In early autumn, Japanese people talk about and focus on autumnal pastimes such as gastronomy, sports and art. I am not gastronomic, however autumnal food is a real pleasure for me. Japanese people especially look for Matsutake mushroom, Sanma(mackerel pike) and chestnuts. As I live in London, I am excited to have game, wild mushrooms and oysters.
When I travel to France, I don't tend to choose simple food which I know I like from previous experience. I take a gamble on the chef's creativity. When I went to Paris last time, though I like oysters, I didn't order them. I wanted to try game and wild mushrooms which come out in the impressive recipes. Unluckily I had venison with overpowering sauce served with defrosted vegetables. The following day I was looking forward to some really good food though I had no specific plan or booking. I didn't know the best place to go. (I should have been more organised!)
It was 2:15, when I gave up looking for a restaurant. I had to rush in the end to get a table for lunch in a local restaurant. There was no game or wild mushrooms on the menu! However, I was happy to eat simple home cooking such as sauteed fish served with julienned vegetables in light butter sauce. It was comfort food for a exhausted and hungry girl! Never mind, an excuse to return to Paris for some autumnal food! That's a good reason in my mind!
