Hello,

I'm just back from my first trip to Tokyo. Jackie, Loretta and I munched on spectacular Shabu Shabu, tonkatsu, sushi, yakatori, sukiyaki, tempura and bowls and bowls of ramen.

A few things caught me by surprise. Tokyo wasn't as expensive as I was led to believe, especially in the food area. When you consider that tax and tip are included (29.3%) compared to our tabs in the USA, most food seemed downright reasonable! I was also surprised at the diversity of the Japanese diet. It's the first country I've traveled to outside of the states, Canada, and Great Britain where the diet is truly global. There are Italian restaurants everywhere. They are adored just as much as are French, Korean, Chinese, burgers and even KFC. There were Starbucks, just like our own, and Tully's and they have a presence on every corner!

I am off to the Masters Golf Tournament in April and looking forward to some great Southern Food!

~ Cheers, Tom & Jackie