Danny ChaiI still watch Iron Chef regularly. I know it played out years ago, but I still enjoy it, and there are many episodes I have not seen.
I love it because I love Japanese culture and I love food. And I love how much they appreciate food. I think Jieun finds that odd about me, but when I eat at restaurants, I analyze everything as I eat. Not quite to the level of the Iron Chef judges, but yeah. It just adds to the experience.
But I just saw an episode where the judges’ comments were so over the top it killed me. A sampling:
Itoi: This soup just spreads in my mouth so vividly. There’s nothing that puzzles you. I just want to keep it in my mouth as long as possible, you know what I mean? I’m wishing to let it linger longer in my mouth as it cascades down my throat. I really feel somehow like a chosen person being permitted to enjoy this great food. This has opened my eyes.
…
Itoi:Up until now we always thought bell peppers were just for garnishes, and so by seeing another angle in the potential and diversity of this profound ingredient… how should I say this… well I might sound a little like Hirano-san, but here goes: I think the bell peppers are feeling happy. I’m sure.
Hirano: Exactly right. If I could add to what Itoi-san said: he gave a purpose to the life of the bell peppers.
Nothing that puzzles you? Profound ingredient? I dunno, killed me. If I ever talk about food like that, please kick my butt. Really. I like analyzing food, but in the end, it either tastes good or it doesn’t taste good. It’s that simple.
Going out for my delayed birthday dinner tomorrow night – first nice restaurant we’ve gone to in a while. Can’t wait.