I don't like chopsticks
werewolf
gauche am I being by requesting a fork? I'd like to go to Asia.
What would I do there? Would I have to learn to use chopsticks?
(The goofy little things are so awkward!) Could I carry my own
little fork around with me? Also, is it considered polite to eat
sushi with one's fingers, or to drink soup straight out of the
bowl? Not that I am overly concerned with being the paradigm of
haute couture. Basically I am just a down home feller what
drinks vodka straight outa the bottle (or used to), but I have
occasional attacks of self-consciousness.
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James Silverton
>
> I love *authentic* Asian food, but I don't like chopsticks. How
> gauche am I being by requesting a fork? I'd like to go to Asia.
> What would I do there? Would I have to learn to use chopsticks?
> (The goofy little things are so awkward!) Could I carry my own
> little fork around with me? Also, is it considered polite to eat
> sushi with one's fingers, or to drink soup straight out of the
> bowl? Not that I am overly concerned with being the paradigm of
> haute couture. Basically I am just a down home feller what
> drinks vodka straight outa the bottle (or used to), but I have
> occasional attacks of self-consciousness.
As a bit of a heretic who does not know whether an Idamae (sp?) is a
cook, a soybean or a Maryland politician, I might point out that
chopsticks are not de rigeur for sushi but I would use them for sashimi
(the raw fish) and that drinking soup from the bowl seems to be normal.
Chopsticks are quite easy to use and rather fun; my children learned
before they were eight! In fact, they are better implements for eating
spaghetti than a fork.
Jim.
--
James V. Silverton
Potomac, Maryland.
ari...@pepper.eajenkins.earthlink.net
<xx22NO...@yahoo.com.invalid> wrote:
>I love *authentic* Asian food, but I don't like chopsticks. How
>gauche am I being by requesting a fork? I'd like to go to Asia.
>What would I do there? Would I have to learn to use chopsticks?
>(The goofy little things are so awkward!) Could I carry my own
>little fork around with me? Also, is it considered polite to eat
>sushi with one's fingers, or to drink soup straight out of the
>bowl? Not that I am overly concerned with being the paradigm of
>haute couture. Basically I am just a down home feller what
>drinks vodka straight outa the bottle (or used to), but I have
>occasional attacks of self-consciousness.
sushi can be eaten with the fingers, but sashimi cannot. And since
I've been served miso soup without any utensils, I also assume it is
okay to drink out of the bowl.
I'd imagine most waitstaff in restaurants are used to
providing forks or other western utensils upon demand, but you might
want to try and learn to use chopsticks if you really feel that
self-conscious about asking.
A lot of people have problems with it at first, but
it's not difficult, I swear! :) You might practice with something
not-so-slippery at home, where no one is there to watch. The top
chopstick is held between your thumb and first two fingers, sort of
like the way you hold a pencil. The bottom chopstick is sort of
wedged between the base of your thumb and against the side of your
hand, steadied lower down by your third finger. Keep in mind that the
bottom chopstick doesn't move--only the top one does. You manipulate
it up and down to grip the food item. Oh, and make sure you don't
squeeze the chopsticks too hard. That was the problem my husband
(then boyfriend) had when he first started, and it gave him hand
cramps. I'd also try to hold the chopsticks at a point where it is
comfortable and easy to balance, maybe 3/4 of the way up from the
bottom of the chopsticks. I have seen practice chopsticks that are
connected at the top (more like salad tongs than chopsticks, really)
but I wouldn't recommend them. They look awfully silly, and don't
teach you the same kind of movements that real chopsticks require.
That, and millions of Chinese kids learn without 'em all the time, as
did I when I was about five or six. When you learn, you might like it
so much that you wondered how you did without them. Used properly,
they are very graceful, not at all awkward.
Practice makes perfect, so good luck. :)
Ariane
bjorn
You ask for fork to be able to put more food faster in your large fat
american pig mouth. American pig eat so fast doesnt want use
chopsticks. I laugh at your pig ways. Eat more food today
On Wed, 29 Mar 2000 07:03:29 -0800, werewolf
<xx22NO...@yahoo.com.invalid> wrote:
>I love *authentic* Asian food, but I don't like chopsticks. How
>gauche am I being by requesting a fork? I'd like to go to Asia.
>What would I do there? Would I have to learn to use chopsticks?
>(The goofy little things are so awkward!) Could I carry my own
>little fork around with me? Also, is it considered polite to eat
>sushi with one's fingers, or to drink soup straight out of the
>bowl? Not that I am overly concerned with being the paradigm of
>haute couture. Basically I am just a down home feller what
>drinks vodka straight outa the bottle (or used to), but I have
>occasional attacks of self-consciousness.
>
werewolf
Bjorn, would it be, in your opinion, gauche or outre for me to
request a very large spoon, or small shovel, when I am in a
restaurant? My main objective would be to shovel food into my
mouth faster than people with whom I am dining, thereby not
having to share my portion and getting to eat most of theirs.
JEdmo123
>american pig mouth. American pig eat so fast doesnt want use
>chopsticks. I laugh at your pig ways. Eat more food today
Ok, who ordered the extra anal orifice?
"It riles them to believe that you perceive the web they weave"
The Moody Blues
Walt
for a fork at a sushi bar; That's why I just stick my face in
the plate and start the chow-down! I'm not like a pig in that
way so much as a dog [or maybe a werewolf? ;-) ] Remember, the
best way is to use your hands kinda like funnels, and let
gravity do the rest!
Capt Walt
KensBest
memory of this is my dad saying "If you are going to eat what the Orientals do,
then eat it the way they do, with chopsticks". Now, these were not your cheap
wood chopsticks, the were sharp pointed laquered sticks. I got to the point
where I can eat peas, or even a single grain of rice with them. The wood
cheapies seem too easy. I actually take these disposables with me to work so I
can just throw them away rather than lug a fork around. It never fails that
someone will ask "How do you do that" The answer is always "Practise".
My Itamae taught me early on to use my fingers an almost all sushi, and
chopsticks on most sashimi. Of couse, it is MUCH easier to place the sushi fish
side down on my tongue using my fingers.
Kens
| Californian by Birth | Delawarian by Circumstance | Marylander by Choice |
Dan Logcher
> I love *authentic* Asian food, but I don't like chopsticks. How
> gauche am I being by requesting a fork? I'd like to go to Asia.
> What would I do there? Would I have to learn to use chopsticks?
> (The goofy little things are so awkward!) Could I carry my own
> little fork around with me? Also, is it considered polite to eat
> sushi with one's fingers, or to drink soup straight out of the
> bowl? Not that I am overly concerned with being the paradigm of
> haute couture. Basically I am just a down home feller what
> drinks vodka straight outa the bottle (or used to), but I have
> occasional attacks of self-consciousness.
I love authentic Asian cuisine, and I can't stop them from giving me a fork
when I go out to eat. I'll be sitting there already using the chopsticks, and
a waiter will come over and try to give me a fork.
Eat sushi with your fingers, don't worry about the rest. They'll probably give
you a fork. My luck I'd have a fork thrusted at me the whole time i was there.
--
Dan
Dan Logcher
> I love this guy! He cracks me up!
> Bjorn, would it be, in your opinion, gauche or outre for me to
> request a very large spoon, or small shovel, when I am in a
> restaurant? My main objective would be to shovel food into my
> mouth faster than people with whom I am dining, thereby not
> having to share my portion and getting to eat most of theirs.
I'd say no if the food item were pork. One cannot eat pig fast enough,
especially
us fat Americans.
--
Dan
werewolf
fingers?
Donald R. Newcomb (Despamed address)
For a long time it was quite unnatural for me. Just like holding a pencil,
it's something you have to practice, a lot. Now Asian food does not taste
right if I eat it with a fork. Maybe you need some "training wheels." You
can buy chopsticks that are connected with a little spring. These take care
of the alignment problem for you. All you have to do is pinch to get them to
work. If you have normal dexterity and practice around the house using
chopsticks, then it will come to you. I can do it and I'm a complete
spastic. YMMV.
The bottom line is that I believe that to enjoy any food to the fullest you
need to learn how to eat it the way its originators eat it. You should watch
me eat Udon some day. Slurrrp. Slurrp. Glug. Glug. Belch. Ahhhhhh. 8-)
Don Newcomb
werewolf <xx22NO...@yahoo.com.invalid> wrote in message
news:0b878400...@usw-ex0102-084.remarq.com...
cc cc
About chopsticks, REAL ETIQUETTE :
1.Never use 4 sticks at a time.
2.Don't plant the sticks in food.
3.Avoid forming a cross with the sticks when putting them on the table or
the bowl.
There may be some differences according to the country but these behaviors
are similar to funeral rites. It is more than a question of politeness.
4.Eat in a "clean" manner, without spilling food all over.
That one is common sense.
"I love *authentic* Asian food, but I don't like chopsticks."
Some kinds of authentic Asian are never eaten with chopsticks. I know that
because people laught at me many times because I asked for
chopsticks...Well, in China some stuff are eaten with a kind of spoon or
hands. In Korea, the set is 2 chopsticks and a long spoon. In Thailand, they
have forks (but normally not to put the food inside the mouth, just to push
it toward the spoon), and will use cpsticks for Chinese dishes. In Japan,
many things can be eaten with hands : nigiri sushi (using chopstick just
makes you sound elegant or stuck up...according to place and anywhere you
will just seen as a stupid stubborn Foreigner if you crash and drop sushi in
the process).
For more information, read the intro of travel guidebooks of different
countries. (Lonely Planet usually give some hints about what you may eat
without chopsticks) And then, observe people.
" How
gauche am I being by requesting a fork?
I'd like to go to Asia."
The problem is "do they have a fork in the shop?". In Japan, when they see
you are not confortable with chopsticks they often bring you a soup spoon
(and that won't help you a lot for noodles !)
What would I do there? Would I have to learn to use chopsticks?
(The goofy little things are so awkward!) Could I carry my own
little fork around with me?
You are a tourist. They know that (if you are Asian in your features : say
something and they will understand you are not from their country). If
really you think it is difficult, bring a set of fork, knife and spoon, and
eat like at home. People will understand and accept it better than if you
eat like a pig with chopsticks.
If you stay a long time in Asia, you will have to make efforts to use
chopsticks or your friends will think you don't want to adapt.
In my first homestay at my friends' in Japan, I was given a pair of
"children chopsticks" (more ergonomic, there are less slippy and easier to
use). I sometimes took them to restaurant. Staff are usually relieved when
they see you will be able to eat without dirtying the place.
"Also, is it considered polite to eat
sushi with one's fingers, or to drink soup straight out of the
bowl? "
Just normal. Well my aunt started eating her soup with a spoon in Japan (in
a little family owned restaurant in Osaka). The lady of the restaurant then
realised there was no other spoon for me on the table-my aunt had found a
spoon for the service- and she brought me one. Everybody was commenting and
saying my aunt was "strange" but really cute in her way of drinking soup.
Someone suggested she might need a straw !
Well, you will learn things during your trip. Keep smiling and you will be
welcomed.
CC
P.S. : it is not so difficult to use chopsticks in an acceptable way.
Observe Asians : They often lift the bowl close to their mouth.Rice is
nearly pushed into the mouth, rather than carried. Food is served in
mouth-size pieces.
cc cc
"I got to the point
where I can eat peas, or even a single grain of rice with them. "
Hi Kens,
Not bad...I gave up training for acrobatic eating. A friend from Taiwan eats
(very liquid) yogourt with ultra-slippy chopsticks. A Japanese friend living
in Europe feeds her baby potatoes mashed with ohashi. I won't do better than
them and I'm sure they do it because Westerners are watching the show.
CC
werewolf
have instilled me with new desire to practice with chopsticks.
It is not that I don't understand why they are considered
superior - simplicity, more sanitary than forks, no metallic
taste in the mouth - it is just that I have been brought up with
spoons and forks. Actually, I do use chopsticks, on occasion, by
necessity. I like to go back-packing. Sometimes I forget to take
a fork. I then make chopsticks from twigs I find, which was, of
course, the simple origination of the devices, and then use them
to - most awkwardly - to eat with. I'm just sort of embarrassed
to use them in public. As for drinking soup from the bowl, I
always used to happily do this, until once I was eating with a
stuck-up girl who admonished me for my bad manners (I think that
I also failed to have my pinky properly extended and had my
elbows on the table - or was it my feet?) Anyway, thanks again
for your kind advice (especially Bjorn). I was at Sushi Ten
(Tucson) again yesterday. Chirashi, as usual, was GREAT! They've
been there 16 months and are FAR superior to the other Tucson
Japanese restaurants that usually get mentioned.
P.S. Speaking of being stuck up - I only know about three French
words. I try to stick them into my conversation at all times in
order to give people the impression that I am sophisticated.
Have you noticed? Don't you think I am sophisticated? Not as
sophisticated as Bjorn, of course...
Z. Santiago
quality of the food, eh? We're willing to wait for that seat at the bar...
Our other favorite is Housenka at Fort Lowell and Campbell by Rosa's. Try
it.. the size of the nigiri is incredible (if you like having an amazing
amount of fish to your order, some don't). Also, Mina, the head and only
sushi chef (is there a proper name for that title?) is hilarious -- I'll
just say that she's a very vocal, outspoken person once you get to know her.
> I was at Sushi Ten
> (Tucson) again yesterday. Chirashi, as usual, was GREAT! They've
> been there 16 months and are FAR superior to the other Tucson
> Japanese restaurants that usually get mentioned
>
werewolf
few days. I've passed the place and looked at it, but never went
in. Yeah, Sushi Ten is getting overcrowded for their
accomodations. They need another waitress at least. Sometimes
people just sit there and get forgotten about because the
waitresses are running back and forth and trying to do too much
at once.
Rock!
That reminds me of the dumb games we used to play using chopsticks and raw rice...
how quickly can you move a small pile from one plate to another?
Try the wooden chopsticks
Then try the laquer
Then try the round red ones...
KensBest wrote:
> I got to the point
> where I can eat peas, or even a single grain of rice with them. The wood
> cheapies seem too easy. I actually take these disposables with me to work so I
> can just throw them away rather than lug a fork around. It never fails that
> someone will ask "How do you do that" The answer is always "Practise".
--
Mahalo, \*.***|***.*/
Rock! \*.**|**.*/
\*.*|*.*/
Visit my Home Page \*.|.*/
http://home.hawaii.rr.com/rocksworld
\|/
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=====================================
Ed Ngai
countries have seen a white face. All you do is ask for a fork.
It dosen't mean anything to anyone if you can't eat food w/ a
fork or chopsticks, since all they want is your credit card to
pay for the food. And if the food is good, you'll come back
for more food.
werewolf wrote:
>
> I love *authentic* Asian food, but I don't like chopsticks. How
> gauche am I being by requesting a fork? I'd like to go to Asia.
> What would I do there? Would I have to learn to use chopsticks?
> (The goofy little things are so awkward!) Could I carry my own
> little fork around with me? Also, is it considered polite to eat
> sushi with one's fingers, or to drink soup straight out of the
> bowl? Not that I am overly concerned with being the paradigm of
> haute couture. Basically I am just a down home feller what
> drinks vodka straight outa the bottle (or used to), but I have
> occasional attacks of self-consciousness.
>
werewolf
forks? Probably not, except for places that cater to tourists.
How about in Singapore? I may be visiting there shortly. Perhaps
they would as there is a mixture of cultures in singapore. Does
anybody have recommendations for Singaporean restaurants? I love
all types of authentic Asian cuisine.
To Mr Santiago - I went to Housenka for lunch. It was almost
empty. The funny lady sushi chef was bantering with a lady at
the counter who was very loud. I wasn't in the mood. Also, the
price of chirashi wasn't marked on the menu. I left and went
back to Sushi Ten which was great as always (Hint: get the green
soybeans for appetizer)
David Meyers
> back to Sushi Ten which was great as always (Hint: get the green
> soybeans for appetizer)
You mean Edamame? Seems to be available in most sushi
places these days. I'd like to find a few more which
have Hijiki, but Edamame's easy.
Edamame's also about the easiest thing in the world to prepare.
The soybeans come very nice, frozen, in Trader Joes as
well as, probably, any asian market, for about $1-2/lb.
Boil for about 5 min., toss a little salt and munch away.
--d
werewolf
out the frozen section of Trader joes, even though I don't like
that store very much. I've bought some packaged stuff recently,
like smoked salmon, and Italian ham which were not very good at
all. I should have brought em back like their sign says to do.
And, yeah, hijiki would be even better. I like seaweed,
especially wakame.
Gerry
<xx22NO...@yahoo.com.invalid> wrote:
> To Ed Ngai - But would Asian restaurants be likely to have
> forks? Probably not, except for places that cater to tourists.
Well they generally do in the US. Which is where we were talking about
I thought.
But in any case, particularly as some Asian/Japanophiles so love the
hashi version of this, you could take a very special fork and/or spoon
in a very special case! Just like the hashi cases. Frankly I prefer
chopsticks, because they are easier at the actual job in some cases,
but I'm gonna DO this! It's too funny not to try.
--
\\\--- Gerry
---------------------------------------------------
American Democracy -- the best that money can buy!
Ed Ngai
> In article <0d19c502...@usw-ex0104-032.remarq.com>, werewolf
> <xx22NO...@yahoo.com.invalid> wrote:
> > To Ed Ngai - But would Asian restaurants be likely to have
> > forks? Probably not, except for places that cater to tourists.
> Well they generally do in the US. Which is where we were talking about
> I thought.
> But in any case, particularly as some Asian/Japanophiles so love the
> hashi version of this, you could take a very special fork and/or spoon
> in a very special case! Just like the hashi cases. Frankly I prefer
> chopsticks, because they are easier at the actual job in some cases,
> but I'm gonna DO this! It's too funny not to try.
I was in Japan 4 or 5 yr.s ago and all the places around
Ikebukero,
Tokyo, Shinjuku, Asakusa, Uneo, Ginza, the whole circuit that the
JR line went to. All of the places that I ate at either had
chopsticks or forks.
I was in Malaysia 3 yr.s ago ? and there are forks there.
Come on, what the hell are we talking about? It's the year 2000
it's way past the vietnam war in the 60's. I would be surprised
if you couldn't find a fork at a palce to eat. Hell, there's
Dunken Donuts, Rustys Pizza, McDonalds, Kentucky Fried Chik in
Japan and China. Go to Bejing and you'll find 800 McD's there ?
Yep, there are McD's and KFC in Bejing.
In Vietnam there are forks. Look how long the French, English
have been in Vietnam ?
Ed
Anamul
Singapura). A while back they held a vote for the best hawker stalls and then moved them to the old
Handicraft Centre. Nearly all types of Asian Cuisine, but I did not see any Sushi :(. Satays and
Chillie Crab to die for. And I had to argue with a few stall holders to get chopsticks :). If your
staying at a major hotel, just ask the Consierge (sp?), or if you know a local, even better.
--
Anamul (aka Peter Riley)
Red meat is not bad for you. Fuzzy green meat is bad for you.
On 12-Apr-2000, werewolf <xx22NO...@yahoo.com.invalid> wrote:
snip
> How about in Singapore? I may be visiting there shortly. Perhaps
> they would as there is a mixture of cultures in singapore. Does
> anybody have recommendations for Singaporean restaurants? I love
> all types of authentic Asian cuisine.
snip
ari...@pepper.eajenkins.earthlink.net
>
>I was in Malaysia 3 yr.s ago ? and there are forks there.
I was born in Malaysia! :) Many of my relatives are still there,
but I haven't been back to visit since I was 12, more than ten years
ago. I don't recall there being any difficulty getting forks,
either...but then, I'm fairly sure there is/was British influence in
the schooling, so I'd be surprised if western utensils were not available.
Ariane
James Silverton
I guess the subject of national utensils is a little OT but it is
interesting. I suppose educated people eating most indigenous food
would use forks in Europe and the Americas, fingers with a defined
protocol in the Middle East and India and chopsticks in China and Japan.
I have not been able to get reliable information on the countries
between India and China, particularly Thailand and Indonesia. Can anyone
tell me? In my visits to Thai restaurants I have mostly seen the tables
set with knives, forks and spoons but waiters do seem to supply
chopsticks for anyone who wants them (Thais are very polite!)
I don't have any information either on the developed parts of Africa
like Ghana and Nigeria tho' I believe Ethiopia adopts the Middle Eastern
technique.
Z. Santiago
Sorry to hear that your visit to Housenka wasn't as good as it could've
been. If we're in the mood for chirashi when we're at Housenka, we get the
sunomono -- IIRC its about $10 for a bowlful of tuna, yellowtail, salmon,
other yummy stuff. (Question for the group: What's the difference between
chirashi and sunomono?)
Re. buying edamame, I recommend visiting the Korean grocery store, Sandyi at
Pima and Columbus. They actually have frozen tuna, unagi, mackerel, masago,
among a variety of other frozen sashimi grade fish. It's a small store but
surprisingly it has a good selection of frozen foods and other asian
products. G&L Imports on 22nd between Craycroft and Swan has a HUGE
selection of asian foods (including Indian, Filipino, Thai and other SE
asian foods) but it's frozen fish and other refrigerated stuff isn't as good
as Sandyi.
Let me know if this helps. And by the way, I'm female. ;)
-Z
werewolf <xx22NO...@yahoo.com.invalid> wrote in message
news:0a80409d...@usw-ex0106-045.remarq.com...
Claire Kinder
> "Z. Santiago" <z...@sprynet.com> wrote,
>
> Sorry to hear that your visit to Housenka wasn't as good as it could've
> been. If we're in the mood for chirashi when we're at Housenka, we get the
> sunomono -- IIRC its about $10 for a bowlful of tuna, yellowtail, salmon,
> other yummy stuff. (Question for the group: What's the difference between
> chirashi and sunomono?)
>
According to my J-E dictionary,
chirashizushi = a box of sushi rice topped with raw fish
sunomono = a vinegared dish; a small dish of relish
Usually in my experience, sunomono has been some rice noodles served with a
few slices of cucumber and maybe a shrimp or two in some vinegar-y liquid.
Usually a side-dish.
I wonder how you and/or that restaurant got it mixed-up with chirashi???
-claire
Ed Ngai
Claire Kinder wrote:
> > "Z. Santiago" <z...@sprynet.com> wrote,
> > Sorry to hear that your visit to Housenka wasn't as good as it could've
> > been. ... snip ...
> > (Question for the group: What's the difference between
> > chirashi and sunomono?)
> According to my J-E dictionary,
> chirashizushi = a box of sushi rice topped with raw fish
> sunomono = a vinegared dish; a small dish of relish
> Usually in my experience, sunomono has been some rice noodles
> served with a few slices of cucumber and maybe a shrimp or two
> in some vinegar-y liquid. Usually a side-dish.
> I wonder how you and/or that restaurant got it mixed-up with chirashi???
> -claire
Hi, I'm not japanese, but i remember sushi = vinegared rice,
Literature from Heian period, 794 - 1185 AD, fish and clams
were pickled w/ salt. Rice was added to the pickled fish to
ferment faster. Some rice bits clung to the seafood and it
caught on.
werewolf
I'm sorry I called you "mister"!
Thanks for the info on the Asian food stores, G&L and Sandyi. I
did not know about either one of them. Do you know the 17th St.
Market? It is the biggest Asian food store (also European
products) that I know about in Tucson. The other Asian store I
know is the place on Grant around Campbell, Grant Market or
something, I think.
If I'm up in Phoenix/Mesa area, I know of two enormous Asian
stores: The Chinese Cultural Center on N.44th, just south of
202, and the gigantic new Lee Lee Market on Dobson and Warner. I
bought some durian fruit up there a couple of weeks ago, 99
cents a pound. It's $1.99 a pound in Tucson. Also, I previously
mentioned a couple of GREAT Chinese and Chinese/Korean
restaurants that I know of in Mesa.
I guess that this is rather specialized stuff relating to Tucson-
Phoenix only and not of interest to others. If you have any
other Tucson info for me you could send it directly to me at
xx...@yahoo.com.
- werewolf
Bechi
Chirashi is sliced fish arranged over sushi rice
Sunomono is fish (often shellfish or octopus) mixed with cucumber and
seaweed in rice vinegar - no rice
Hope this helps!
Bechi
Z. Santiago wrote in message <8d2gu2$p5m$1...@slb3.atl.mindspring.net>...
Lincoln Yeoh
wrote:
>On Wed, 12 Apr 2000 02:59:57 GMT, Ed Ngai <enga...@sprintmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>I was in Malaysia 3 yr.s ago ? and there are forks there.
>
> I was born in Malaysia! :) Many of my relatives are still there,
>but I haven't been back to visit since I was 12, more than ten years
>ago. I don't recall there being any difficulty getting forks,
>either...but then, I'm fairly sure there is/was British influence in
>the schooling, so I'd be surprised if western utensils were not available.
Well I'm in Malaysia, and there are no problems getting forks. If you eat
Indian or Malay food you often can use your hands or spoon and fork. For
chinese food, some places give out fork and spoons and some chopsticks.
What I find strange is many westerners try to eat rice with just a fork. A
spoon is much better for that.
Hands are fun :). Especially for "banana leaf rice". You can see so many
different styles. Ladies daintily and carefully scooping small portions of
rice, some people using their whole palms to mix the rice and dhall.
I've an uncle who has Chinese chauvinistic tendencies, and he goes on about
how the Chinese had invented the spoon thousands of years ago, and they
just progressed from there to using chopsticks. <grin>.
Back to the topic. I think one should learn to use chopsticks, at least to
eat sashimi and noodles.
Sticking a fork into sashimi seems so much like erm, eating a whopper with
knife and fork.
Chopsticks for sashimi. Hands for whoppers, ok maybe some people can manage
them singlehanded :).
Cheerio,
Link.
****************************
Reply to: @Spam to
lyeoh at @peo...@uu.net
pop.jaring.my @
*******************************
The Trinker
Bechi wrote:
>
> Z-
>
> Chirashi is sliced fish arranged over sushi rice
> Sunomono is fish (often shellfish or octopus) mixed with cucumber and
> seaweed in rice vinegar - no rice
Small correction: "sunomono" is *anything* with rice vinegar
as a salad, cucumber is not necessary, nor is seafood or
seaweed. Can be a daikon salad, as well.
--
DO NOT SEND REPLIES DIRECTLY TO THIS E-MAIL!
tri...@pacbell.net is a spamdump, and is not read.
Send mail you'd like me to read to <kat> @ <vincent-tanaka.com>
(remove the brackets, of course.)
dlog...@my-deja.com
David Meyers <dme...@panix.com> wrote:
> werewolf <xx22NO...@yahoo.com.invalid> writes:
>
> > back to Sushi Ten which was great as always (Hint: get the green
> > soybeans for appetizer)
>
> You mean Edamame? Seems to be available in most sushi
> places these days. I'd like to find a few more which
> have Hijiki, but Edamame's easy.
Sushi Island, Dave. I saw it on the specials board.
I bought a bag of Edamame from the Kotobuyuki store a while
back, but I haven't opened it yet. I think I'll do that this
weekend.
> Edamame's also about the easiest thing in the world to prepare.
> The soybeans come very nice, frozen, in Trader Joes as
> well as, probably, any asian market, for about $1-2/lb.
> Boil for about 5 min., toss a little salt and munch away.
I think I paid $2 for the bag I got, I'll check when I get home.
--
Dan
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.
dlog...@my-deja.com
James Silverton <jim.si...@erols.com> wrote:
> ari...@pepper.eajenkins.earthlink.net wrote:
> >
> > On Wed, 12 Apr 2000 02:59:57 GMT, Ed Ngai <enga...@sprintmail.com>
wrote:
> > >
> > >I was in Malaysia 3 yr.s ago ? and there are forks there.
> >
> > I was born in Malaysia! :) Many of my relatives are still
there,
> > but I haven't been back to visit since I was 12, more than ten years
> > ago. I don't recall there being any difficulty getting forks,
> > either...but then, I'm fairly sure there is/was British influence in
> > the schooling, so I'd be surprised if western utensils were not
available.
> >
>
> I guess the subject of national utensils is a little OT but it is
> interesting. I suppose educated people eating most indigenous food
> would use forks in Europe and the Americas, fingers with a defined
> protocol in the Middle East and India and chopsticks in China and
Japan.
> I have not been able to get reliable information on the countries
> between India and China, particularly Thailand and Indonesia. Can
anyone
> tell me? In my visits to Thai restaurants I have mostly seen the
tables
> set with knives, forks and spoons but waiters do seem to supply
> chopsticks for anyone who wants them (Thais are very polite!)
I was told Thai food is not eaten with chopsticks a long time ago.
But when I go to some place around here, they do have choptsicks on
the table. The Southeast Asian Restaurant in Lowell, MA has all the
cuisine of that area. They (the local Cambodians) use chopsticks and
a spoon for their noodle soups (Pho). We tend to use chopsticks as
well.
> I don't have any information either on the developed parts of Africa
> like Ghana and Nigeria tho' I believe Ethiopia adopts the Middle
Eastern
> technique.
I had Ghanian? food once as a child. I remember eating it with our
our fingers. We cook Indonesian food occassionall, Nasi Goreng, and
use a fork to eat it. Never been to any parts of Asia though.
Tippi
>
>
> Bechi wrote:
> >
> > Sunomono is fish (often shellfish or octopus) mixed with cucumber
and
> > seaweed in rice vinegar - no rice
>
> Small correction: "sunomono" is *anything* with rice vinegar
> as a salad
sunomono directly translates into "vinegared things". doesn't have to
be a salad. pickles are sunomono.
--
T.Chai <*> Toronto, Canada
Z. Santiago
prepared with vinegared (and sweet) cucumbers and tako with various sashimi
pieces on top. One day I asked the itamae, Mina, to put rice instead of
the cucumbers and that's how she makes it for me when I ask for sunomono.
So I inadvertently changed the dish to chirashi-zushi.
Thanks folks!
Tippi <ch...@my-deja.com> wrote in message
news:8d566k$35m$1...@nnrp1.deja.com...
Z. Santiago
Yeppers, I've been to the 17th St Market but was actually disappointed in
their selections. G&L Imports is actually bigger in size and variety of
Asian foods/goods but it also doesn't offer as much fresh fish and produce
like the 17th St Market does.
Thanks for sharing info! Let me know what you think after you visit G&L and
Sandyi.
-Z
werewolf <xx22NO...@yahoo.com.invalid> wrote in message
news:158704ea...@usw-ex0103-086.remarq.com...
The Trinker
Tippi wrote:
>
> k...@vincent-tanaka.spamtrap.com.invalid wrote:
> >
> >
> > Bechi wrote:
> > >
> > > Sunomono is fish (often shellfish or octopus) mixed with cucumber
> and
> > > seaweed in rice vinegar - no rice
> >
> > Small correction: "sunomono" is *anything* with rice vinegar
> > as a salad
>
> sunomono directly translates into "vinegared things". doesn't have to
> be a salad. pickles are sunomono.
Vinegar pickles are sunomono...the brined and not vinegared
cucumber pickles my mother makes, for instance, are tsukemono \
and not sunomono...
And mere presence of vinegar in a dish isn't sunomono, either.
Doesn't it need to be a vinegar marinated dish, and not something
cooked in vinegar?
Tippi
k...@vincent-tanaka.spamtrap.com.invalid wrote:
>
> >
> > sunomono directly translates into "vinegared things". doesn't have
to
> > be a salad. pickles are sunomono.
>
> ... mere presence of vinegar in a dish isn't sunomono, either.
> Doesn't it need to be a vinegar marinated dish, and not something
> cooked in vinegar?
yes, "vinegared" in this instance implies marinated in vinegar.
What dishes are there that are cooked in vinegar?
Lincoln Yeoh
>I was told Thai food is not eaten with chopsticks a long time ago.
>But when I go to some place around here, they do have choptsicks on
>the table. The Southeast Asian Restaurant in Lowell, MA has all the
>cuisine of that area. They (the local Cambodians) use chopsticks and
>a spoon for their noodle soups (Pho). We tend to use chopsticks as
>well.
Well over here in Malaysia, the Thai restaurants generally lay out plates,
forks and spoons. This is for the usual rice + assorted thai dishes. I
suppose if noodles are served then it would be chopsticks and noodle spoon.
>I had Ghanian? food once as a child. I remember eating it with our
>our fingers. We cook Indonesian food occassionall, Nasi Goreng, and
>use a fork to eat it. Never been to any parts of Asia though.
Try using fork and spoon for the fried rice (Nasi Goreng). Spoon on
dominant hand, fork on other hand to help push the rice onto spoon.
Of course if it's chinese fried rice in a bowl then it's chopsticks. I
figure it's probably the same thing for Japanese fried rice.
Thing is I've never really tried Japanese fried rice or garlic rice. Tend
to eat the other stuff. Is it really different from Chinese fried rice?
Just 3-4 times the price <grin> ?
werewolf
Hi, Z. Santiago (Note: This is mostly Tucson, AZ-related) -
I don't want to sound like a mean guy, but so far, Z, I haven't
been too impressed with your recommendations! I went by G&L
Imports the other day. Not very large, sort of dingy. It gave me
the heebie-jeebies and I'll tell you why! There was huge rows of
the most grotesquely oversized urns I've ever seen. Now I am a
guy with the natural grace of Curly Howard in the 3 Stooges - so
I could just see myself bumping into one of these 6 foot high
Ming Dynasty vases and setting off a horrid chain reaction. The
rule is probably "you break it, you bought it", like the sign in
17th St Market says, so I'd probably be working in the back for
hundreds of years trying to pay off my debt to G&L. The best I
can say for G&L is the price of their durian fruit (my latest
comparison factor for Asian stores), $1.19 a pound, much better
than 17th St. Market. Anyway, I repaired to the latter where I
purchased some edamame (green soy beans) which was mentioned by
someone earlier on this thread. I cooked em, but I guess I
didn't use nearly enough salt, as it didn't have the nice salty
flavor that it does at Sushi Ten.?
Now I am not all that impressed with 17th St Market, either. The
celebrated fresh fish department doesn't look that fresh to me.
Some of those fish didn't look very fresh at all. We still need
a really good Asian market here in Tucson.
How often do you drive up to Phoenix, Z? Really, if you've never
seen a great Asian market, you have to make the trip. If you
like Asian food, you can stock up. The two markets that I
mentioned before are as big, or bigger, than anything I've seen
in the New York City or L.A. area.
-werewolf
P.S. And don't be mean and say you didn't like them, just to get
even!
Cindy Stephens
"Donald R. Newcomb (Despamed address)" wrote:
>
> OK, here's my $0.02's worth. I wasn't born knowing how to use chopsticks.
Ummm, *NO ONE* is born knowing how to use chopsticks.
It just takes practice. Pure and simple.
/cs
Z. Santiago
all these 6 ft ceramic urn-like things going down like bowling pins*
G&L was just another suggestion since you only knew about the 17th St.
Market. Try the Sandyi place (it's teeny too). I go there much more often
than G&L. You're right about Tucson needing a good store, but what to do?
I simply MUST go to Phoenix since you tout the stores there. Can you email
the addresses?
-Z
werewolf <xx22NO...@yahoo.com.invalid> wrote in message
news:2795ec23...@usw-ex0105-040.remarq.com...
James Silverton
I once taught a German visitor how to use chopsticks in five minutes.
All that is necessary is to break down the functions of each stick. It
does take a while to stop needing a rest from time to time.
Gerry
<jim.si...@erols.com> wrote:
> > Ummm, *NO ONE* is born knowing how to use chopsticks.
> >
> > It just takes practice. Pure and simple.
>
> I once taught a German visitor how to use chopsticks in five minutes.
> All that is necessary is to break down the functions of each stick. It
> does take a while to stop needing a rest from time to time.
Well it takes 5 minutes of practise anyway. I find that when learning
new musical instruments and other activities using finer muscle control
that ones to exert more force and put a lot of grip and torque into the
activity. So one cramps up when new. When new it's also tedious.
Darren
> Pickles are Tsukemono
Hey all I know is asking for Oshinko gets me pickles, green ones, yellow
ones and some plum, sometimes red stuff.. you tell me..
I should look it up in my japanese dictionary really...
Darren
Ken Blake
wrote:
>Since posting this almost 20 years ago I have become the White Boy Chopstick Champion!
>
>Is anybody still around from back then?
I don't remember your name or e-mail address, but I first got here
about 20-25 years ago. Hardly anybody is still around. I haven't
gotten rid of it yet, but this is pretty much a dead newsgroup.
I like chopsticks just fine. For some foods (such as sushi) they are
much easier to use than a fork
w
> I love *authentic* Asian food, but I don't like chopsticks. How
> gauche am I being by requesting a fork? I'd like to go to Asia.
> What would I do there? Would I have to learn to use chopsticks?
> (The goofy little things are so awkward!) Could I carry my own
> little fork around with me? Also, is it considered polite to eat
> sushi with one's fingers, or to drink soup straight out of the
> bowl? Not that I am overly concerned with being the paradigm of
> haute couture. Basically I am just a down home feller what
> drinks vodka straight outa the bottle (or used to), but I have
> occasional attacks of self-consciousness.
> * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet's Discussion Network *
> The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet - Free!
.....................
Actually, Ken, I am amazed that you are still on here and responded right away to my new post...because it has been almost twenty years since anybody posted on this thread!!!
Ken Blake
<watsky...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>Actually, Ken, I am amazed that you are still on here and responded right away to my new post...because it has been almost twenty years since anybody posted on this thread!!!
them, including this one, are almost completely inactive, and several
others are almost completely inactive. There's no downside to keeping
their subscriptions active, so I do, just in case something of
interest turns up.
How quickly I respond to a post in any newsgroup depends on when it
was posted and when I check the newsgroups. If it turns out to be
right away, it's just a coincidence.
Ken Blake
Are you still here? Anyone else? Anyone (besides me) still eating sushi?
Just in case anyone else is here, I'll try to start a thread.
What kind of sushi do you eat? Just maki (rolls)? Nigiri? Or both? Or
chirashi (although that seems to be the least common in the USA)?
Personally, I eat nigiri and gunkan maki almost exclusively, but to most
Americans, sushi seems to be exclusively maki these days. The one kind
of maki that I like and sometimes order is salmon skin temaki (hand roll).
My favorite nigiri are (in no particular order)
Maguro
Sake
Hamachi
Madai
Aji
Sawara
Saba
Mirugai
Amaebi (with the deep-fried heads served separately)
Tako
Ika
Uni (really gunkan maki, not nigiri)
Ikura (also gunkan maki)
Unagi
Hotategai
I never order all of those at one meal. They're not always all
available, and besides, with two of each, it would be too much to eat
and would cost too much.
--
Ken
Wilson
And so many young people don't know a thing about newsgroups. I haven't had
Sushi since mid 2020 due to COVID-19.
On another note, I will be picking up a gallon, 9 lbs. @ $13/lb., of fresh,
ocean scallops later on today. It's the last day of the season here in Wash.
Cty., Maine.
We got a quart last Friday, ate several that night raw and 3 more 'biscuits'
for Sat. breakfast, raw with a bit of homemade Ponzu.
Last night, I used my new Christmas toy and sous vide cooked some scallops
and 2 chuck eye steaks for the wife and I. Best scallops I've ever had
cooked. 30 mins. at 120°F. Then a quick bounce in a scorching pan with
browned butter and a touch of Sherry. Steaks were 1.25" thick, so 1.5 hrs.
at 122°F and then into a scorching dry frying pan on our wood stove for 1
more minute per side.
Take care and we'll see if you raised anyone else from the dead. ;)
Ken Blake
> Had a rash of trolls for a while.
> And so many young people don't know a thing about newsgroups.
I still participate in a bunch of newsgrops, a few of which are fairly
active.
I haven't had
> Sushi since mid 2020 due to COVID-19.
>
> On another note, I will be picking up a gallon, 9 lbs. @ $13/lb., of fresh,
> ocean scallops later on today. It's the last day of the season here in Wash.
> Cty., Maine.
for almost 30 years--mostly to Boothbay Harbor, where we sailed. I don't
remember ever being in Washington, but it's possible that I was.
It's now about 30 years since I was last in Maine.
> We got a quart last Friday, ate several that night raw and 3 more 'biscuits'
> for Sat. breakfast, raw with a bit of homemade Ponzu.
>
> Last night, I used my new Christmas toy and sous vide cooked some scallops
> and 2 chuck eye steaks for the wife and I. Best scallops I've ever had
> cooked. 30 mins. at 120°F. Then a quick bounce in a scorching pan with
> browned butter and a touch of Sherry. Steaks were 1.25" thick, so 1.5 hrs.
> at 122°F and then into a scorching dry frying pan on our wood stove for 1
> more minute per side.
> Take care and we'll see if you raised anyone else from the dead. ;)
--
Ken
Wilson
> It's now about 30 years since I was last in Maine.
>
>> We got a quart last Friday, ate several that night raw and 3 more 'biscuits'
>> for Sat. breakfast, raw with a bit of homemade Ponzu.
>>
>> Last night, I used my new Christmas toy and sous vide cooked some scallops
>> and 2 chuck eye steaks for the wife and I. Best scallops I've ever had
>> cooked. 30 mins. at 120°F. Then a quick bounce in a scorching pan with
>> browned butter and a touch of Sherry. Steaks were 1.25" thick, so 1.5 hrs.
>> at 122°F and then into a scorching dry frying pan on our wood stove for 1
>> more minute per side.
>
>
> Sound great!
>
>
>> Take care and we'll see if you raised anyone else from the dead. ;)
>
>
> I hope so, but it's not very likely
>
>
Leaonard Land
"What kind of sushi do you eat? Just maki (rolls)? Nigiri? Or both? Or
chirashi (although that seems to be the least common in the USA)?"
werewolf
Leaonard Land
Many years ago i used to ride my bike over to Orchard Beach in the Bronx to go fishing. On the way sometimes I'd stop at a fish market to buy bait. Once i bought scallops and they looked so good that i ate them raw and they were delicious, way better than cooked and way better than the fish i was trying to catch. I don't know how safe that was - probably not very. I was very rarely served with raw scallops in sushi joints. I remember only once in a restaurant in Orange County, CA that specialized in chirashi.
werewolf
Leaonard Land
Leaonard Land
> You ask for fork to be able to put more food faster in your large fat
> american pig mouth. American pig eat so fast doesnt want use
> chopsticks. I laugh at your pig ways. Eat more food today
> <xx22NO...@yahoo.com.invalid> wrote:
> >I love *authentic* Asian food, but I don't like chopsticks. How
> >gauche am I being by requesting a fork? I'd like to go to Asia.
> >What would I do there? Would I have to learn to use chopsticks?
> >(The goofy little things are so awkward!) Could I carry my own
> >little fork around with me? Also, is it considered polite to eat
> >sushi with one's fingers, or to drink soup straight out of the
> >bowl? Not that I am overly concerned with being the paradigm of
> >haute couture. Basically I am just a down home feller what
> >drinks vodka straight outa the bottle (or used to), but I have
> >occasional attacks of self-consciousness.
> >
> >* Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet's Discussion Network *
> >The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet - Free!
> >
> american pig mouth. American pig eat so fast doesnt want use
> chopsticks. I laugh at your pig ways. Eat more food today"
Ha ha ha!
Leaonard Land
> OK, here's my $0.02's worth. I wasn't born knowing how to use chopsticks.
> For a long time it was quite unnatural for me. Just like holding a pencil,
> it's something you have to practice, a lot. Now Asian food does not taste
> right if I eat it with a fork. Maybe you need some "training wheels." You
> can buy chopsticks that are connected with a little spring. These take care
> of the alignment problem for you. All you have to do is pinch to get them to
> work. If you have normal dexterity and practice around the house using
> chopsticks, then it will come to you. I can do it and I'm a complete
> spastic. YMMV.
> The bottom line is that I believe that to enjoy any food to the fullest you
> need to learn how to eat it the way its originators eat it. You should watch
> me eat Udon some day. Slurrrp. Slurrp. Glug. Glug. Belch. Ahhhhhh. 8-)
> Don Newcomb
> | gauche am I being by requesting a fork?
Ken Blake
"Personally, I eat nigiri and gunkan maki almost exclusively."
--
Ken
Leaonard Land
> If you would read my message you quoted above, you would see my answer:
> "Personally, I eat nigiri and gunkan maki almost exclusively."
>
>
> --
> Ken
What I really want is THIS - Uni chirashi ikura don...
https://scontent-den4-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/90595487_187381046049030_5141872887572987904_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=3&_nc_sid=9267fe&_nc_ohc=2h-Wn4TF7Y8AX_ulZKI&_nc_ht=scontent-den4-1.xx&oh=149368efcc12a9546517223010d68c80&oe=6060F978
Ken Blake
>
>> If you would read my message you quoted above, you would see my answer:
>> "Personally, I eat nigiri and gunkan maki almost exclusively."
>>
>>
>> --
>> Ken
>
>
>
> Sounds good! I haven't had any sushi in a long time but coming here makes me want some.
months. I would go more often if it weren't so expensive to order what I
want.
Just curious--is you first name really spelled "Leaonard"? That's a very
unusual spelling I've never seen before.
--
Ken
Wilson
eaten raw when thawed
Wilson
> I started this thread almost 21 years ago!
>
Leaonard Land
> That's funny. The thread that wouldn't die! lol