Katsu Curry Lunch in Kyoto

Need a quick, filling, delicious meal in Japan, something at the opposite end of the scale from sushi?

Look for the most adorable piglet mascot logo around.

You don't have to be able to read the menu, just find the photo of the meal you want at the price you're willing to pay.

Coins in the slot, push the button, take your ticket; just like taking the train. The delicious curry train. To Lunchville.

Human interaction has been minimized to save time, money and embarrassing eye-contact. Look away as your rice is weighed on the scale.

Look back and hurray! It's ready!

Breaded pork cutlet, rich, spicy curry, white rice and pickles. This cost about seven dollars and was hugely satisfying, especially with a cold pint of Kirin Lager.

Now if only the delicious train stopped for about twenty minutes in Nap Town.

*Edit (Jan 8/12):
We have been reminded that there was a very famous system like this called Automat in New York City back in the early 20th century. This site gives a good impression of how different it must have been at the time.

BC Camping #3: Food

Our first dinner of the trip was a real surprise. Our campsite was only a couple of hours outside Vancouver, and just north of Hope.


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This diner was the only restaurant around, and it looked like it held little beyond deep-fried frozen things. However, when I asked the Indo-Canadian owner if there was curry to be had, his eyes lit up. "You like curry?" he asked, smiling.
Turns out his family was preparing a curry lunch for a nearby festival the next day. For 500 people. They asked what we wanted and we said "an amazing dinner for two, please." They didn't let us down.

Raita, dahl, chai paneer and puri.

Fresh-ground espresso every morning, of course.

Korean bulgogi beef with pasta and beer for dinner.

Landmark Bakery in Kaslo gets a shout-out. I'm sure their food is great, but it was their password-free wifi that we particularly appreciated.

Simple, perfect omelette and salad lunch with great friends just outside Nelson.

There were some memorable restaurants in Nelson, too. In particular, The Bent Fork where the cornbread French toast made an excellent breakfast.

We so often forget to take photos when making and eating meals. We'll try to get better at this.