And While We're on the Subject of Sushi...

This Month's Film: The Twilight Samurai
Cuisine: Japanese

In December 2006, ThingsAsian Press released my latest work, The Sushi Book, everything about sushi. How to choose, order, eat. How to make it at home. The history, evolution and art of sushi. How to become a sushi chef. Nutritional value, health and safety concerns. The pronunciation guide, together with a 39-page sushi glossary, and a reverse dictionary, are especially helpful in identifying and ordering sushi. Beautifully photographed in leading sushi restaurants. The Sushi Book is available on Amazon.com

Seeking Japan Travel Writers: For my latest project, I am editing a Japan travel guide to be published by ThingsAsian Press. The book will be an anthology of essays by writers who have lived, worked and traveled in Japan, so I am seeking quality travel writers with Japan experience. For details and guidelines, CLICK THIS LINK to send an inquiry. Please include your writing and travel experience.

Send me a pair of chopsticks. Click here for details.

For questions, comments, or to subscribe to Chopstick Cinema's monthly menu and film review, send e-mail to cheiter at thingsasian dot com

01:10 PM PDT Permalink |

Are You a Sushi Virgin?

This Month's Film: The Twilight Samurai
Cuisine: Japanese

On the fifteenth of this month, I will be celebrating my birthday, and for that, I feel like indulging in my favorite food - Sushi! My son Will and I have plans for a sushi birthday dinner at our favorite local sushi bar, and later in the month, for my Chopstick Cinema menu, I will be featuring a Roll-Your-Own sushi dinner.

Awhile back, I wrote an article for ThingsAsian titled Are You a Sushi Virgin?, which contains lots of basic sushi information. Check it out if you're curious to learn more about it.

Seeking Japan Travel Writers: For my latest project, I am editing a Japan travel guide to be published by ThingsAsian Press. The book will be an anthology of essays by writers who have lived, worked and traveled in Japan, so I am seeking quality travel writers with Japan experience. For details and guidelines, CLICK THIS LINK to send an inquiry. Please include your writing and travel experience.

Send me a pair of chopsticks. Click here for details.

For questions, comments, or to subscribe to Chopstick Cinema's monthly menu and film review, send e-mail to cheiter at thingsasian dot com

12:43 AM PDT Permalink |

The Twilight Samurai

This month's feature film is The Twilight Samurai. I have a good feeling about this movie, although I haven't watched it yet. Here's what NetFlix has to say:

"A heartfelt elegy directed by Yoji Yamada, The Twilight Samurai tells the story of Seibei Iguchi (Hiroyuki Sanada), a man who has trained as a samurai and belongs to a samurai clan, but doesn't fight alongside them in any battles. Instead, Seibei, a recent widower, has devoted himself to caring for his two daughters and ailing mother. His reluctance to fight makes him a curiosity -- and soon lands him an assignment that could cost him his life."

Seeking Japan Travel Writers: For my latest project, I am editing a Japan travel guide to be published by ThingsAsian Press. The book will be an anthology of essays by writers who have lived, worked and traveled in Japan, so I am seeking quality travel writers with Japan experience. For details and guidelines, CLICK THIS LINK to send an inquiry. Please include your writing and travel experience.

Send me a pair of chopsticks. Click here for details.

For questions, comments, or to subscribe to Chopstick Cinema's monthly menu and film review, send e-mail to cheiter at thingsasian dot com

10:16 AM PDT Permalink |

Welcome to Chopstick Cinema for the Month of June

This Month's Film: The Twilight Samurai
Cuisine: Japanese

Greetings on this first day of a new blog year. Last month, to celebrate three years of Chopstick Cinema, I took a look back at all the films and foods I've featured since the beginning. And now it's time to look forward to the month and the year to come.

For the month of June, since there is much to celebrate, I have chosen Japanese food (my favorite), and a highly-recommended film titled The Twilight Samurai. Not only has it won awards at film festivals all over the world, my Japanese-American friend Betty liked it so much she sent me her copy. So I'm feeling confident enough to go on faith that it is worthy of Chopstick Cinema. And to go with, a Roll-Your-Own Sushi Party. What fun!

Seeking Japan Travel Writers: For my latest project, I am editing a Japan travel guide to be published by ThingsAsian Press. The book will be an anthology of essays by writers who have lived, worked and traveled in Japan, so I am seeking quality travel writers with Japan experience. For details and guidelines, CLICK THIS LINK to send an inquiry. Please include your writing and travel experience.

Send me a pair of chopsticks. Click here for details.

For questions, comments, or to subscribe to Chopstick Cinema's monthly menu and film review, send e-mail to cheiter at thingsasian dot com

12:05 AM PDT Permalink |

This Concludes My Chopstick Cinema Three Year Retrospective

This Month's Film: A Three-Year Chopstick Cinema Film Retrospective
Cuisine: A Three-Year Retrospective of All Chopstick Cinema Menus

What a month it's been! May 1 marked the Third Anniversary of Chopstick Cinema, and to celebrate the occasion, I decided to do a three-year retrospective of all the films and menus I've featured since then. It was quite a trip down memory lane, and a wonderful look back at all the memorable experiences I've enjoyed, all the excellent films and appetizing dishes I've presented to my readers, and an eye-opening reminder of how far I've come since The Scent of Green Papaya.

Yet after 36 films, and over 200 Asian dishes, I've only just begun...

Seeking Japan Travel Writers: For my latest project, I am editing a Japan travel guide to be published by ThingsAsian Press. The book will be an anthology of essays by writers who have lived, worked and traveled in Japan, so I am seeking quality travel writers with Japan experience. For details and guidelines, CLICK THIS LINK to send an inquiry. Please include your writing and travel experience.

Send me a pair of chopsticks. Click here for details.

For questions, comments, or to subscribe to Chopstick Cinema's monthly menu and film review, send e-mail to cheiter at thingsasian dot com

12:23 AM PDT Permalink |

An Asian Film Wish List

This Month's Film: A Three-Year Chopstick Cinema Film Retrospective
Cuisine: A Three-Year Retrospective of All Chopstick Cinema Menus

In the three years I have been featuring films and creating menus for Chopstick Cinema, I have included five films from China, four from Korea, three each from Japan, India and Vietnam, two each from the Philippines, Cambodia, Taiwan, Thailand, Iran, and Mongolia, and films from Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Bhutan, Tibet, and Turkey.

And yet, there are still 32 countries that I have yet to feature, including Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei, Burma, Cyprus, East Timor, Georgia, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Macau, Maldives, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen. However, much as I'd like to, not all of those countries have a thriving film industry, and even those who do produce the rare cinematic work, most are not available on the international market. So I'm limited to those films that are readily available for rent or purchase. Otherwise, what's the point?

For the foreseeable future, I do have a list of films that I am considering, some of which are from the missing countries, including Bushi no Ichibun, Farewell My Concubine, To Live, Pavilion of Women, Flowers of Shanghai, Sausalito, Umrao Jaan, Shakespeare Wallah, Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love, Little Buddha, Nobody Knows, The Twilight Samurai, Mano Po, Magnifico, Feng Shui, Nang Nak, What Time Is It There?, The Kite Runner, The Namesake, and several classics, Lord Jim, Spiral Road, Bridge on the River Kwai, and South Pacific.

Can't wait to get started on Year Four of Chopstick Cinema...

Seeking Japan Travel Writers: For my latest project, I am editing a Japan travel guide to be published by ThingsAsian Press. The book will be an anthology of essays by writers who have lived, worked and traveled in Japan, so I am seeking quality travel writers with Japan experience. For details and guidelines, CLICK THIS LINK to send an inquiry. Please include your writing and travel experience.

Send me a pair of chopsticks. Click here for details.

For questions, comments, or to subscribe to Chopstick Cinema's monthly menu and film review, send e-mail to cheiter at thingsasian dot com

12:13 AM PDT Permalink |

A Three Year Retrospective of Tibetan Films on Chopstick Cinema

This Month's Film: A Three-Year Chopstick Cinema Film Retrospective
Cuisine: A Three-Year Retrospective of All Chopstick Cinema Menus

For my Chopstick Cinema Three Year Retrospective, I will be revisiting all the films and menus I've featured since Chopstick Cinema began. The films and menus are grouped according to countries. I have featured one Tibetan film:

In January 2005, I featured Seven Years in Tibet with a

Tibetan menu that includes MoMo Dumplings, Then Thuk, Mar Jasha, Balep Korkun, and Butter Tea.

Seeking Japan Travel Writers: For my latest project, I am editing a Japan travel guide to be published by ThingsAsian Press. The book will be an anthology of essays by writers who have lived, worked and traveled in Japan, so I am seeking quality travel writers with Japan experience. For details and guidelines, CLICK THIS LINK to send an inquiry. Please include your writing and travel experience.

Send me a pair of chopsticks. Click here for details.

For questions, comments, or to subscribe to Chopstick Cinema's monthly menu and film review, send e-mail to cheiter at thingsasian dot com

08:12 AM PDT Permalink |

A Three Year Retrospective of Turkish Films on Chopstick Cinema

This Month's Film: A Three-Year Chopstick Cinema Film Retrospective
Cuisine: A Three-Year Retrospective of All Chopstick Cinema Menus

For my Chopstick Cinema Three Year Retrospective, I will be revisiting all the films and menus I've featured since Chopstick Cinema began. The films and menus are grouped according to countries. I have featured one Turkish film, including

In November 2005, I featured Steam: The Turkish Bath with a

Turkish menu that includes Borek, Hummus, Artichokes a la Meze, Lentil Soup, Mediterranean Salad, Braised Lamb Shanks with Couscous Pilav, and Dried Apricots Filled with Sweet Cream and Almonds.

Seeking Japan Travel Writers: For my latest project, I am editing a Japan travel guide to be published by ThingsAsian Press. The book will be an anthology of essays by writers who have lived, worked and traveled in Japan, so I am seeking quality travel writers with Japan experience. For details and guidelines, CLICK THIS LINK to send an inquiry. Please include your writing and travel experience.

Send me a pair of chopsticks. Click here for details.

For questions, comments, or to subscribe to Chopstick Cinema's monthly menu and film review, send e-mail to cheiter at thingsasian dot com

12:01 AM PDT Permalink |

A Three Year Retrospective of Singapore Films on Chopstick Cinema

This Month's Film: A Three-Year Chopstick Cinema Film Retrospective
Cuisine: A Three-Year Retrospective of All Chopstick Cinema Menus

For my Chopstick Cinema Three Year Retrospective, I will be revisiting all the films and menus I've featured since Chopstick Cinema began. The films and menus are grouped according to countries. I have featured one Singapore film:

In July 2006, I featured Rice Rhapsody with a

Martin Yan inspired menu that includes Mock Duck Sausages, Chili Crab (Singapore's national dish), Spicy Hokkien Noodles with Prawns. Hainanese Duck Rice (Martin Yan's inspired variation on the Singapore favorite Hainanese Chicken Rice), Baby Bok Choy Stir-Fry, and Tropical Coconut Bars.

Seeking Japan Travel Writers: For my latest project, I am editing a Japan travel guide to be published by ThingsAsian Press. The book will be an anthology of essays by writers who have lived, worked and traveled in Japan, so I am seeking quality travel writers with Japan experience. For details and guidelines, CLICK THIS LINK to send an inquiry. Please include your writing and travel experience.

Send me a pair of chopsticks. Click here for details.

For questions, comments, or to subscribe to Chopstick Cinema's monthly menu and film review, send e-mail to cheiter at thingsasian dot com

01:48 AM PDT Permalink |

A Three Year Retrospective of Mongolian Films on Chopstick Cinema

This Month's Film: A Three-Year Chopstick Cinema Film Retrospective
Cuisine: A Three-Year Retrospective of All Chopstick Cinema Menus

For my Chopstick Cinema Three Year Retrospective, I will be revisiting all the films and menus I've featured since Chopstick Cinema began. The films and menus are grouped according to countries. I have featured two Mongolian films, both in the same month:

In January 2006, I featured A Mongolian Tale and

Close to Eden with a

Mongolian menu that includes Buuz Dumplings, Noodle Soup with Lamb, Flatbread with Goat Cheese, Mongolian Mixed Grill with Leeks and Pan-Roasted Vegetables, and a simple Apple Crumble.

Seeking Japan Travel Writers: For my latest project, I am editing a Japan travel guide to be published by ThingsAsian Press. The book will be an anthology of essays by writers who have lived, worked and traveled in Japan, so I am seeking quality travel writers with Japan experience. For details and guidelines, CLICK THIS LINK to send an inquiry. Please include your writing and travel experience.

Send me a pair of chopsticks. Click here for details.

For questions, comments, or to subscribe to Chopstick Cinema's monthly menu and film review, send e-mail to cheiter at thingsasian dot com

12:23 AM PDT Permalink |

A Three Year Retrospective of Malaysian Films on Chopstick Cinema

This Month's Film: A Three-Year Chopstick Cinema Film Retrospective
Cuisine: A Three-Year Retrospective of All Chopstick Cinema Menus

For my Chopstick Cinema Three Year Retrospective, I will be revisiting all the films and menus I've featured since Chopstick Cinema began. The films and menus are grouped according to countries. I have featured one Malaysian film:

In December 2005, I featured Forever Fever with a

Malaysian menu that includes Pan-Seared Scallops with Spicy Dipping Sauce, Beef Skewers with Grilled Pineapple and Coconut Cole Slaw, Laksa Curried Noodle Soup, Citrus Fish Salad, Spicy Baked Tilapia Fish, Hainanese Chicken Rice, and Mint Coconut Crepes.

Seeking Japan Travel Writers: For my latest project, I am editing a Japan travel guide to be published by ThingsAsian Press. The book will be an anthology of essays by writers who have lived, worked and traveled in Japan, so I am seeking quality travel writers with Japan experience. For details and guidelines, CLICK THIS LINK to send an inquiry. Please include your writing and travel experience.

Send me a pair of chopsticks. Click here for details.

For questions, comments, or to subscribe to Chopstick Cinema's monthly menu and film review, send e-mail to cheiter at thingsasian dot com

11:03 AM PDT Permalink |

A Three Year Retrospective of Indonesian Films on Chopstick Cinema

This Month's Film: A Three-Year Chopstick Cinema Film Retrospective
Cuisine: A Three-Year Retrospective of All Chopstick Cinema Menus

For my Chopstick Cinema Three Year Retrospective, I will be revisiting all the films and menus I've featured since Chopstick Cinema began. The films and menus are grouped according to countries. I have featured one Indonesian film:

In April 2007, I featured The Year of Living Dangerously with an

Indonesian menu that includes Balinese Shrimp Cocktail and Mango Avocado Sambal with Shrimp Chips, Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce, Catfish Kebabs with Sweet Chili Sauce, Rendang Beef Curry, Coconut Cole Slaw, Cold Indonesian Noodle Salad, and Chili-Spiced Fruit Kebabs.

Seeking Japan Travel Writers: For my latest project, I am editing a Japan travel guide to be published by ThingsAsian Press. The book will be an anthology of essays by writers who have lived, worked and traveled in Japan, so I am seeking quality travel writers with Japan experience. For details and guidelines, CLICK THIS LINK to send an inquiry. Please include your writing and travel experience.

Send me a pair of chopsticks. Click here for details.

For questions, comments, or to subscribe to Chopstick Cinema's monthly menu and film review, send e-mail to cheiter at thingsasian dot com

03:24 PM PDT Permalink |

A Three Year Retrospective of Bhutanese Films on Chopstick Cinema

This Month's Film: A Three-Year Chopstick Cinema Film Retrospective
Cuisine: A Three-Year Retrospective of All Chopstick Cinema Menus

For my Chopstick Cinema Three Year Retrospective, I will be revisiting all the films and menus I've featured since Chopstick Cinema began. The films and menus are grouped according to countries. I have featured one Bhutanese film:

In January 2007, I featured Travellers and Magicians with a

Bhutanese menu that includes MoMo Dumplings, Pickled Red Cabbage with Cauliflower Florettes, Jasha Maroo(Spicy Chicken Stew), Wild Rice Pilaf, and Spiced Apple Tarts with Blackberries and Cream.

Seeking Japan Travel Writers: For my latest project, I am editing a Japan travel guide to be published by ThingsAsian Press. The book will be an anthology of essays by writers who have lived, worked and traveled in Japan, so I am seeking quality travel writers with Japan experience. For details and guidelines, CLICK THIS LINK to send an inquiry. Please include your writing and travel experience.

Send me a pair of chopsticks. Click here for details.

For questions, comments, or to subscribe to Chopstick Cinema's monthly menu and film review, send e-mail to cheiter at thingsasian dot com

02:45 PM PDT Permalink |

A Three Year Retrospective of Hong Kong Films on Chopstick Cinema

This Month's Film: A Three-Year Chopstick Cinema Film Retrospective
Cuisine: A Three-Year Retrospective of All Chopstick Cinema Menus

For my Chopstick Cinema Three Year Retrospective, I will be revisiting all the films and menus I've featured since Chopstick Cinema began. The films and menus are grouped according to countries. I have featured two Hong Kong films:

In April 2005, I featured a Jackie Chan film, Mr. Nice Guy with a

Hong Kong menu that includes Sashimi Rice Paper Rolls, Shrimp Toast, Hot & Sour Noodle Soup, Orange Roughy with Sweet Chili Sauce, Mahogany Duck, and Five-Spice Cookies.

In February 2006, I featured In The Mood For Love

with a menu of Hong Kong dishes that includes Crab Cakes with Chili Garlic Mayonnaise, Sashimi Rice Paper Rolls, Mandarin Orange Salad with Hoisin Vinaigrette, Grilled Giant Prawns with Ginger Butter, Snow Peas with Sweet Peppers and Water Chestnuts, Lychee Fruits with Crystal Ginger and Spiced Cookies.

Seeking Japan Travel Writers: For my latest project, I am editing a Japan travel guide to be published by ThingsAsian Press. The book will be an anthology of essays by writers who have lived, worked and traveled in Japan, so I am seeking quality travel writers with Japan experience. For details and guidelines, CLICK THIS LINK to send an inquiry. Please include your writing and travel experience.

Send me a pair of chopsticks. Click here for details.

For questions, comments, or to subscribe to Chopstick Cinema's monthly menu and film review, send e-mail to cheiter at thingsasian dot com

08:03 AM PDT Permalink |

A Three Year Retrospective of Iranian Films on Chopstick Cinema

This Month's Film: A Three-Year Chopstick Cinema Film Retrospective
Cuisine: A Three-Year Retrospective of All Chopstick Cinema Menus

For my Chopstick Cinema Three Year Retrospective, I will be revisiting all the films and menus I've featured since Chopstick Cinema began. The films and menus are grouped according to countries. I have featured two Iranian films:

In November 2004, I featured one of my favorite foreign films, Children of Heaven with

an Iranian menu that includes Kufteh Sabzi, Maast-o-Khiar, Lamb Kebabs, Albaloo Polow, Borani Esfanaaj, and Baklava.

In November 2006, I featured The Color of Paradise

with a menu of Middle Eastern dishes that includes Steamed Artichokes, Mediterranean Seafood Fritte, Mediterranean Salad, Slow Roasted Lamb Shanks, Couscous Pilav, Swiss Chard Dolmas, and Honey Almond Beignets with Pistachio Ice Cream.

Seeking Japan Travel Writers: For my latest project, I am editing a Japan travel guide to be published by ThingsAsian Press. The book will be an anthology of essays by writers who have lived, worked and traveled in Japan, so I am seeking quality travel writers with Japan experience. For details and guidelines, CLICK THIS LINK to send an inquiry. Please include your writing and travel experience.

Send me a pair of chopsticks. Click here for details.

For questions, comments, or to subscribe to Chopstick Cinema's monthly menu and film review, send e-mail to cheiter at thingsasian dot com

06:20 AM PDT Permalink |