Japan.

Zen Buddhism, Japan's predominant religion, frames Japanese cuisine through Kaisek, the Zen way of cooking, which embraces nature, harmony and restraint. Flavors are celebrated in their simplicity, unencumbered by heavy sauces or complex mixtures. Sashimi, thinly sliced raw fish, epitomizes this. In order to produce dishes that harmonize with their environment, a meal's primary ingredients are always seasonal and local. Many foods are left raw or only slightly cooked to maintain and highlight their freshness. The spare and elegant presentation of food in many different types of dishware, and the ambiance of a classic Japanese restaurant, all conspire to create an oasis of calm.

The Japanese diet gets the bulk of its protein from soybeans and seafood, making it one of the healthiest of national cuisines. Red meat is a relative newcomer to Japanese cuisine and is outrageously expensive because there is so little farmland in Japan. As a result, most cattle meats must be imported: In fact, the Japanese love Alberta beef and is one of our biggest buyers.

Compared to North America and other parts of Asia, Japanese meals are light and prepared with very little oil. The Japanese eat with chopsticks and drink soup directly from the bowl. The Japanese are very particular about their rice, eating only native born medium- grained rice. However, this standard is becoming harder and harder to maintain as the population grows. Noodles, introduced from China, are extremely popular as well, with entire restaurants specializing in them.

Torino-Teriyaki (Teriyaki Chicken) Recipe.

• 500g chicken - cut into strips
• 1/4 cup dark soy sauce
• 1/4 cup sake wine
• 2 tbsp mirin wine
• 1 tbsp white sugar
• 1/4 cup sake wine
• 2 tbsp mirin wine
• 1 tbsp white sugar
• Toasted sesame seeds

1. Combine soy sauce, sake, mirin and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat and stir until sugar is dissolved
2. Remove from heat and let cool
3. Marinade chicken pieces using the sauce, leave overnight or at least an hour
4. Grill or broil until chicken pieces are done and slightly crisp.
5. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds before serving
6. Serve over rice or noodles

In Edmonton.

Banzai is the latest restaurant to be part of the growing trend of quick-sit-down Japanese restaurants in Edmonton, following in the footsteps of Tokyo Sushi Express. Located on Calgary Trail South, it is a great place to stop for a quick dinner on the way home.

You can't miss Banzai's prime location on Calgary Trail South.

I recommend the spicy chicken bowl.

Equally as good is the maki combo served with miso soup.

Ratings. (out of five)