Читать книгу Incredible Japan - Charles Tuttle - Страница 11

SUKIYAKI AND SAKE

OF COURSE it is sake and sukiyaki. The tour guide is playing cozy, taking his time till the sukiyaki juice has simmered to its ultimate deliciousness. He is also showing off by sitting Japanese style. When he starts to get up though, he may find his legs have gone fast asleep.

The tourist booklet was right. Sake is a light white wine made from rice. But like everything else, you can overdo it even while drinking from cups not much larger than thimbles. The trouble is that sake drinking is accompanied by so much toasting and complimentary exchange of pourings and cups that the rate of consumption is likely to soar unawares.

Sukiyaki itself is usually made from thin strips of beef and assorted vegetables broiled together with their natural juices, soy sauce, and sugar, right on the table in front of you. One of the nicest things about it is the aroma and sociability, to say nothing of its truly delicious and unique flavor.

“But the tourist booklet said it was just a light white wine !”