chamekke

There are 2 types of tetsubin: the kettle type (like yours), which is unlined cast iron and can be placed directly on a heat source - its intended use, as it's meant for heating water rather than steeping the tea. This is the older, traditional style. the teapot type, which is cast iron that has been lined with black enamel. These should never be placed on a heat source, as they're purely intended for steeping. It's increasingly rare to find the "kettle" type of tetsubin outside Japan, because it seems that most people in the West want to use their tetsubin for brewing and keeping the tea hot. Personally, I adore both types of tetsubin enough to have collected several, but I rarely use them for steeping tea. First of all, you have to be careful of the temperature (green tea in particular should be brewed at a lower temperature - not boiling), and secondly you don't want Camellia sinensis tea leaves to remain in the pot, or they'll become bitter. If there's an infusion basket, this means it's usually best to remove it after a few minutes, which is a step people don't always like to take. But, the cast iron certainly keeps the tea nice and hot! Anyway, as for removing the rust -- I'm trying to find the best way to do this myself. A little rust is just fine, and indeed almost unavoidable. (Some people feel it's a good way to get more iron in your diet! ) When there's more than a little rust, I usually scrub the rusted area under running hot water, using a stainless steel scrubber, then set the tetsubin on a heat source (on low heat) to ensure that all moisture has evaporated completely before I put it away again. This helps to get rid of the worst of it. P.S. For what it's worth, larger "kettle-style" tetsubin are still used for certain styles of the Japanese tea ceremony. However, they are not always made from cast iron... and they are never used as teapots for brewing.

Sooke Harbour House's menus are fantastic. You can take a peek at the restaurant information here: http://www.sookeharbourhouse.com/victoria-fine-dining-seafood-restaurant/ ...and yes, it's about a 45-minute drive from downtown Victoria (give or take 5 minutes).

Hmm. I own a lovely ceramic (glazed) kyuusu whose lid was tragically smashed to smithereens in a kitchen accident a few months ago. At the time I was heartbroken, since it was my favourite pot for my non-sencha Japanese teas as well as several non-Japanese types. To think it's now fashionable! Thank goodness I didn't throw it out. Genmaicha, you're going out again tonight!

Thank you, Phoenikia! I really appreciate your detailed reply. Can I ask, was the objection to Dragonfly primarily (1) the quality of the food, or (2) the lack of variety of dishes? I don't mind if there isn't a huge spread, but I do care if the food they do offer isn't that good... I've heard positive things about Manna Grill before. Which of their Korean dishes would you personally recommend? Thanks also for your other recommendations. I will suggest them to my father when I next visit. ←

Wow, it's been a long time since I've posted to this thread! First of all, my father and I did go to Massey's Fine Indian Cuisine, and we really enjoyed it. So Massey's is now on our list of regular dining spots whenever I come out for a visit - particularly where dinner is concerned (the dinner menu is distinctly better than the weekday lunch buffet). I was wondering, has anyone here tried the Dragonfly Bistro - specifically the Rijsttafel that they offer every Monday from 5:30 - 9:00 pm? Used to go to that location (715 Richmond) back when it was the Village Cafe, but I haven't tried it since it changed its name and menu. On the other hand, their Indonesian/Dutch evening sounds interesting! I'd also really like a recommendation for a Korean restaurant - any ideas? (BTW I'm looking for a selection of good Korean food, rather than Japanese food; I'm not looking for sushi.) The only places I've turned up by searching are Asiana Restaurant, Seoul Garden, and Take Sushi (!). Anyone know them?

Can anyone recommend any Korean restaurants in Victoria, BC?

Just wanted to say that I love your green matzoh ball! Very spring-like - and quite pretty

Preheating the pot and cups is usually a good move, too.

I haven't gone to any of these places myself, but ... why don't you try reposting your question, this time mentioning those four placenames explicitly in your header? (When I first read the topic header, I thought you were asking about what's available in the lower mainland immediately outside Vancouver.)

Can anyone here kindly point me to any sellers of wagashi who are willing to ship internationally from Japan? (I.e. to me in Canada ) I'm most interested in higashi (dry sweets), particularly those made of wasanbon. The Futari Shizuka higashi that were mentioned earlier in this thread would be fantastic, for example. Although frankly - any fresh wagashi would be a huge treat! So far my searches have only turned up one seller who ships to the U.S., but not to Canada

Hi Eric, I'd be really interested in hearing what you thought of dining in Victoria! Today someone mentioned Red Fish, Blue Fish to me for the first time, so I'll have to try it out. This was right after having lunch at Fish on Fifth up in Sidney (affordable seafood - also well liked for its yam chips with curry mayonnaise).

Thank you all for the many dining suggestions! I will write them all down (well, print them off, anyway ) before I go. And little ms foodie, I need very little encouragement to go and get chocolate. If Cacao Drink Chocolate is even remotely within walking distance, I will check it out. How long does it take to get to the Pearl from downtown, by the way? I've seen maps, but I still have a very hazy sense of the scale of the city. Is it walkable to get from Pioneer Square to the Pearl, or is it more a "streetcar" kind of thing?

Thank you, Steve! I'll definitely try some of your recommendations. I love Korean food, by the way, so the suggestion of Bewon is especially welcome. Thanks again

Hello all, I'm visiting Portland, OR for the first time next week, to attend a conference at a hotel in the Pioneer Square area. Because the conference timetable is so crammed, I won't have much opportunity (or energy!) to wander too far from the immediate area in search of good food. Can anyone kindly recommend a good restaurant or two in the neighbourhood? My epicentre is SW 6th Ave and SW Salmon St (Portland Hilton), so anything that's walking distance from there is ideal. I love Asian food especially, but any restaurant with tasty food is of great interest Thank you!! P.S. Realized I should have mentioned Portland in the subject line - oops. Crazy Canadian!

OK, looks like I'll be coming to town for another visit one of these days... My father mentioned having visited the Four Seasons Restaurant, which serves Greek cuisine. He'd like to go back again. Anyone been there? If so, what dishes would you recommend?