying my book by Ruth Paget

Thank you Mercado Libre in Argentina for carrying my book Eating Soup with Chopsticks!

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France

Thriftbooks.com is carrying my books!

Thank you Thriftbooks.com for carrying Eating Soup with Chopsticks!

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chosticks and Marrying France

Thank You Biblio.co.uk by Ruth Paget

Thank you Biblio.co.uk for carrying my book Eating Soup with Chopsticks!

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France

Mager’s & Quinn is Carrying my Book by Ruth Paget

Thank you Mager’s and Quinn Booksellers in Minneapolis, Minnesota for carrying my book Eating Soup with Chopsticks about living in Japan as an exchange student!

Best wishes,

Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France

Thrift books is carrying my book by Ruth Paget

 Thrift books is carrying Eating Soup with Chopsticks!  Thank you for your support.

Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France

Walmart is carrying my book! By Ruth Paget

 Thank you Walmart for carrying Eating Soup with Chopsticks, my book about living in Japan as an exchange student in high school.

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France

Laguna Beach Books (CA) is carrying my book!

 Thank you Lagunas Beach Books (California) for carrying Eating Soup with Chopsticks, my book about living in Japan as a high school exchange student.

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France

#26 Best Sushi in US at Sushi Hut in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget

#26 in US Sushi at Sushi Hut in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget 

I just had to try Sushi Hut in Salinas, California when I saw that the sushi restaurant was named #26 Best Sushi Restaurant in the US according to a national YELP poll on a local TV station. 

Prior to visiting Sushi Hut, I had eaten sushi as an exchange student in Japan and as an organizer of the first Japan Festival in Chicago when I would eat sushi at Suntory and Hatsuhana downtown. 

When I walked into Sushi Hut in Salinas, I felt like I was in a neighborhood sushi place in Osaka, Japan, because most of the boxed, ready-to-go sushi was rolls or round maki slices that you find in Osaka. Oval-shaped rice mounds with raw fish on top called nigiri sushi typically come from Tokyo. 

Sushi Hut can make all kinds of sushi on demand for sushi (raw fish and vinegared rice) and sashimi (raw fish alone). 

However, I was so impressed by the boxed sushi at the entrance that my daughter Florence Paget and I focused on trying those on several occasions including the following sushi types: 

-California rolls made with a dark black nori seaweed wrapper, sushi rice, sesame seeds, avocado, cucumber, and crabmeat mayonnaise. 

-Rainbow roll made with a black nori seaweed wrapper, sushi rice, sesame seeds, avocado, crabmeat mayonnaise, cucumber, and for fish – raw tuna, salmon, shrimp, halibut, and yellowtail. 

-Spicy Shrimp with tuna and jalapeño pepper roll with a black nori seaweed wrapper, sesame seeds, butterflied shrimp, avocado, tuna, 1 jalapeño pepper, and a spicy sauce made with mayonnaise, chile powder, hot chile sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, scallions, and dried fish shavings. 

-Shrimp tempura roll made with a black nori seaweed roll, sushi rice, sesame seeds, deep-fried tempura shrimp, avocado, cucumber, crab meat mayonnaise, radish sprouts, and spicy sauce made with mayonnaise, chile powder, hot chile sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, scallions, and dried fish shavings.  

-California creamy roll made with black nori seaweed wrapper, chopped tuna, and creamy sauce made with sesame seeds, rice vinegar, vegetable oil, sugar, soy sauce, and mayonnaise. 

-Crunchy roll made with a black nori seaweed roll, sushi rice, sesame seeds, avocado, deep-fried tempura shrimp, tempura crumbs, and eel sauce made with sugar, water, soy sauce, and mirin sake. 

Everything was fresh and made you feel like you were sitting at an ocean-side sushi restaurant. 

Note: For more information about sushi, diners might have fun consulting the following books: 

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Sushi by James O. Fraioli and Chef Kaz Satao 

Sushi for Dummies by Judi Strada. 

Sushi Hut is customer friendly and offers a wide variety of Asian soda, boba, and teas as well as chips. I like it that customers of all ages are coming in to try the 26th Best Sushi in the Country at Sushi Hut. 

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and creator of the games Sommelier, Thutmose III, and Bento.

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Japanese Comfort Foods by Ruth Paget

Japanese Comfort Food by Ruth Paget 

When I lived in Japan as an exchange student, my Japanese host mom made food straight out of Shizuo Tsuji’s Japanese Cooking: A Simple Art. 

I took for granted nutritious and economical meals such as: 

-onigiri – rice triangles with pickled plums in the center and held together by a strip of nori seaweed  

-rolled Japanese omelets with snipped chives or green onions and soy sauce 

-okonomiyaki – shredded cabbage and carrot pancakes made with egg and topped with sprinkled soy sauce and lines of mayonnaise 

Now that I am older, I still like these items but am learning Japanese comfort food secrets by watching Japanese restaurant videos on www.youtube.com (subject Japanese cuisine) to see how the Japanese eat mounds of hearty food. 

One dish of curry gravy goodness is tonkotsu udon, an udon noodle soup with sliced, deep-fried pork cutlet on top of the noodles. The pork cutlet is topped off with an omelet. The omelet is covered in curry gravy. Yummy stuff on a cold day. 

After watching several Japanese restaurant videos, I have noticed that refried rice or noodles can take the place of noodle soup as a base for other items to be placed on top of them. 

I have set up the following general recipe guide for making Japanese bowl meals: 

*Base – Choose 1 

-plain rice 

-refried rice 

-noodles without soup 

-udon noodle soup 

*Middle layer – choose 1 or 2 

-sliced deep-fried pork cutlet 

-omelet 

*Topping

-stir-fried vegetables 

-omelet -curry sauce 

-tempura vegetables, seafood, or meat 

Refried rice is often made with egg, carrots, and mushrooms. 

Stir-fried vegetables are often made with garlic, onion, cabbage, bean sprouts, and mushrooms. 

Composed Japanese bowl meals like these are delicious, nutritious, and not as expensive to make as you would think. These Japanese comfort foods might appeal to Americans who would like to save money. 

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France

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