The book is full of Ueno’s essays, “Naniwa Shunsai Aji-Goyomi,” a series featured in the community food magazine, “Amakara Techo.” The first book is exclusively dedicated to Naniwa-yasai (vegetables). In the book, Ueno visits vegetable farmers throughout Osaka in search of Naniwa vegetables, introduces 37 varieties he discovered, and shares with readers 128 original recipes he created with his sophisticated cooking techniques.
◇Shuzo Ueno
Born in 1935 in Osaka, Ueno started his culinary career at age 15 and opened his own restaurant, “Naniwa Kappo Kigawa,” in 1977 in the Hozenji Yokocho District, Osaka-shi. In 1994, Ueno opened another restaurant, “Tenjinzaka Ueno,” which he closed in 2003 despite strong requests from his customers to stay open. Today, Ueno continues his career as a food essayist/writer. He is also a member of Naniwa Gyosai-no Kai.
■Related links Naniwa Gyosai-no Kai (President: Yoshitaka Sasai) The group aims to bring quality fresh produce that traditionally originated in Osaka back to the market and promote the recognition of these once-lost local specialties. The group holds food tasting events and seminars, sells Naniwa vegetables, and publishes “Ukamuse,” a magazine that specializes in local food culture.
URL:http://www.ukamuse.jp/ (only available in Japanese)
