What part of the pig???

Today I went to the market with a friend of mine while Brian took the boys to Godzilla Park. No kidding - there is a lifesize (bigger than life size) Godzilla statue at the park that the kids can climb on and in. Don't question me as to what his significance is to Japan. I haven't done my reading.

Anyway, Saikaya is a market and high end shopping center right outside the gate, within walking distance. My friend and I walked around a bit and looked in some of the stores before going downstairs where there is a huge market with fresh fish, meats, produce, prepared foods, desserts, bakeries, coffee shops, etc. I was looking for a pork tenderloin so I could make a recipe that I have been eyeing now for a few weeks. I was so proud with my little Japanese phrase book. I went up to the meat counter and pointed to the word that means pork. The lady came out from behind the counter and pointed to a picture of a pig. I think she was asking what part of the pig I wanted. Now, I knew I didn't want anything lower than the stomach, and I certainly didn't want the pig butt, so I pointed to the back or shoulder, hoping that would be safe. She showed me a wrapped piece of pork that looked like a tenderloin, so I nodded yes and she kindly wrapped up the pork tenderloin and put it in a bag with an ice pack and directed me to pay at the counter.

I was so excited to find this because last night we came home from a day out, and I went to make the recipe. However, when I opened up the wrapping to the pork, it smelled horrible. I won't tell you the word Brian used to describe the smell. Unfortunately we experience this with commissary items all the time.

The nice Japanese lady rang up my purchase and said "2000 yen". Wait a second! 2000 yen is about 20.00 us dollars. The same size pork tenderloin from the commissary had cost me $2.52. I couldn't really say no and walk away. It had already been packaged up for me. All I could think was it had better be one damn good piece of meat. Did I forget to mention that the tenderloin was only 3/4 lb.

I brought it home and made the recipe- Pork Tenderloin with Gorgonzola sauce. It was so yummy! The boys all loved it and ate a second helping. That certainly does not mean that I will get my meat at Saikaya on a regular basis. This is the same place that sells two oranges for eight dollars. I think you you are paying for the pretty packaging.

Sorry for the blog post about food, but I had to share. Stay posted. I will add some pics of our weekend when I get the chance. I need to get to bed. I have been up studying my Japanese. I am taking a class every Tuesday, and the instructor is tough. She'll yell at me if my homework isn't done.

Have a great week!