Temple serves up specials

Members of the Spokane Buddhist Temple have been busy rolling, cutting and cooking senbei for their Spring Food Bazaar.

The salty, sweet rice crackers will be sold Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the temple’s annual lunch bazaar. The Buddhist temple at Ninth Avenue and Perry Street offers the traditional Japanese crackers ($3.50), teriyaki chicken bento ($10) and sushi ($8) take-out.

The sushi rolls must be pre-ordered. Inari and other baked goods also are sold.

Get there early for the best selection. The teriyaki and senbei often sell out. Pre-order by calling (509) 534-7954.

The Buddhist Temple’s lunch bazaar is part of Japan Week festivities, which offer an array of cultural experiences through April 29.

Here are some ways to have a taste of other Japanese food traditions:

Tuesday – Sushi and yakisoba sale at the Spokane Falls Community College SUB, Lounges A, B and C, 4410 Fort George Wright Drive.

Next Wednesday – Japanese lunch at the Corbin Senior Activity Center, 827 W. Cleveland Ave. $7.50, must be paid in advance by today. Call Christa at (509) 327-1584.

April 22 and April 29 – Learn to make sushi with Atsumi McCauley at Mukogawa/Japanese Cultural Center, 4000 W. Randolph Road. Classes are $20. Call (509) 328-2971.

Don’t miss the Highland Park United Methodist Church’s Sukiyaki Dinner on Saturday, April 24. Church members, many of them Japanese-Americans, will host the 60th dinner from noon to 7 p.m.

The main dish is sirloin beef or tofu stir-fried with vegetables, then topped with a sauce made from soy sauce, sugar and sherry. Sushi and senbei are offered and a variety of crafts are sold.

The church is at 611 S. Garfield St. Call (509) 535-2687 for tickets or more details.