Takoyaki party with the park moms

Sometimes even the park moms need a break from the park.  Today we met at one of the mom's apartment buildings in the meeting room for a takoyaki party.  Our family usually makes takoyaki at home, and when we do, we stick to a recipe.  A very traditional recipe.

It isn't very common to meet at people's homes in Japan.  Homes are tiny and so people tend to meet at restaurants or other venues.  Sometimes people might have a friend or two over, but not normally.  This is the first time I've been invited to a meeting room in an apartment building.  It was a basic apartment meeting room with a small kitchen, some toys, and a couple tables.

The moms got right to work whipping up the batter and cooking various types of takoyaki.  They made kimchee/cheese, tuna/corn, and seafood.  My husband is from Osaka - the birthplace of takoyaki.  He doesn't stray from the original because the original is amazing (especially his version).  So having the opportunity to try unusual takoyaki was fun.

Some flavors were better than others.  I like a firmer takoyaki and some of the ingredients produced a runnier middle.

Mostly, the day was just fun.  Hanging out with friends.  Cooking some lunch.  And watching our children play together.