Wine Side Dishes That Everyone Will Enjoy!
Ah, wine! That glorious beverage that makes you suddenly wise after just one glass and incredibly reckless after just two. And now, it seems, you can finally stop feeling guilty about pairing it with, let’s be honest, a bag of crisps and a tub of dip. Thanks to MOT Co., Ltd. and the culinary creativity of Michiko Ohashi, we have the definitive guide: “Wine Side Dishes That Everyone Will Love.” Now, if that title doesn’t make you contemplate your life choices over a glass of merlot, I don’t know what will!
Unveiling Culinary Gems
Based in Higashiosaka, this company has been on a tireless quest to craft snacks that harmonize beautifully with wine for over a decade. They’ve cracked some divine recipes that seamlessly pair Japanese flavors with wines from all over the globe. You can practically hear the corks popping in joyful unison across the land!
But hold onto your wine glasses; they’ve teamed up with Tsuno Town folks in Miyazaki Prefecture—home to some of the world’s most celebrated vineyards. These local foodies are ensuring we’re dining not just deliciously, but seasonally. You’ll be so in tune with the local produce that even the tomatoes will start calling you “mate.”
What’s Inside the Book?
Now let’s talk turkey—or in this case, rice. The book offers 52 recipes tailored for each season, catering to all—those who drink wine, those who prefer beer (yes, beer rules the first party!), and even the younger crowd. Because who said kids can’t enjoy a fancy homemade snack? With recipes year-round, this guide ensures that these wine-friendly dishes become your mainstay, whether you’re whipping them up for a casual dinner or a surprisingly sophisticated date night.
This isn’t just a cookbook; it’s a love letter to the palatability of local produce and fine wine, washed down with a sprinkle of culinary expertise. And did I mention it pairs perfectly with rice? Who knew harmony could be so… on rice?
A Community Effort
The book is also an ode to collaboration—with key local players in the Tsuno Town Revitalization Shop. This project, dubbed “Tsuno Mariage,” isn’t just about pairing food and wine; it’s about rekindling local charm through irresistible combinations of local ingredients and wines. If this doesn’t sound like a community straight out of a feel-good movie, I don’t know what does!
The Sommelier Behind the Magic
Let’s take a moment to applaud Michiko Ohashi, our sommelier superhero! With her background in wine import, she has been tantalizing tastebuds for years, coming up with recipes that make even the most advanced wine drinkers weak in the knees. If you haven’t checked out her social media, you’re missing out on a stream of mouth-watering, wine-friendly goodness. And who are we kidding? She’s got 63,000 followers! That’s more than the number of times I’ve probably drowned my sorrow in leftover pizza after a night out.
Why You Need This Book
In conclusion, if you’re the kind of person who believes that culinary magic happens at the intersection of tradition and innovation, this book is calling your name. It’s a fantastic resource not just for wine aficionados but for anyone looking to elevate their dining experience.
So whether you’re hosting a lavish dinner party or simply want to impress that special someone (or yourself, let’s not forget self-love is important), “Wine Side Dishes That Everyone Will Love” is your go-to guide. Grab a copy, pour that wine, and let the culinary adventures begin!
Get Your Copy!
Interested in snagging a copy? Here’s where you can find it:
Available at all major bookstores nationwide. Now, go forth and eat more delicious things while drinking wine! Your taste buds will thank you.
MOT Co., Ltd., located in the heart of Higashiosaka City, Osaka Prefecture, under the leadership of Representative Taisuke Teranishi, has dedicated over a decade to developing exquisite snacks that harmonize beautifully with wine. With a focus on merging the delightful flavors of “delicious Japanese cuisine and wines from around the world,” they have emerged as a prominent name in the culinary landscape. In line with this commitment, they are excited to announce the release of Michiko Taohashi’s highly anticipated new book, titled “Wine Side Dishes that Everyone Will Love.”
In an impressive collaboration with the people of Tsuno Town in Miyazaki Prefecture—renowned globally for its exceptional Tsuno wine—MOT Co., Ltd. has established a unique pipeline to receive fresh, seasonal ingredients directly from local producers throughout the year. This arrangement not only benefits local culinary enthusiasts but ensures that anyone can easily recreate these recipes at home. With an emphasis on clarity and accessibility, the book presents a plethora of delectable pairings that allow Tsuno wine to shine alongside various dishes.
The culmination of this initiative is a groundbreaking book that celebrates the interplay of regional cuisine and wine, showcasing how local climate and food culture can be harmoniously combined.
Wine side dishes that everyone will enjoy Cover page
■Book information
This collaborative effort with Tsuno-cho, Miyazaki Prefecture, a hub of agricultural bounty and home to some of the finest wineries in the world, has resulted in 52 meticulously crafted recipes tailored for “wine side dishes” across the four seasons. Each recipe thoughtfully incorporates seasonal ingredients sourced from the beloved roadside station of the area.
The book ensures that while the recipes are a perfect match for wine, the initial sip can just as easily be a refreshing beer! The goal was to create “everyday side dishes” that cater to “everyone,” including those who do not drink alcohol and children. With simple ingredients at the forefront, these dishes promise to delight even the most seasoned wine connoisseurs. Remarkably, the offerings are also compatible with rice, making them perfect as regular meals and drawing readers closer to the wine experience.
・Book title: Wine side dishes that everyone will enjoy
・Author: Michiko Ohashi
・List price: 1,980 yen (tax included)
・ISBN ：978-4-86723-180-7
・Publisher: Kazahi Bunko
It is also available at major bookstores nationwide.
Wine side dishes that everyone will enjoy Recipe examples (2)
■Background and features of book publishing
The project, dubbed “Tsuno Mariage,” was launched with the collective effort of Tsuno Wine Co., Ltd., a prominent local winery, and the Tsuno Town Revitalization Shop—a roadside station dedicated to fostering community welfare. Partnering with regional revitalization entrepreneurs from the Tsuno Mirai Foundation and Gurunavi Co., Ltd., the initiative aims to highlight the town’s myriad charms and invigorate local producers through a creative fusion of homegrown ingredients and local wines.
It all began when Michiko Ohashi envisioned creating dishes that showcase local ingredients alongside Tsuno wine, leading to an exquisite fusion of “local wine and local seasonal ingredients.” The team worked diligently to craft a prototype menu for each season while continuously refining their offerings based on feedback received. The book production also involved collaboration with seasoned professionals dedicated to local product development and community growth, capturing the essence of the region and its residents through engaging interviews and stunning visuals.
Across Europe, the cultural norm is to enjoy local ingredients alongside local wines, a tradition that has influenced the evolving landscape of Japanese wine. This book stays true to that ethos, developing recipes that pair Japanese wines with seasonal ingredients available throughout the year. Recognizing changing preferences, the book promotes a broader approach to wine enjoyment by introducing everyday “side dishes” that balance traditional and contemporary culinary approaches. This makes the recipes accessible, ensuring ease of preparation for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
Another highlight is the book’s ability to transform commonplace ingredients into “wine side dishes” that harmonize beautifully with Japanese wine through simple combinations and seasonings.
■Author Michiko Ohashi Profile
Wine snack expert/Sommelier (JSA certified)
Having honed her craft at a wine import trading company, Michiko Ohashi uncovered a passion for the delightful interplay between food and wine. Over the past decade, she has meticulously crafted and shared countless recipes that highlight seasonal ingredients and their compatibility with wine.
Currently, Michiko is on a quest to discover delectable ingredients and innovative processed products from across Japan, diligently researching their harmonious pairings with various wines. Her online platform, Wine-Link, is a valuable resource offering a treasure trove of seasonal recipes.
Other notable works include “Wine at Home: Cooking and Wine Combination Method (Pia).”
Michiko Ohashi
[Michiko Ohashi Official Instagram]
*Number of followers: 63,000
[Many recipes posted by Wine-Link Michiko Ohashi]
How do you suggest pairing wine with the grilled seasonal vegetables recipe you mentioned?
**Interview with Michiko Ohashi on “Wine Side Dishes That Everyone Will Love”**
**Interviewer:** Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Michiko Ohashi, a renowned sommelier and author of the new cookbook, *”Wine Side Dishes That Everyone Will Love.”* Michiko, welcome!
**Michiko Ohashi:** Thank you for having me!
**Interviewer:** Your book has generated a lot of buzz. Can you tell us what inspired you to create this guide?
**Michiko Ohashi:** Absolutely! My aim was to bridge the gap between traditional Japanese flavors and wines from around the world. I wanted to show that enjoying wine doesn’t have to be limited to fancy settings. It can be a part of everyday life, and it’s great to pair it with dishes that everyone can enjoy—whether you’re a wine lover, a beer drinker, or someone who just appreciates good food.
**Interviewer:** You’ve collaborated with local producers in Tsuno Town to create these recipes, correct? How does this community aspect enhance the book?
**Michiko Ohashi:** Yes, that’s right! Working with local farmers means we’re using the freshest, seasonal ingredients. It’s about more than just recipes; it’s about celebrating the community and making sure that our culinary efforts support local producers. The collaboration allowed us to create dishes that resonate with the local climate and culture, and I believe this brings a unique charm to the book.
**Interviewer:** The book features 52 recipes, one for each week of the year. Could you share a favorite recipe or two?
**Michiko Ohashi:** One of my favorites is the grilled seasonal vegetables paired with a light white wine. It’s simple yet highlights those fresh flavors beautifully. Another standout is a savory rice dish that goes incredibly well with red wine—it’s all about making those connections between the dish and the wine, while also being accessible to families.
**Interviewer:** It’s intriguing how you’ve included recipes that appeal not just to adults but also to children. What was the thought process behind that?
**Michiko Ohashi:** I believe everyone should be included in the joy of dining. The goal was to create ‘everyday’ side dishes that are not only flavorful for adults but also kid-friendly. Good food can bring families together, and introducing kids to these culinary experiences might spark a lifelong appreciation for good flavors.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, why do you think this book is a must-have for home cooks and wine enthusiasts alike?
**Michiko Ohashi:** This book is more than just a collection of recipes; it’s an invitation to explore the harmony between wine and food. It’s accessible, fun, and encourages everyone to try their hand at cooking and pairing. Whether you’re hosting a lavish dinner party or just enjoying a casual meal, these recipes will enhance the experience. Plus, who doesn’t love a good wine and food pairing?
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Michiko! We can’t wait to see how these flavors inspire home cooks everywhere.
**Michiko Ohashi:** Thank you for having me! I hope everyone enjoys the culinary journey as much as I enjoyed creating it!
