#45, Food
Regardless one's age, gender, or race, food binds all people together. A good meal can be shared with anyone at any time, anywhere on Earth and be appreciated all the same. I have memories from all aspects of life, but those of extraordinary meals burn especially bright. From yak burgers in Tibet, to the fall-off-the-bone barbecue in Mississippi to seizure-inducing hot pot in Szechuan, and more recently, the infamous 홍어회, an uncommon dining experience stays with me long after its flavors have faded. I experienced one of the more scrumptious meals of my life at Tsukiji Market in Tokyo...
I wander aimlessly through a maze of vendors and discarded white styrofoam boxes. I have come to the market for a single purpose and will not rest until I have seen it through. I pass by a rotating sushi restaurant, knowing the best Tsukiji has to offer isn't there. In the distance I see a small crowd gathered and instinctively begin towards them. A humble line has formed at a hole-in-the-wall, a sign with alien characters perched above its entrance. I glance inside and see a wooden counter packed with men, women, and children sitting shoulder to shoulder. This is it.
After a short, yet excruciatingly long wait, a seat opens up inside. I enter eagerly, stuff my backpack between the stool and the counter and prop myself up. My understanding of the Japanese is non-existent, so to be safe, I order the most expensive dish, sakura. After some awkward gesticulating and flailing of the arms, the chef understands my order and begins to meticulously construct an exceptional plate.
As I bide my time, the chef generously hands me a sample of otoro gratis. Otoro is the fattiest and most prized part of the tuna; it melts in my mouth like warm ice cream.
The dish that was presented to me is pictured above. I have eaten sushi several times before this dish, but this was the first time I had eaten sushi. My mouth waters just looking at the photo.
To complete this Journal response,
- Describe a memorable meal from personal experience. Use descriptive language and try to engage the reader's senses (hearing, sight, touch, smell, taste). Make the reader feel as you did.
- Comment on a peer's response.
-Brenden Lee Teacher
my dog is the electron that sails in a canine orbit around a dog like his