On 2009-01-20, phaeton > wrote:
> Hopefully something that also goes into the history of the food,
> customs, traditions and where/how to acquire some of the necessary
> ingredients. If this takes more than one book (or a series of them)
> that is fine as along as they are good.

I recommend The Joy of Japanese Cooking.

Not so much history or tradition, just straight ahead cooking howto. Of
the dozen cookbooks I kept when I had to move, this one was a keeper.
Detailed info and explanations and both great drawings and beautiful
pictures to illustrate the well written English descriptions. One of the
best written and organized cookbooks I've ever read, regardless of culture
or cuisine. Highly recommended. Thumbs up from a native Japanese lady who,
along with her husband, owned a bento takeout.

http://tinyurl.com/7mqbf7

nb