Dear Ms. Blog,

While we wait for Clay to either blog and/or give us info on the release of the new cd, ( Gently hints and nudges Clay as Theresa bats her eyes innocently.;)) I thought I would share with you. my very first adventure eating japanese cuisine.

I met a dear friend for lunch today who is not a clay fan. ( Don't worry, I'll work on her..LOL!)

Orginally, we were going to "Ruby Tuesday's" but it was too crowded and a 20 minute wait. So, we decided to peruse the streets of Philadelphia at lunchtime. Loretta, my friend asked if I like Japanese? I replied, I never had it before so, I'm not sure if I like it or not. ( Yes, I can be picky just as Clay is...;) )

So, Loretta takes me to her favorite japanese resturant. We are seated and she announces to the waitress that I never had japanese food before. The waitress smiles at me and gives me a menu. Poor thing didn't know what she was getting into..lol!

I decided on a noodle dish with chicken and vegetables. I figured that would be okay, now this dish had a 'special sauce' and since, I'm allergic to peanuts I needed to find out. ( Can't eat Thai food!)

The waitress informed me no peanuts was in the sauce.

Loretta also order me "Miso soup" we were going for full nine yards! ( inserts laughter)

So, during this time before our lunch is served, Loretta attempts to teach me how use chopsticks! ( Notice how I use the word attempts..lol)

This had great entertainment value to all who was sitting near us. (My index finger was not having any parts of the said chopsticks!)

You know, it all started with unwrapping of the chopsticks. This task should have clued in me on what was ahead me!

I learn to be humble after trying that. I can blog, fax, use a cell phone in a split second, but me, using chopsticks is like Simom Cowell listening to the good music of Clay Aiken in his life.

Sadly, we ask for ask for utensils for me. Yep! I got the look! The "I can't believe you can't use chopsticks look" But the waitress was very gracious and brought the lonely fork back to our table.

The soup arrived first, and it was delicious. I will definitely order that again..:)

Then,our meal came. Loretta order "Sushi". I told her my feelings about sushi..In a word, No thank you very much! ( okay, that was 5 words! lol)

As, I was enjoying my meal, Loretta took it upon herself, no wait, it was her mission for me to try seaweed. Which, wasn't that bad at all. It tasted like celery to me.

Then, my act of bravery came upon me suddenly as she wanted me to try "Pickled Ginger" which, was included on her sushi plate.

It looked innocently enough like white curled raw potato. That's how it tricks you! So, I take a bite..Oh boy! remember when Clay ate "playdoh" on MTV? Now, I'm not saying my bravery was on the same level as his. But, pretty close to it! LOL!

It was very crunchy, and it had a very, very pungent flavor, and it was spicy. I'm happy to say I won't require the services of my allergy/sinus medicine for a full whole month!

Loretta, was almost keeling over in laughter at the faces I was giving her as the pickled ginger swished and swirled in my mouth.

So brave I was, I couldn't spit it out now, where would my manners be?

There I was...

I swallowed....

Hard...

Then, Loretta comments " Well, it does carry a punch!"

And I replied " Try a sledgehammer!"

Loretta laugh so hard, we got the " are you trying to misbehave in our resturant look?"

And quickly the waitress, ask us " Is there anything else"

Loretta, order us, Japanese ice dream to clear our palates.

Our choices were Green Tea, Ginger (um, no thanks!) and Red Bean.

I played it safe and order the "Green Tea Ice cream"

Which was very refreshing and delightful!

So, in summing up!

Green tea ice cream, a resounding yes!

Pickled Ginger, no way jose!

Geez, see what happens Ms. blog when Clay doesn't blog!

I find new adventure to do!

Unitl we meet again, God Bless :)

Hugs and Kisses

Theresa