The cashier slinks away in the background. I see a slip appear and a sheepish shrug. The next moves by the cashier are actually a masterclass in customer service, but in reality is how this situation should always be handled.

I had the good fortune to know Harry McWatters in what would be the last years of his life, but he carried those years with a youthful spirit. Like everyone that knew him I have many stories from along the way — seemingly small encounters in my day-to-day that will continue to have a big impact.

Ramen geeks rejoice — Venice Ramen is actually really awesome! Ramen in the hot California sun might seem a bit counterintuitive, but sometimes it helps to get a good noodle sweat going in the heat.

The Bento chain of fast food sushi restaurants has an outpost in the YYZ Pearson Toronto Airport, and one cold winter day I thought I would give it a go.

After a week of eating myself into a new pant size, a light tofu lunch was a welcome change. Kurashiki Bikan is the historical quarter of Kurashiki City, and a somewhat delightfully touristy enclave of creativity.

Not fancy, not terrible, and extremely practical — The Good Hotel melds budget with style in a package that you can’t resist.

A bright airy space in a former industrial building home to a brewery paying homage to 80’s video game classics and country western legends.

Lolo is painfully cool. Decorated in a way that makes you think that you almost could have done it yourself had you had this much imagination, the walls are adorned with Day of the Dead themed paper mache, bike tires, and skulls. It’s eclectic, visually stimulating, and kind of awesome.

If you’re a denim enthusiast, or just someone looking for a new Canadian Tuxedo (yes, double-denim is alive and well in Japan), the Kojima Jeans Street in Kurashiki City is like a blue jeaned paradise for budding and experienced hipsters alike.

I've never considered Kensington Market the spot to go for fine dining, but clearly that's changing. Toronto's edgy bohemian neighbourhood is a colourful collage of graffiti with a pungent aroma of Canada's favourite botanical in the air.