Sashimi Tuna, Red Bell Pepper, and Asparagus In Miso-Vinegar Dressing

Japan has many eateries that serve a variety of small dishes to accompany sake (rice wine), beer, and other alcoholic drinks. You might think of these dishes called ippin-ryori, as the Japanese version of Spanish tapas. Ippin-ryori are prepared with all types of cooking techniques and, like their Spanish counterparts, are served in small portions. The function of these little treats is exactly the same in both countries: People drink, eat, talk; talk, drink, eat.