October 7, 2010

Yesterday was the first day that I had the satisfying experience to go to a Kai-ten Sushi restaurant, and yes, it was amazing. You walk into this tightly packed place (sorry claustrophobics, you don’t wanna be in Japan) and tell the cashier–who also may function as a waiter of sorts–how many people will be eating and depending on the restaurant whether or not you wish to be seating in a smoking or non-smoking area. Upon being seated, you may put some green tea powder in your cup if you wish to have some hot tea. Just be careful when filling it with the water because the water is HOT!!! My life flashed before me the first time I poured it into my mouth. I saw the steam, so justifiably it was my fault, but I took a huge gulp which led a painful sensation in both my throat and my mind. The throat because it was so hot, and the mind because I wanted to shout a naughty word out loud but as not to be rude withheld my urge.

They call it Kai-ten sushi because you are seated around a revolving belt which is loaded with various plates of sushi that is constantly moving. The “kai” means “around”, like a going around and around. The ‘ten’ means to ‘revolve’ or to ‘roll’, like a rolling belt. And ‘sushi’ means, well, I hope you know what this is. Although from now on to distinguish the difference between sushi in America Chinese Buffets and actual, authentic sushi I will called real sushi Jsushi. Trust me, the difference in taste and quality is phenomenal and pathetic.

There are many types of sushi, but unfortunately I am terrible at food names so I can only name a few: egg, tuna, eel, squid, and fish eyes. This is only a small detailing of the types of sushi but as I said I am horrible with food names -although it could also be a good thing, because I wouldn’t want to know what I’m eating sometimes, such as fish eyes, which only caught my interest because it felt like I was eating jewelry, as they are quite majestic looking. Pretty much any fish can be prepared for sushi. And of course you got your toppings as well. Ginger, Wasabi, Soy Sauce, Wasabi…Wasabi. Now I know what you’re thinking. What is this imbecile thinking, why does he keep writing wasabi over and over? Well, that’s because I love wasabi.

The theme of this entry? Real sushi is delicious. For those of you who hate eating raw things, just cover the sushi in wasabi or something, that way it looks like pudding when you eat it.

Location: Japan