The Simple Life in Chiba, Japan was the setting to a very memorable time looking for bamboo shoots. Up early on a warm spring day we stretched our legs for a steep climb up into the bamboo forest. Green bamboo leaves peaking through the fertile soil just poking out asking to be picked. When dug up fresh they are an extremely versatile dish. Boiled, Steamed, Fried and even raw are all great ways to savour a healthy meal mixed with other mountain vegetables (Warabi). With our main accompaniments of charcoled grilled yabbies, squid and octopus we were in zen heaven.​