Since my art piece was sold, I spent the money to invite my parents, my daughter and her family, and my husband to Kitcho (a famous Japanese restaurant). I wanted to appreciate their support.

February is the Setubun season, so there was a traditional decoration for it at the entrance of the restaurant. Sticking a sardine head into a holly branch is a charm to protect you from ogres.

When we saw the first dish, we all loved the seasonal plating. Each plate was decorated with a plum brunch and a piece of paper featuring a different temple famous for its plum trees. Mine was Kitano-tenmangu (北野天満宮). It was a great presentation because my parents enjoyed sharing their experiences visiting all temples on the paper.

Before starting the meal, we toasted with sake, and my dad took the lead as the oldest person at the table.

Even though the fish soup was excellent, I was more curious about the bowl decorated with maki-e (a Japanese lacquer decoration technique). I'd love to make one in the similar design.

Everybody wowed when they saw the planting in the picture below again. It was so much fun to open each tiny container. We were thrilled to discover what was inside. This restaurant allows us to enjoy not only the taste of the food but also the way it is presented.

The picture below shows bento for my grandson. He enjoyed his meal as well.

Each dish was outstanding. I love lightly seasoned dishes, so my homemade meals are always mild. When we eat at restaurants, their dishes sometimes too salty to me. The chef of Kitcho always prepares lightly seasoned dishes, and that's why I love this restaurant.

I truly believe that meals taste better when shared with others. I'd love to save up again and create other special occasions like this for my family!

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