Steam-fried Edamame

I normally keep my edamame simple. I like them boiled and salted as a healthy accompaniment to drinks. However, this charming book by Wataru Yokota has provided a reliable, easy and exceptionally tasty recipe which I’ve also served with martinis. The Real Japanese Izakaya Cookbook has a range of simple recipes with beautiful photography for making very tasty drinking food. Izakaya are Japanese drinking dens … Continue reading Steam-fried Edamame

Mini Onigiri to serve with Martinis

Onigiri are like a Japanese equivalent of a sandwich, consisting of rice, mixed with certain ingredients and then shaped, often into triangles. They can last up to three days (although this can depend on the ingredients and amount of salt and they are usually best eaten within 24 hours). They are often used in packed lunches or eaten at picnics. They are satisfying, tasty and … Continue reading Mini Onigiri to serve with Martinis

Even more Izakaya food

If you’re wondering about what snacks to serve with a martini, you will find endless inspiration in the world of Izakaya. Izakaya can be roughly described as relaxed and usually low-cost Japanese gastro-pubs. I have written about them quite a bit before, mainly because of their warm atmosphere and inspiring array of tasty menu items that go very well with a martini. Quite a lot … Continue reading Even more Izakaya food

More martini snacks and canapes

I’m just going to leave this here…    What could be easier than olives and cheese-stuffed peppers that you picked up at the shops on the way home? I particularly like the colour contrast of these two. Oh and the taste. You can’t go wrong with the lemony-buttery taste of Nocellara olive flesh, while the soft creamy cheese paired very indulgently with the sweet piccante … Continue reading More martini snacks and canapes

Martini Izakaya Dishes

An Izakaya is essentially a type of Japanese pub that specialises in food to accompany drinks. It’s basically my favourite type of drinks setting. I love the post-work, instantly friendly and relaxed atmosphere, completely free of pretension. Comparable to Spanish tapas or Turkish meze, the Izakaya-way is healthier than simply guzzling down a bucket of booze before staggering off for some fish and chips or … Continue reading Martini Izakaya Dishes

Asparagus skewers to accompany a martini

   This is dead easy.    Asparagus is tasty and a bit of a luxury so it naturally pairs well with a martini. I love its distinctive flavour, visual appeal and most of all, its satisfying fresh and crunchy texture.    My brother and I were having a martini before dinner, but after we had drunk the first one we really just wanted to have … Continue reading Asparagus skewers to accompany a martini