Noir Nights: WWII Secrets, Sake Sips, and Deep Dish Delights

Ah, the allure of a good mystery. There's something utterly captivating about navigating the labyrinthine twists and turns of an enigmatic plot. It's like embarking on a literary treasure hunt, each clue revealing just a tad more, keeping you on the edge of your seat.

Now, let's talk about a recent gem I stumbled upon - Naomi Hirahara’s CLARK AND DIVISION. This book, a masterclass in suspense and intrigue, grips you from the very first page. The characters, vividly painted with depth and nuance, draw you into the heart of post-WWII Chicago, a city pulsating with secrets. It is the story of a young woman searching for the truth about her revered older sister's death, brings to focus the struggles of one Japanese American family released from mass incarceration at Manzanar during World War II. Chicago, 1944: Twenty-year-old Aki Ito and her parents have just been released from Manzanar, where they have been detained by the US government since the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, together with thousands of other Japanese Americans. The life in California the Itos were forced to leave behind is gone; instead, they are being resettled two thousand miles away in Chicago, where Aki's older sister, Rose, was sent months earlier and moved to the new Japanese American neighborhood near Clark and Division streets. But on the eve of the Ito family's reunion, Rose is killed by a subway train. Aki, who worshipped her sister, is stunned. Officials are ruling Rose's death a suicide. Aki cannot believe her perfect, polished, and optimistic sister would end her life. Her instinct tells her there is much more to the story, and she knows she is the only person who could ever learn the truth. Inspired by historical events, Clark and Division infuses an atmospheric and heartbreakingly real crime with rich period details and delicately wrought personal stories Naomi Hirahara has gleaned from thirty years of research and archival work in Japanese American history.

But what's a good read without a fitting companion? Picture this: you, curled up with the book, a glass of Sparkling Elderflower Sake Cocktail in hand. This effervescent concoction marries the delicate notes of elderflower with the crisp sparkle of sake, creating a symphony for your taste buds.

Here's how you craft this libation: Directions:

1. Fill a glass with ice cubes.

2. Add 2 oz of Sparkling Sake and 1 oz of Elderflower Liqueur.

3. Top it off with a splash of soda water.

4. Gently stir and garnish with a twist of lemon.

Now, onto sustenance. Imagine mini Chicago style deep dish pizzas, each bite a harmonious blend of tangy sauce, gooey cheese, and savory toppings, all nestled in a golden, flaky crust. Here's a simple recipe to conjure up these bite-sized delights:

Mini Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza Recipe:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• In a muffin tin, place rounds of pizza dough, pressing them to form mini crusts.

• Layer with tomato sauce, cheese, and your choice of toppings.

• Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

So, dear reader, here's the invitation: Join me in this literary and culinary escapade. Let's lose ourselves in the pages, savor the flavors, and relish in the mysteries that await. Cheers to good books, great drinks, and even better company! 📖🍸🍕 Happy R-E-D-ing!

Please note that these recipes and photos were not created by me. I am just a hungry and thirsty reader with an appreciation for the finer things!