Is Matilda now more critical about the Japanese cuisine she encounters in San Francisco?

Is Matilda now more critical about the Japanese cuisine she encounters in San Francisco?

Actually she said the chicken karaage we had at lunch was exactly the way her host mom made it.

I have no doubt that there is ramen in Japan that's better than Marufuku Ramen in Japantown - but I didn't manage to find it while I was there.

We have really good Japanese food in SF, and a lot of the stuff Matilda likes best isn't like high end sushi but Japanese curry and Yakitori and Udon and Katsu Don and Onigiri. Not exactly fast food but the equivalent of diner food.

All the Japanese food in SF is made by Japanese chefs and families. It's not a super whitey version.

I haven't been able to find the duck ramen she had in Japan though, so there's plenty I missed.

All right, show of hands: How many of you, upon seeing a restaurant sign reading

Monster Chimichangas 10.99 5-6PM

would have immediately wondered "what kind of monsters are they made from?" like I did?

Just imagine me as a little tiny Mariachi band that is playing for you every time you head to the elevator.

I'll have to add that to my workout mix. I did manage to do 40 minutes of laps and 30 minutes of PT stretching today. So yes! Snow crab for dinner tonight as DH is off to a track event and he isn't much on the shellfish, or as I like to call it, lemony butter delivery devices.

I am working to get back into my good habits but also am right now in an Escalade on my way to a ridiculously expensive dinner but that is also something of a Chicago bucket list item. To wit, a 20th anniversary throwback Alinea dinner where they are doing their year 1 menus when they burst on the scene and blew everyone’s minds.

I have justified the [seriously ridiculous] cost by using the gift card I got last year from my health insurance for jumping through all their various hoops, which very nearly covers it.

[What? I can have layers. At least the portions will be small.]

I’m also paying half my sister’s costs because be real. So it’s still a splurge but one I’m good with.

I also did just sign up for one of those dance workout apps. Did half a workout yesterday before my arms got too tired. But I think it’ll be fun!

That sounds awesome, Brenda. We want details on the menu! My crab legs were so tasty. The best/worst part was it took over 2 hours to eat them. So much work, but such leisurely delight!

I also did just sign up for one of those dance workout apps.

I generally have music in my ears while working out, so I tend to dance around between tasks. Like no one is watching, but there are indeed cameras in the gym, so someone could be watching. Do I care? The answer would be no. I am almost always the only one in the gym both in my building and the gym I go to up north. I'm not particularly self-conscious, but being alone or just with my sister is really nice.

I was being very judged by the dog. But I can live with that.

The dinner is 12 courses. Holy. A little over halfway and it is amazeballs. Pictures and descriptions to follow.

Woot, yay, Brenda! Can't wait for deets.