In 2011, I can't imagine anyone recommending any kind of Japanese food as some sort of magical "to-discover" epicurean secret. It's all so fake and precious, and tastewise - comment dit? low key -- and far too frequently presented in a way we are almost obliged to gasp quietly at how finnicky and precisely it's beeen produced and arranged on the plates. Japanese food in general is sooooo over as a discovery - really now, is it not?

As for Korean, I've lived in the Far East for 46 years and the very worst Asian food I've ever eaten was in Seoul, constantly, regrettably, with the glop they serve in Manila following in second place. Burma comes in third place, unless you are fond of tripe.

In Hanoi, I'd suggest starting your discoveries of authentic Vietnamese food from the wonderously proletariat and endless selections at Quán ăn Ngon.

In Tokyo, where the collossal chutzpah of those cheeky Michelin people astounds with their myopic recommendations - to the Japanese, of all people - of good Japanese food, the French epicures in the know save up their yen and book tables at the flawless and plush Les Saisons in the 120 year old Imperial Hotel.

In Luang Prabang (talk about an overrated destination), I suggest Indian food, at either of the two Indian holes in the wall you'll find if you ask around. Fabulous.

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