Hisashi Kashiwai has authored one of the most wholesome short reads I have read in a while. Translated by Jesse Kirkwood

"Well if it's the detective service you're after, my daughter is the one to speak to".
"Though it is Dad who does the real detective work"

A Father and Daughter duo become food detectives based in Kyoto. They can be sought out by customers from all walks of life to recreate a specific dish, which is seeped in personal memories.

Nagare, the Father was a police detective and uses his sleuthing skills to narrow down vague clues which leads to specific ingredients to be used in the dishes. He works with his Daughter Koishi who deals with the customers and keeps a good reign on the operations. Drowsy, the Cat keeps popping up to keep everyone company.

Each short story focuses on a different dish. We meet different characters seeking a different memory.
- A Husband reminiscing about his late wife's Udon.
- A Woman reflecting on a sliding doors moment almost 50 years ago, with beef stew
- A Man seeking a taste of his childhood with Mackrell sushi
- A Woman learning the importance of Tonkasu, for her ex husband
- A Grand Daughter wishing to relive a holiday Spaghetti dish with her Grand Father.
- A Son recalling the warmth of his Mother's Nikujaga

"Sometimes separating just means you are each able to follow the path you want..." Each short story is a standalone, and each tells a different relationship which has evolved over time.

I love the clever use of food within this series. The ceremony around food, its preparation and service is written with love in these short stories. Although food is tightly bound to all cultures, this is especially the case with East Asian cultures.

When we see a loved one, we ask 'have you eaten yet?' 'Are you hungry?' This is from a place of love and care. We may not say we like you, but we always give you the best part of the dish.