questionnaire

A couple of weeks ago, we filled out an enquête (questionnaire in French) for the gas company.

To tell you the truth, the form was poorly made and we really didn't know if we answered it properly.

The thing about questionnaires in Japan is that they usually "reward" you for answering them.

I asked Satoshi why companies do this and he said that if they didn't reward you, most people wouldn't take the time to fill them out.

So the other day, the gas company sent us our "reward"...a gift certificate for 1000 yen, which we used at our neighborhood conveyor belt sushi shop.

Do companies usually reward you for answering their questionnaires where you live?

find a penny...

You will almost never find money on the ground here.

If you do, it will probably be 1 yen (about US$.01) or 1 yen that someone has glued to the ground as a prank (yup, I found that one! and tried to pick it up, almost broke a nail while trying to...)

Today, as I walked to the train station, I walked pass this on the ground...50 yen (about US$.50)

It took a split second to register, then I walked back to pick it up.

I think the "rule" is if you find bills you are supposed to turn it into the police...(though Satoshi says unless it was a huge amount, most people don't turn it in at all...)

On another positive note, I answered a questionnaire in a Japanese foodie magazine that I subscribe to. When you answer the questionnaire, you can indicate what prizes you would like to win.

I was aiming for the 2 bars of chocolate from La Maison du Chocolat, but received a bottle of peach jam from L'ami de Ble.

I was happy just to recieve something. This jam is made from white peaches. If you have tasted white peaches in Japan they are juicy and very sweet.

This jam was just that, with lots of big peach pieces. Unfortunately, this jam's carbon footprint wasn't too good though, it went from Kobe to Tokyo back to Osaka.

I checked my archives and realized that I have won 2 other prizes from this magazine...a Cuoca chocolate tasting set and Pukka tea.

It is Friday here, hope you have a great weekend.

pukka

Whenever I hear the word "pukka" my first thought is of Jamie Oliver and his wild phrases.

Awhile back, I saw this line of tea made by a company in the U.K. at the gourmet supermarket, but I didn't buy it because I still had some other teas around.

Then, in June, the Japanese foodie magazine that I subscribe to had a giveaway. Just answer their questionnaire and choose a present from their list. I don't always enter their monthly giveaways, but it just so happened that they were giving away this tea. So, I filled out the questionnaire and sent in my entry.

Last year, from the same magazine, I also won this Cuoca Chocolate Tasting Set.

Fast forward to today. As I was walking back to our apartment, I saw a man standing in front of our door. I was kind of leery at first, but realized it was the home delivery guy and rushed to catch him in the stairwell.

After signing for the package, I looked at the package but couldn't remember what I entered for, I was quickly reminded when I opened the package.

What a great surprise...I can't wait to try these teas!

foodie thursday

Satoshi had to go to Tokyo for business today, so we woke up earlier than usual. After sending him off, I went back to sleep. An hour later, I had my breakfast and got ready for my foodie adventure.

I headed out to Higashi Osaka (East Osaka) because of a recent article in a foodie magazine noting several pastry chefs. Today, was a beautiful day, but awfully humid!

Unfortunately, the first place on my list was closed. This shop didn't have a website, so I didn't know they were closed. The chef is in France at the moment and won't be back until the end of the month.

My next stop was Tamatsukuri to a shop which is owned by an Englishman--Broadhursts. The shop was very open and welcoming. I picked up some of their baked treats (some scones, financiers, shortbread, lemon polenta, a fig cake made with Guiness beer and an oatmeal bar). He also had a very impressive showcase with refrigerated desserts. I'll have to take Satoshi next time.

I was then on my way to Uehommachi. I read in this magazine about a chocolatier that also makes different kinds of desserts too. One thing about getting information off of the internet is that the information isn't always the most recent. After making a few phone calls and asking people on the street, I found the place---Nakatani.

I had their lunch set--shrimp and avocado tartine. This open-faced sandwich really hit the spot. There were many other housewives lunching there too, so it was a bit chatty and noisy, and no smoking allowed.

Dessert also accompanied lunch, I chose the creme au chocolat--a rich chocolate mousse and a little dark chocolate bonbon.

After re-fueling, I was back on my way and headed to Tanimachi 4-chome.

There is a little shop called La Plage. This shop was featured on a local program a couple of years back and also featured in the same foodie magazine. They are known mostly for their refrigerated desserts, but since I was still gallivanting, I just picked up their matcha cookies, sables and dark chocolate covered almonds.

Nakatani also has a chocolate shop in Tanimachi 4-chome, so I went to check them out. They are located in the basement of a condo. It was kind of like going to a secret chocolate hideaway. I picked up 3 bars--Madagascar 66%, Caraibe 64% and Quatre vingts 80% (a mixture of 18 different Forestero, Criollo & Trinitario beans). (This chocolate shop is no longer at this location)

When I came home, I was surprised to find a memo in my post. I had answered a questionnaire from a foodie magazine which entered me for a chance to win a gift of my choice. I chose a chocolate tasting packet and won! 8 little neapolitans ranging from 29%-99%. I'm a bit worried about these since the guy that delivered it didn't have it refrigerated...still, I'm excited about winning.

Despite the heat and some obstacles, it was still a fun day.

Broadhursts (UPDATE: 2016 they moved locations)
2-25-12 Tamatsukuri
Chuo-ku, Osaka
Phone: 06-6762-0009
Closed: Mondays

La Plage
3-7 Kitashinmachi
Chuo-ku, Osaka
Phone: 06-6949-3938
Closed: Mondays

Nakatani
6-6-27 Uehommachi
Tennoji-ku, Osaka
Phone: 06-6773-5240
Closed: Mondays

Nakatani-chocolate shop
1-4-1 Yariyamachi
Chuo-ku, Osaka
Phone: 06-6943-0023
Closed: Mondays (UPDATE: this shop is no longer at this location)