Food Issues

I am not one to post food pictures as I am not any sort of foodie and food topics do not interest me. That said, since I am allergic to wheat and get ill if I eat shrimp, I have to be concerned about what I eat, especially here in Japan where wheat products (breads, soy sauce) are pervasive.

I am here at the Kamenoi Hotel in the hills above Fukui. They serve a set menu for dinner, and I did not tell them beforehand about these issues of mine. My grievous fault! I did not know what the set menu was. I went to dinner knowing I would not be able to eat everything set before me. Instead, I could not eat ANYTHING set before me.

I apologized profusely as a large plate of crab was brought to my table, and told the server I would not be able to eat it. I told him I would be happy to pay for the meal anyway since that is what I chose when I reserved the room months ago.  I expected no substitutions as was made clear when I checked in.

The server asked me for a little time. In a little time, plates of various foods began to appear all looking and tasting as if long prepared especially for me! The serving and meal preparation staff went out of their way to make sure I was taken care of and happy.

This is one exceptional example of the hospitality and kindness I have been experiencing in Japan.

Domo arigatogozaimasu!