because it wasn't really available in california where i grew up, natto, or stinky fermented beans, was always a challenge for me. i remember the drama of the first time my mother made me eat it... i held my nose and had to be rewarded with some dessert afterwards. but i know that it's one of the healthiest foods in the world, so i try to eat it when i can. and i've actually begun to appreciate the flavor, although i still prefer it cooked along with other foods.so today, i ordered the natto and okura curry at "shin soup curry" in shimokitazawa. i was quite impressed. not only was it eatable, the spiciness of the soup and the distinctive smell of natto complimented each other perfectly. so-- yet another fermented thing i must bully purpleman into trying!
the natto left a bit of a funny aftertaste in my mouth, so i wandered over to the "CAFE USE" down the street, a cafe that does a beautiful job of mixing antique japanese furniture, old Coleman lamps and Fire King cups from the 1960s. judging from the menu, they are very serious about their coffee beans.
i tried some from papua new guinea, because that's where purpleman grew up and i never knew they made coffee there. it was very rich, very good.i thought my brother-in-law might like this cafe because he's very particular about his coffee, but he might feel out of place because he's a Very Loud Person and this is one of those funny japanese cafes with a very serious feel where customers somehow feel like they need to whisper.
