#restaurant Erh

[buffetlicious]

Went to Canton Paradise (乐天小香港) at Junction 8 after praying at the temple. We were seated at two different tables, so each ordered their dishes separately. This Braised Peanut & Chestnut was the appetizer they placed on the table. Whole savoury peanuts with sweet chestnuts perked up the tastebuds as we poured ourselves the Glutinous Rice Pu-Erh Tea (糯米沱普洱茶).

We started off with the classic dim sum Siew Mai or Steamed Pork Dumpling (鱼子蒸烧卖皇). The pork and prawn filling with sprinkling of flying fish roe adding specks of colour is both meaty and wholesome tasting. Then came the Har Gow or Steamed Prawn Dumpling (笋尖鲜虾饺) with chunky succulent and crunchy prawn enclosed inside the translucent skin.

The Steamed Xiao Long Bao (上海小笼包) or soup dumpling is also another must order item. Pick it up gently with chopsticks into a soup spoon. Take a small bite in the dumpling skin and proceed to suck out the soup (beware, it's hot) then popped the whole thing into the mouth.

[leahsgirl]

blind date | leah williamson x reader

in which you and your fellow england teammate are set up on a blind date. no warnings, just pure fluff really.

i’m having such major writing block right now so hoping this pulls me out of it or i’ll scream. 💪

-

“wit woo!” your roommate alessia hollered as you finished putting on your earrings.

“do i look okay?” you did a full spin, showcasing the tight fitting black dress you had on that fell just above your knees, gold heels on ur feet, gold jewellery and your hair that flowed below your shoulders in loose curls.

“you look gorgeous - your date won’t know what hit them.” the blonde replied with a smirk, coming over and fixing your necklace so the clasp didn’t keep slipping to the front.

“can’t believe youse have bullied me into this.” your national teammates had made your love life the new topic of interest since you was ‘hot and single’ and should ‘get out there more’.

while they raised a good point, a blind date is the last thing you wanted considering you was probably the most socially awkward person going when meeting new people. not to mention; your teammates planned it which in itself is enough to make you not want to go.

“you’ll have a great time, wouldn’t be surprised if you hear wedding bells at the end of it.” the forward winked having way too much fun at this whole scenario.

“calm your horses russo, i don’t plan on that for another five years.”

seeing the time you scramble to get your belongings and find your car keys. “right i’m off wish me luck!” you shout out as you close the front door.

from the adress that tooney had messaged you beforehand you found yourself outside a small restaurant at the end of a street. it looked nice and welcoming from the outside to be fair.

now when your teammates said blind date, you didn’t expect to walk in to sheer darkness, bumping into something as soon as you entered the premises.

“name.” what you can only assume was a waiter asked. “oh sorry; y/n.”

“ah right this way miss - if you could just place your hand on my colleagues shoulder and we’ll guide you through.”

following the man’s instructions you lightly gripped the man and was led into a separate room which was still as dark, but you could at least hear voices of other customers there.

“your seat madam, your date should arrive shortly.” great you thought, first one to arrive which only meant more nerves could inevitably build up.

trying to burn some of the time you felt the table, getting to grips with where the cutlery and place mats were.

“miss your date has arrived, please take a seat.” the man motioned to the booth not that anyone could see it. “thank y- ah shite!”

“are you okay?” you asked after hearing a slight bang.

“yeah just banged my pissing thigh on the table.” the voice was one of a woman’s, also one that was incredibly familiar.

“not the best way to start a date eh. i’m leah.”

“shut up!” alessia’s playful comments and expressions, teammates overwhelming interest, the whole blind date notion in general now making a whole lot of sense.

“wow can’t say i’ve ever had that greeting.” the england captain a little confused.

“no leah it’s me, y/n.”

“piss off.” you could hear the disbelief in her voice, she too apparently well unaware of the obvious set up.

“take it you were also forced to go on a date with a stranger.”

“oh i’m so going to kill georgia for this.” leah scoffed before pausing “not because the date is with you! i just mean the whole deceit in general.”

“don’t worry i’ll be planning lessi and tooney’s revenge after.”

“gotta give them credit though, they’ve paired two incredibly hot women together.” leah was smirking while you was essentially swooning over the fact she called you hot.

“yeah but why? it’s not like you like me romantically or anything.”

just before leah could reply one of the waiters returned to the table “can i get you ladies something to drink?”

“erh i’ll have a margarita please.” you deciding on the same thing and ordering it.

“well we may as well treat this as a date considering that’s what we’re here for.” there was a brief pause. “so y/n, what do you do for a living?”

you laugh as you engage in her playfulness. “i’m actually a professional football player, both man united and england.”

“oh wow that’s cool, do you like it?” the older girl asked faking curiosity, resting her chin on her hand as she moved closer.

“it has its ups and downs, there’s this girl on my national squad though who is super competitive - she cried when i beat her at mario kart.” you beamed knowing leah would not appreciate the bringing up of her defeat.

“hey you said you’d let that go!” breaking away from her ‘never met you before’ character. “sorry.” (you wasn’t sorry at all).

“okay my turn; do you have any hobbies?”

“i’m quite good at kicking a ball around too to be fair.” you quirked a brow. “oh are you?”

“yeah if you google leah williamson you might see some of my skills. i’m also very good at sudoku.” the blonde wasn’t lying considering you’ve watched her play it hundreds of times, you yourself never being able to grasp the game.

after a bunch of easy, lighthearted conversation, food had arrived, leah opting for a steak and you on pasta.

“oh my god this is to die for.” having your first taste and the flavours melting on your tongue. “you’ve gotta try this.” you move your spoon towards the blonde’s direction “that’s my eye babe.” she said with a laugh, your cheeks immediately flushing at the embarrassing miscalculation and pet name. “shit my bad.”

“mhm your right, might have to swap plates.” leah acknowledging the how delicious it was.

“back off williamson.” you reply sternly as you wack away her hand with the back of your unused fork.

time was going by pretty fast, the pair of you fully present and engaged with each other. you didn’t even bother looking at your phone which now had a build up of messages off your friends asking how it was going.

maybe you both were a little tipsy when leaving the restaurant after splitting the bill, having taken a tumble up the step.

the cold breeze was like a harsh slap to your face once outside, a large juxtaposition from the building that was warm and cozy.

“wow.” a stunned leah stood behind as she took you in. “what?” having now taken notice to the blatantly obvious staring from the arsenal player.

“you. you look incredible.” her eyes racking every single inch of your body. “i’ve never really seen you this dressed up. it’s hot.”

“y’know being showered in compliments by leah williamson isn’t half bad.” revelling in the smooth girls words of praise.

“and yet i don’t get a single one back.” jutting out her lip and faking hurt which only made you laugh and roll your eyes.

“i guess you do scrub up okay, the outfit is a solid 9/10 i’d say.”

“we’ve got to improve on those compliment skills.” the blonde scoffed.

“can’t say anything too nice, that ego of yours will human combust.” you say already aware of the defenders cockiness/arrogance. “i’d say my ego is the perfect size thank you very much.”

“okay well thanks for this ‘date.’” using your hands to air quote. “-i’ve had a good time.”

leah smiled “me too.”

you stop for a second almost hesitating doing something before ultimately deciding against it, bidding your goodbye as you turned on your heel to make your way back to your car.

“y/n wait!” jogging to catch up with you, the blue-eyed girl grabbed at your arm making you stumble back and face her. “what’s up?”

her gaze flicking between your eyes and lips as her heart pounded out her chest “i forgot to do this.”

said barely above a whisper, her lips found themselves pressed against yours. the touch so light almost like she was afraid she’d scare you away.

that couldn’t be further from the truth though, with you reciprocating the kiss by deepening it as she moved her hands so they wrapped around your waist.

pulling away youse both had rosy cheeks and heaving chests, smiling dopily at each other.

“get in!” “fucking finally!” the pair looked around for the sudden screams, shock plastered on your face when you see ella and georgia peeping out behind a wall.

leah following your gaze and spotting the teammates “have you guys been watching us?!”

stanway was the one to reply “only the last five minutes; never knew you had that game within you lee.” winking, referring to the public display of affection youse just gave.

“it was so fun to see y/n swooning.” tooney added laughing menacingly.

you and leah lock eyes, sharing a look both of you seem to understand. “shall we get our revenge?” the captain asked slyly, you agreeing immediately.

taking notice of the devilish grins that were plastered on the pair, georgia and ella looked uneasy, starting to retract slowly but surely.

“come here you little shits!” running after the girls while they squealed like little kids, making their getaway.

[veryinnovative]

@jegulus-microfic | april 30, prompt: sky | word count: 1.927 featuring older ceo regulus black and younger secretary james potter part 2 | part 1 AKA word on the street is i Excel in the sheets

“Erh…” he tries after a stretch of silence. “So, how was your day?”

Regulus pins him frozen to place with a look, a sign spelling ‘stupid’ nailed right into his forehead. “You know how my day was. You manage my schedule.”

Damn, tough crowd. “Okay,” James drawls, a little unsure. “But, like, how did it go?”

The place functions as any other hole-in-the-wall restaurant that serves just a handful of people throughout the day, most of whom are loyal customers returning every so often for a comfort meal when homesickness becomes a little too much to bear. Even now, there are only a couple of people scattered about, none of which pay any mind to either Regulus or James.

“So, first impressions?” James asks when he takes a seat across from him.

“It’s satisfactory.”

“Satisfactory.” James blinks.

Regulus is quiet. He looks terribly out of place wearing a luxury suit exported from one of the globe’s corners and James can’t help but feel a little guilty. He’s seen Regulus carve into lobster with only a fork and knife but still can’t help but worry about future dry cleaning prices for which he may or may not be responsible.

“Erh…” he tries after a stretch of silence. “So, how was your day?”

Regulus pins him frozen to place with a look, a sign spelling ‘stupid’ nailed right into his forehead. “You know how my day was. You manage my schedule.”

Damn, tough crowd. “Okay,” James drawls, a little unsure. “But, like, how did it go?”

Regulus, perhaps finally acknowledging his poor attempts at small talk to ease the awkwardness, studies him intently for a long, close moment before acquiescing. “Enervating.” Right, because Regulus is the type to unironically use words like enervating. 

“The business deal?” James asks and Regulus nods. “Dude from Jakarta, right?”

“The CEO from the biggest real estate company in Jakarta,” Regulus corrects him. 

Tomato, tomato. “Does this mean you get to leave work at a reasonable hour starting tomorrow?”

“I’ve never had reasonable working hours.”

“Of course, I forgot the very important detail you’re a raging workaholic.”

Regulus’ mouth sets into a firm line as his brows knit together into a censorious frown—his entire face contorting into something that’s one odd remark away from turning downright petulant. “I am not—” He stops. Breathes in. Probably recognizes James is very carefully pulling his tail and for some reason becomes decidedly collegial. “Allow me to rephrase myself. I am meticulous. I prefer finishing tasks before going home and don’t mind when it results in me staying at work a little longer. It’s inevitable as a CEO when timezones don’t work in my favor.” 

Absolute bullshit. “Just last week you kept leaving the office after the cleaning shift already came by to sweep the place clean. I know because they told me.”

“I can’t see how any of this poses as a bother to you.” And there it is, the good ole Regulus Black-esque deflection. 

“I’m just worried. That is all.”

Regulus’ nose twitches and he looks away, a clear indication that he no longer wants to be a willing participant in the conversation. When Regulus becomes like this, James has learned to leave it be.

Luckily, it doesn’t take long for the food to arrive. James can stop pretending to take in the beautiful sight of the night sky, cracked asphalt, and the flickering colors of traffic signs when the plate is placed on the center of the table, carrying an assortment of different meat cuts and a modest side salad that will probably be Regulus’ for the taking.

Using the table etiquette of a properly groomed aristocrat, Regulus carefully selects some vegetables to put on his plate and a modest serving of rice. He skillfully carves out some pieces around the skewer.

“Seriously,” James deadpans. “Go on, Your Royal Highness, you can use your hands for this.”

Regulus almost bridles at the mere suggestion.

“Seriously, there’s no shame in it. Here, let me do it for you”

Regulus watches as James grabs one of the skewers and uses his fork to tear chunks off, dropping a generous portion of roasted vegetables and meat on Regulus’ plate. “You want some of this flatbread?”

Regulus shakes his head and James shrugs. He swiftly mouths off a dollop of sauce on his thumb, which earns him one of Regulus’ notorious James-exclusive grimaces.

Right, table manners.

They get to eating and James is once again reminded of how much of a slow eater Regulus is. It’s like he counts his chews, jaw working diligently with the faint scrapes of his cutlery against the plate. That and he works even as he eats, almost on auto-pilot with how he takes out his phone to open Outlook.

“Using your phone at the table is rude manners,” James teases.

“I got an e-mail.”

“Of course.” He nods. “Nothing workaholic about that, no.”

“It’s an important e-mail.”

“You know I read something about how it’s also important to spend time with your employees.”  He waves around a piece of the flatbread as if to emphasize the point. “Get to know them better and all.”

“I know plenty about you,” Regulus answers as he types away.

“That so?”

Regulus looks at him, entirely indifferent as the phone is placed face-down on the table. “James Potter. Twenty-three years old. Finished your master’s degree at Oxford, with flying colors might I add. You took a gap year to travel, working all sorts of jobs to pay for your accommodation. Currently, you live near Camden and spend most of your spare time enjoying hobbies or going to the pub with your friends. You have a Joe and the Juice stamp card.”

James tries not to physically reel back. “That…” He starts, absolutely nonplussed. Someone come pick his fucking jaw off the table, it’s dropped off its hinges. “You know what Joe and the Juice is?” Impossible, all things considered. Regulus is in a tax bracket where chain restaurants might seem like fanciful inventions, the kind of places mentioned only in tales where fine dining is unheard of. There's a brief curiosity about whether this is the equivalent of discovering that Toy Story's Pizza Planet is a real place that actually serves food.

“I've come to understand that it's a venue offering juice among a broad array of meals and beverages, yes.”

Still, that’s doesn’t explain… “How do you even know all of that? I hardly even know anything about you other than that you recently turned thirty and were homeschooled for this position.” And that he’s quite fond of the occasional handful of candied macadamias when feeling particularly indulgent. James keeps a packet of it in his bag.

Regulus’ throat bobs. “I do thorough research on the people I employ”

That’s not more than thorough research at this point, far beyond the usual background checks done on new personnel. “Uh-uh. Or you stalk my Instagram during your free time.”

Regulus promptly chokes on his food. His fork falls onto the plate with a loud clatter. James nearly knocks his knee against the table as he too scrambles for the pitcher to pour him water, almost knocking over his can of Sprite in the process.

“Easy, I was just kidding.” He has half the mind to stand up and start patting him on his back to dislodge whatever molecular-sized cucumber wedged itself in his airpipe. “I doubt Mr. Black Enterprises even uses Instagram.”

Regulus looks up startled. Definitely not from the lack of air.

Oh.

Ohohohoh.

“Oh my god.” James’ face splits into a distinguished, shit-eating grin. “You do.” 

“What?” It’s barely a wheeze with the way Regulus has been caught. His grip is deadly around the fork, something that should warn James to be wary.

“Instagram,” James repeats, trying his hardest not to gloat when Regulus shivers. “You use it? The Regulus Black uses Instagram? I thought you would be a member of some upper-echelon-exclusive platform instead of mingling with us.”

The worry swiftly dissipates, giving way to confusion, and then settles into something far more at ease. Although James enjoys those fleeting moments where he gets Regulus riled up, he much prefers seeing him relaxed. “Oh—I—Yes. Occasionally,” he stammers, swallowing and reaching for a napkin to dap at his mouth with. “Barty convinced me,” he hastily adds. “It’s a very private account. I’m hardly active on it.”

Sinking into his seat, James pats around for his own phone. “You should follow me.”

“Shu?”

“On Instagram. You should follow me. If you want, of course.”

The tips of Regulus’ ears turn a delicious pink as he returns his attention to his plate. “I’ll think about it.”

After some more idle talk and eating, they decide to head out before Barty ultimately decides it’s past working hours and he’s not dropping Regulus off at home—some palatial penthouse tucked away in one of London's secluded enclaves where the affluent reside, enjoying a life of extravagance as they remain shielded from the public gaze.

Nonetheless, the cherished designated driver will have to linger a bit longer, as both James and Regulus pull out their cards at the cash register. Being a very wise man, Hakeem registers the amount into the terminal and swiftly turns away, well aware that nothing good ever comes from getting involved.

James dismissively waves his hand. “You can put away your card, it’s on me.”

Of course, Regulus isn’t compliant in the slightest. “I made you feel obligated to stay longer than you intended, so it's only right that I pay.”

“I’m the one who invited you, come now.”

“And I’m the one responsible for making you miss out on dinner.”

“Nah. I told you, it was my fault. Seriously, I want to—”

He attempts to move closer, but Regulus also edges forward. Despite being shorter, Regulus exudes an air of authority that instinctively compels James to widen the gap between them and not bump into him. “And I insist.”

But luckily, James is taller and his arms are longer. “Gotta be quicker than that then.”

He extends his arm, shooting right past Regulus’ and taps his card against the terminal, smiling smugly when Regulus scowls up at him, not in the least impressed by his playing dirty. James’ lips part, a jab resting right on the tip of his tongue, something along the lines of ‘They don’t teach you this at fancy pants school?’ only for a chime to disrupt his train of thought.

Card declined.

“Low funds, Yakup,” Hakeem announces without looking over his shoulder like James isn’t sinking to his knees in embarrassment already. 

“You got paid four days ago,” Regulus murmurs at his side.

“Rent and utilities were due yesterday.” It nearly comes out in a whine.

“I doubt your rent takes up your whole salary.”

“I also had to pay off my credit card,” James grits out, fumbling through his wallet looking for some cash. In an alternative universe where they’re starred in some cartoon show, the poor faux leather division coughs up dust motes.

“Seriously? How much do you make?

“Might I remind you that you pay me.”

The way Regulus clutches onto his credit card, unlimited of course, one might think the poor thing is about to fold in half. James might as well, to be honest. “Move.”

“No.” His pride’s already been hurt. “Hakeem, can I pay in installments?”

“Only if you take young Khadija out on a date.”

James considers it for a moment, but Regulus the comment only makes Regulus seethe further, “Potter, if you don’t move I’ll give you a reason to worry.”

That’s enough to convince James. He steps away, all kicked puppy-like, and watches how Regulus’ payment gets processed far quicker. “Next time’s on me.”

Regulus rolls his eyes, even as the apples of his cheeks dust pink. “Come, I’m tired and want to go home.”

[hurpdurpburps]

Otherside Picnic Manga Yuri Club Special Story 5 English Translation

SPOILER WARNING: Takes place between the events of File 5 - The Operation to Rescue the U.S. Forces at Kisaragi Station and File 6 - Resort Night at the Beach of the End in Vol 2 of the novels.

Written by: Miyazawa Iori

Translated by: @hurpdurpburps

-

Chapter 5: Naha, After The Big Job

We were dumbfounded to find ourselves in the middle of a bustling city centre after passing through the gate from the Otherside. We were wrapped from head to toe in humid tropical air, on the rooftop of a building lined with large air conditioning condenser units and antennas. A chaotic mix of voices, footsteps, busy traffic, bass-heavy rock music and folk songs came from below us. Just as it had been in the Otherside, it was almost dusk, but the evening sky was dyed with the bright glow of signboards and street lamps that were turned on early.

Toriko turned towards me with wide eyes. "Is this supposed to be Okinawa as well?"

"Hold on, I’m gonna look it up."

I fished my phone out of my backpack and turned it on.

The both of us looked at the screen and checked our current location on Google Maps. Sure enough, we were in Okinawa. And right in the heart of Naha to boot.

"It seems like we’re on Kokusai-dori." [1]

"That's a famous spot!"

"Really?"

"It's supposed to be the biggest commercial district in Okinawa.”

"Huh, you seem to know quite a bit."

After defeating the Kankandara and sending the American soldiers back to where they came from, we’d trekked through the dark forest in search of another gate.

Even though we were exhilarated with the sense of accomplishment of having completed such a huge undertaking [2], it was already almost sunset, and we had been terrified at the thought of spending the night in that eerie forest, so we were relieved when I spotted silver phosphorescence lingering inside of a hollow tree a short distance away.

We peered down from the edge of the roof. Crowds of humans were weaving their way through the brightly-lit streets.

"I'm so glad we didn't jump out from the gate right into the middle of that…" Toriko said as she slipped the AK off her shoulders.

"It’s Japan, so wouldn’t they just think of these as airsoft guns if they saw us?"

"I wonder… We’re in Okinawa, and there are a lot of Americans here… We might’ve caused a fuss."

"That's true… Let's just put it away quickly."

I had Toriko take apart my rifle for me, then put it my bag along with the Makarov. Feeling lighter on my feet after taking off all the gear, I put on my backpack again. We were the opposite of chic, but at least we were able to make ourselves presentable enough to be out in public.

We made our way from the roof to ground level through the emergency stairs. Putting on a face that said “Nope, we’re not trespassing at all”, we blended into the crowds walking down the streets, which were lined with bars, yakiniku restaurants, touristy souvenir shops, accessory shops, and kariyushi shirt [3] specialty stores. It seemed like a lie that we’d been in the Otherside mere moments ago.

"I’ve always wanted to come to Okinawa! I'm so happy," Toriko cried out excitedly.

"You made it. Good for you."

"It's all thanks to you giving your all, Sorawo."

"Erh, well."

"You put so much effort into it that you ended up crying."

"Can we drop this already."

"You were amaazhing." [4]

"Stop petting me!"

Although I was trying to put on an angry act at Toriko, I realised that I was getting excited myself.

What am I supposed to do, ending up in a place like this out of the blue? It's Monday tomorrow, but it'll be impossible to make it to class. It's hot in these long sleeves, I’m so jealous everyone around me is wearing a T-shirt. I want to take a shower…

I had plenty of concerns hanging on my mind, but being wrapped in this tropical atmosphere made me feel like it was alright to save my worries for later.

Most important of all, I’d suddenly gotten hungry as soon as we reached a safe location.

There were times when I really couldn’t understand Toriko’s intense commitment to the “afterparty” shtick. But today, for the first time, I felt like I could understand her feelings.

"What do you want to eat?" I asked.

Toriko’s reply rang loudly in my ears. "Okinawan food!"

"Sounds good. I wonder if there’s a restaurant around here."

"Anywhere works. I'm hangwy." [5]

And so, we popped into a restaurant without so much as a spare thought after coming across a signboard for an Okinawan restaurant at the entrance of a shopping arcade facing Kokusai-dori. The restaurant had a spacious tatami room in the back, and the menu was full of local dishes that I'd never tried before. We immediately ordered two beers and a bunch of random dishes. Just for today, Toriko was absolved of the crime that was her habit of ordering too much without thinking about the consequences. I was so hungry that I could probably eat a habu or even a mongoose. [6]

"Oh, we should get in touch with Kozakura. She's probably wondering how things went."

"Ah, you’re right."

I took out my phone and sent a message to Kozakura.

“We’ve returned.”

“We’re in Okinawa right now.”

The messages were immediately marked as read as I was looking at the screen.

"I’m sure she’s thinking, ‘What the hell is this girl saying’."

"For sure!"

Even we couldn't believe that we were in Okinawa just a few hours after parting ways in Shinjuku. Our beer and hors d'oeuvres were served just as we broke into a laughing fit. I snapped a photo while we were at it.

”Jimami tofu and sea grapes.” [7]

I sent the photo to Kozakura with an accompanying description [8], then we picked up our sweating beer mugs.

"Here’s to returning safely, great work today!"

"Cheers!"

We clinked our mugs together and let the ice-cold beer run down our throats.

TL Notes

General note: I adopted a more 'literary' prose style to match the tone of the novels. Hence, the translation in this series will be significantly more liberal than my usual analytical posts. Feel free to ask me anything.

[1] As mentioned in the actual novel, Kokusai-dori translates to "International Street", but I opted to keep the Japanese name as that's the official name of the location.

[2] This actually a title name-drop (大仕事), but "big job" doesn't really fit in this sentence so I altered it.

[3] Kariyushi shirts are basically Okinawa's version of Hawaiian shirts. They're an iconic part of Okinawan tourism.

[4] Toriko says "えらいえらい", which is what adults say to wittle keeds for doing such a good job.

[5] Toriko says "お腹ペコペコ", which you might know if you've watched a Mr Yabatan video or two. Basically a cutesy way of saying you're hungry, often by children.

[6] A habu is a venomous snake native to the Ryukyu Islands, which Okinawa is a part of. The mongoose was introduced to Okinawa as a natural predator to suppress the local habu population. Both animals are sort of iconic when it comes to Okinawan fauna, hence Sorawo making this reference.

[7] Jimami tofu (ジーマーミー豆腐) and sea grapes (海ぶどう) are a classic Okinawan specialty. Jimami tofu in particular refers to tofu made of peanut instead of soy. The novel translated it as "peanut tofu" which isn't wrong (and also literally correct) but I didn't want to give the mistaken impression of tofu with peanut sauce over it.

[8] Spamming someone obnoxiously with food photos is known as 飯テロ (meshi tero - lit "food terrorism"). So yes I think Sorawo has a thing for being a mental health terrorist to others lol. Shout out to Toriko for staying strong through a whole year's worth of psychic damage, and doubly so for Kozakura with her two brats.

List of Yuri Club's Otherside Picnic Short Stories [my translations]:

1. Shinjuku, The First Meet-Up (���宿、初めての待ち合わせ)

2. Hasshaku-sama Epilogue (八尺様エピローグ)

3. Ochanomizu, The First Afterparty (お茶の水、初めての打ち上げ)

4. Ikebukuro, Cafe Meal For One (池袋、ひとりカフェ飯)

5. Naha, After The Big Job (那覇、大仕事の後)

6. Ishigaki Island, A Dazed Vacation (石垣島、呆然のリゾート)

7. Mercedes AMG, The Backseat (メルセデスAMG、後部座席)

8. Otherworldly Elevator, On The Way Back (異世界エレベーター、帰路)

9. Kozakura Mansion, Pizza Party (小桜屋敷、ピザパーティー)

10. Ikebukuro Bookstore, Meet Up (池袋の書店、待ち合わせ)

11. Hannou, In The Car From The Station (飯能、駅からの車中)

12. TBD

[botheringlevi]

Good evening, Captain (it's evening where I live at least). I'm afraid I don't have a name with which to introduce myself; my given name is not my true name, but I don't know what my true name is.

Actually, to save you the trouble - since it's already in my handle, you can call me Shelby (any pronouns except he/him).

I didn't see any report of how your birthday went. No pressure to divulge, but I hope it wasn't too annoying or overwhelming. As a neurodivergent person who's very slow to trust, I understand the pressure that comes with attending well-meaning but overwhelming events.

I'm not sure if you've answered this already, but what do you look for in a tea blend, and what are your favorites?

Personally I'm not well versed because I'm not much into hot drinks. But I did have some pu erh from a friend who got it as a gift, and it was fantastic.

I also very much enjoy whatever they put in those kettles at Chinese restaurants. I think it's jasmine? But I usually wait on it because I don't enjoy burning my mouth.

On another topic - I really enjoyed your take on music, and how you expressed your preferences. The way that some trained musicians talk about music that's simpler technically than what they play, is absolutely abhorrent. Classist if not outright racist.

I remember one person I know theorized that many people don't like opera or classical singing because the singers have to work so hard to get everything that clean and technically perfect, it becomes completely unrelatable to most people. What many want to hear in a singer - myself included - is the sound of human suffering.

I think I'd amend that to say just the wide spectrum of human emotion. To say "suffering" specifically I think is too reductive.

Would you say that's what drew you to the singers you heard in the Underground?

Evening. *Intrigued* If Shelby’s what you want me to call you, then that’s that. Otherwise I’d call you Jasmine or something, since you mentioned the tea. Either way… good luck with figuring it out.

*Grunts* At this point, I’ve rehashed it enough times. The Admin can fill you in. [1 - 2 - 3] Scroll back some, and you'll find a heap of 'reports'.

*Frowns*

*Thoughtful* I don’t get overwhelmed under pressure… but social settings are different. Stinking bodies in crowds. All the conversations overlapping with each other. *Weird look* No thanks. Erwin knows to limit the number of guests, even with those who show up as a “surprise”. I count myself lucky he and Hange know me, so… they can tell I'm pleased with a gift, or whatever it is. *Sips tea*

Of course I have. The short answer is subtlety. Earthy tastes over floral or citrusy ones. My personal preference is black.

Neither is the Admin. *Scowls* They can’t stand hot tea. Tch.

But your friend made a wise choice with pu’er. Especially if you’re concerned about your health.

*Strange look* I don’t know anything about Chinese. I’m guessing that’s a type of people. But don’t let me stop you from avoiding burning yourself.

[Referenced ask] *Grumbles* I just tell it like I see it. I’m not an expert. If you want my opinion... musicians who can't appreciate music aren't musicians. Either way, fine art, like fine anything, attracts assholes.

*Calloused look* I doubt that. When you take into consideration something so subjective like music, there are about a hundred factors that go into opinions. If that person is one of those types of musicians you talked about, that theory’s unsurprisingly short-sighted.

*Scoffs* Human suffering... What the hell does that even mean. The “spectrum of human emotion” still sounds too rigid. Like with jokes, if you go out of your way to explain the set-up and what it means, it ceases to be comedy.

So no. Like I said, there’s a variety of factors that shit out an opinion. I didn’t have much of a choice in music if I walked by beggars back then, but sometimes I stuck around if I was in the mood for what I was hearing. Same thing in taverns. I don’t like to listen to a bunch of drunkards wailing lyrics at the top of their lungs. Other people get a laugh out of it, or they join in.

I’ll admit, emotion is a part of it. *Struggles* ...Like lament. But it's much more complicated than that.

[mirrorstone]

My staging skills definitely aren’t great, but I still had fun picking out the flowers for this one. Today’s tea was a seven year old wild pu-erh. Pu-erh has a unique flavor that can catch you off guard, but it was definitely love at first sip for me. It’s rich, earthy, fermented, with a slight mushroomy umami, and this one’s flavor has hints of barley and dates.

The liquor has a reddish tinge, so I thought why not pair it with more? Red mug, red flowers, red tea. When I was much younger, I lived in Georgia, and I used to love playing in the red clay there. (My mom was a saint for tolerating that, in retrospect, because boy did it stain clothing.) The color of this tea reminds me of that red clay, and maybe it’s just my mind playing tricks on me, but I always think I can taste a hint of fresh clay in the earthiness.

The mug is one that I got at an oddities convention, full of people selling unusual and offbeat wares, that was an absolute blast to visit. The vendor was Wasp and Bone, and since this was only one of many extremely cool mugs, I waffled for a while trying to narrow it down to just one to take home. Afterwards we decided to grab lunch down the block with a friend who’d come with us. Except we’d also purchased a vintage antelope trophy head that we needed to pick up on our way out. Our friend insisted on carrying it for us since we had other bags. (I think maybe he secretly enjoyed the way heads turned when he walked past.) The hostess at the restaurant didn’t bat an eye when we asked for a table with room to set it down nearby though! It’s nice to have a reminder of how much fun we had, and as a bonus I can drink tea out of it.

[chinesetealovers]

Ultimate Guide to Regional Variations in the Chinese Tea Ceremony: 5 Key Differences

Introduction

The Chinese tea ceremony  is an integral part of China’s rich cultural heritage, varying significantly across different regions. Each region’s unique customs and traditions contribute to a diverse tapestry of Chinese tea practices. This article delves into the regional variations in the Chinese tea ceremony  in China, highlighting 5 key differences and cultural nuances. Discover how these variations reflect the rich diversity of Chinese tea culture, and learn how Orient Eco Tea’s premium selections  can enhance your own tea experience with a touch of regional authenticity.

Overview of the Chinese Tea Ceremony

The Chinese tea ceremony  is more than just a ritual of tea preparation; it embodies a profound cultural and philosophical significance. The Chinese tea ceremony reflects principles of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility, and varies depending on regional customs and historical influences. Understanding the Chinese tea ceremony helps in appreciating the depth and richness of Chinese tea culture.

Historical Background

The practice of tea drinking in China dates back thousands of years, with early Chinese tea ceremonies emerging during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). Over time, different regions developed their own styles and rituals, influenced by local customs, tea types, and historical contexts. This diversity adds depth and richness to the overall Chinese tea culture  and highlights the evolution of the Chinese tea ceremony across different periods.

Core Elements of a Traditional Tea Ceremony

Despite regional differences, several core elements are present in most traditional Chinese tea ceremonies:

Preparation: The careful selection and preparation of tea leaves.

Serving: The methodical serving of tea to guests.

Appreciation: The act of savoring the tea’s aroma and flavor.

Etiquette: The adherence to specific protocols and gestures.

These elements ensure that the essence of the Chinese tea ceremony is preserved while allowing for regional variations.

Regional Variations in the Chinese Tea Ceremony

The Cantonese Tea Ceremony

In Guangdong Province , particularly in Canton, tea culture is vibrant and deeply integrated into daily life. The Cantonese tea ceremony  is characterized by its informal and social nature. Key aspects include:

Dim Sum Pairing: Cantonese tea ceremonies often accompany dim sum, a tradition that highlights the role of tea in social dining. Tea is served to complement a variety of small dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Tea Types: Oolong tea  and Pu-erh tea  are popular choices in Cantonese tea ceremonies, valued for their robust flavors and health benefits.

Ceremony Setting: The setting is typically casual, often taking place in tea houses or restaurants. The focus is on enjoyment and conversation rather than formal rituals.

The Jiangnan Tea Ceremony

In the Jiangnan region , including cities like Suzhou and Hangzhou, the Chinese tea ceremony reflects a more refined and artistic approach. Key features include:

Emphasis on Aesthetics: The Jiangnan tea ceremony often incorporates beautiful tea ware and artistic presentation. The focus is on the visual and sensory aspects of the ceremony.

Tea Types: Longjing (Dragon Well) tea  is a regional specialty, celebrated for its delicate flavor and high quality.

Ceremony Setting: The setting is typically elegant and serene, often held in tea houses or gardens that emphasize tranquility and beauty.

The Sichuan Tea Ceremony

In Sichuan Province , the Chinese tea ceremony has a distinct regional flavor, characterized by its unique customs and tea varieties. Notable aspects include:

Spicy Food Pairing: Sichuan tea ceremonies often include spicy dishes, reflecting the region’s bold culinary style. Tea is served to balance and complement the spiciness of the food.

Tea Types: Sichuan tea ceremonies frequently feature fragrant teas such as Sichuan Bian Tea , known for its distinctive aroma and flavor.

Ceremony Setting: The setting is informal, often taking place in local tea houses where tea is enjoyed in a relaxed, social environment.

The Fujian Tea Ceremony

Fujian Province is renowned for its rich tea culture, with a Chinese tea ceremony that emphasizes traditional methods and high-quality teas. Key features include:

Gongfu Tea Ceremony: The Gongfu tea ceremony , or “skillful tea brewing,” is a hallmark of Fujian tea culture. It involves precise techniques to extract the best flavors from the tea leaves.

Tea Types: Oolong teas  such as Tieguanyin  and Da Hong Pao  are prominent in Fujian tea ceremonies, known for their complex flavors and aromas.

Ceremony Setting: The setting is often formal, with a focus on the meticulous preparation and serving of tea.

The Northern Tea Ceremony

In northern China, including regions like Beijing , the Chinese tea ceremony has a more straightforward and practical approach. Characteristics include:

Simple Presentation: The northern tea ceremony often features a more practical presentation, with less emphasis on elaborate rituals.

Tea Types: Green tea  and black tea  are commonly enjoyed in the north, reflecting the region’s preference for straightforward flavors.

Ceremony Setting: The setting is typically functional, often in homes or public places where tea is consumed in a relaxed and unceremonious manner.

Modern Adaptations and Global Influences

As Chinese tea ceremonies have evolved, modern adaptations and global influences have introduced new elements to traditional tea ceremonies. This includes the incorporation of international tea varieties and fusion practices that blend regional traditions.

Contemporary Tea Practices

Modern Chinese tea ceremonies may blend traditional elements with contemporary practices, such as:

Innovative Tea Pairings: Combining tea with modern cuisine or health trends.

Global Tea Varieties: Incorporating international teas into traditional ceremonies.

Global Tea Culture Impact

The global spread of Chinese tea ceremonies has led to the adoption of Chinese tea practices worldwide, influencing and being influenced by various cultures. This exchange enriches both traditional and contemporary Chinese tea ceremonies, creating a dynamic and diverse global tea culture.

Orient Eco Tea: Experience Regional Tea Traditions

At Orient Eco Tea , we celebrate the diverse heritage of Chinese tea culture  with our premium selections, reflecting regional traditions and flavors.

Discover Our Regional Teas

Our collection features exceptional teas from various regions of China, each offering a unique taste of regional Chinese tea ceremonies. Whether you choose our Longjing  from Jiangnan or Oolong from Fujian, each tea embodies the essence of its region’s traditions.

Embrace Regional Diversity

By incorporating Orient Eco Tea’s premium selections  into your tea rituals, you can experience the rich diversity of Chinese tea culture . Our commitment to quality and tradition ensures that each cup of tea honors the unique characteristics of different regional practices. Choose Orient Eco Tea to enrich your tea experience with authenticity and cultural depth.

[40sandfabulousaf]

大家好! I tried falafel for the first time with soup noodles as well congee and veggies (refer to the previous post where I bought them and tau kwa - firm tofu - for meals at home). Because they're not meat and thus, not fatty, the texture was a little dry, but the flavour was yummy and, when paired with moist noodles and congee, they're actually pretty good! I've started eating them and tau kwa for breakfast and dinner at home. Still, it's nice to dine out for breakfast sometimes because dim sum is divine.

Speaking of dim sum, that's what SW and I ate when we caught up. I had truffle har gow and siew mai (prawn and pork dumplings), fu pi (tofu skin) rolls with different stuffings and a serving of veggies; SW chose her own items. The meal was yummy and very filling. More importantly, it was lovely seeing my dear friend again and catching up on each other's lives. The next time we'll meet again is probably in 2 - 3 months, thus, this get together felt extra special.

Besides Din Tai Fung, other restaurants now offer healthier menus for health-conscious and elderly customers. I brought Pa to 1 of these restaurants for a meal. Collagen soup with fish maw was served first with rice, followed by ginseng chicken along with our pu er cha (Pu Erh tea), steamed fish slices (VERY fresh and delicious) and finally, stirfried lotus root, sweet peas, celery, hei mu er (tree ear mushrooms), water chestnuts as well as macadamia nuts. Healthier menus are great; I feel assured that Pa is eating well when we dine out together. I'll look out for more of these, as well as vegetarian and vegan cafes to bring him to!

Lots of delicious goodness during a gathering, including loads of tasty carbs, steamed fish and veggies. There was enough food for the 8 of us and, most importantly, we had fun! Pa was glad that I'm much more relaxed than I'd been for a very long while. Prolonged heavy stress isn't good for health, no matter how nutritiously we eat or how regularly we exercise. I'm in a better place mentally and emotionally than I was a few weeks ago.

The last time I ate fastfood was at Pizza Hut on 4 July; time flies, it's been over a month! Also, in a few days, we celebrate our National Day 🇸🇬 My beloved country is even dearer to me after we weathered the covid pandemic together. As we teeter on the edge of a global recession, I wish our nation the resilience to weather the storm if it should come, the strength to withstand pressure no matter how tough, the compassion to maintain friendships and trust with others and the wisdom to make the best choices for us. 下次见!

[sootik]

Red Tea Pu Erh BIO

Are you looking for a healthy and delicious tea to serve at your catering business? Look no further than Tetique's Red Tea Pu Erh BIO ( Té Rojo Pu-Erh ). Made from premium quality, organic Pu Erh red tea, this tea is known for its "fat eater" properties, making it the perfect choice for customers who are looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. With its unique and delicious flavor, Red Tea Pu Erh BIO is sure to be a hit with your customers.

At Tetique, we believe that the best teas come from the best ingredients. That's why our Red Tea Pu Erh BIO ( Té Rojo Pu Erh BIO ) is made using only the highest quality organic ingredients, ensuring that you get the best possible taste and health benefits. Each container contains 45 pyramids, making it easy to serve and perfect for catering services. Whether you're serving tea at a hotel, restaurant, or event, Red Tea Pu Erh BIO is the perfect choice for customers who appreciate the natural taste and health benefits of organic red tea.

To experience the delicious taste and health benefits of Tetique's Red Tea Pu Erh BIO, head over to www.tetique.com and place your order today. Our teas are made using only the highest quality organic ingredients, ensuring that you get the best possible taste and health benefits. Plus, with our easy online ordering system, you can have your favorite teas delivered right to your doorstep. Don't wait - order your container of Red Tea Pu Erh BIO today and enjoy the delicious taste and health benefits of organic red tea!

[jissmonjacob-blog]

Red Tea Pu Erh BIO

Are you looking for a healthy and delicious tea to serve at your catering business? Look no further than Tetique's Red Tea Pu Erh BIO ( Té Rojo Pu-Erh ). Made from premium quality, organic Pu Erh red tea, this tea is known for its "fat eater" properties, making it the perfect choice for customers who are looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. With its unique and delicious flavor, Red Tea Pu Erh BIO is sure to be a hit with your customers.

 At Tetique, we believe that the best teas come from the best ingredients. That's why our Red Tea Pu Erh BIO ( Té Rojo Pu Erh BIO ) is made using only the highest quality organic ingredients, ensuring that you get the best possible taste and health benefits. Each container contains 45 pyramids, making it easy to serve and perfect for catering services. Whether you're serving tea at a hotel, restaurant, or event, Red Tea Pu Erh BIO is the perfect choice for customers who appreciate the natural taste and health benefits of organic red tea.

 To experience the delicious taste and health benefits of Tetique's Red Tea Pu Erh BIO, head over to www.tetique.com and place your order today. Our teas are made using only the highest quality organic ingredients, ensuring that you get the best possible taste and health benefits. Plus, with our easy online ordering system, you can have your favorite teas delivered right to your doorstep. Don't wait - order your container of Red Tea Pu Erh BIO today and enjoy the delicious taste and health benefits of organic red tea!

[thedarkdiamond]

Dîner au restaurant Erh

J'ai déroulé le menu que deux jours après, pour connaître les intitulés exacts des plats que nous avons goutés ce soir là, mercredi 14 juin.

Nous nous sommes en fait, laissés emporter par le chef Keita Kitamura, qui nous a bercé avec enchantement avec sa balade gastronomique en 6 temps. Et très agréablement pris en charge par Lorenzo, romain d'origine et directeur du restaurant.

Poulpe sur un lit de caviar d'aubergine, aburi de maquereau, gelée de tomate à l'hibiscus Mi-cuit de rouget et crevette avec pêche plate et haricots verts, sauce jus de langoustine Foie gras fumé au bois de sakura et grillé, accompagnée de mangue caramélisée Tempura de lotte, courgettes jaunes et vertes avec bouillon de persil plat Joue de veau, fromage Burrata, oignons nouveaux, haricots plats et purée de petits pois Glace yaourt, espuma menthe à l'anis étoilé, abricot avec sauce caramel, que je n'ai malheureusement pas pu bien photographier.

Le tout accompagné d'un petit pions gris allemand (histoire de faire les quatre coins du monde).

C'était excellent.

© Géraldine Martens

[gongfood]

02/25/18: The Slanted Door-Vietnamese

Situated at the very end of the Old Ferry Building in San Francisco, The Slanted Door proves to be romantic and scenic. What better a place to celebrate my twenty-fifth birthday with my family. Upon arriving, I notice beautiful wood-slab tables before minimalist, leather couches. Staff members with business-like manners greet me. This is not to say they are cold, rather they are not ones for unnecessary pleasantries. Indeed, the staff fits well into the minimalist décor.

They seat us in a picturesque spot, albeit one that proved cramped spatially. Again, I notice right away simple, minimal décor at the tables. The menus, both in design and content, are consistent with this running theme: uncomplicated, modern, and simple. I, a fan of elegant aesthetics, am enjoying this.

My father graciously dropped us off at the restaurant, and then parked the car, meaning that we are short one member. While we wait, I take a moment to observe and consciously take in the setting of the locale. Although rather loud, it is oddly serene, even though the people next to me shove their groins in my face as they wiggle into their table.

A jovial woman attentively checks on us and has no issue with us waiting for our absent diner. I find this surprising. Usually, restaurants of this nature- the kind with coat checks and bathroom attendants- are keen on having every diner present.

I spend the time waiting and ruminating on what combination of items would taste best. My mother, though not a vegetarian, has a fondness and proclivity for vegetables. She suggests the five-spice cauliflower featuring Chinese bacon. My sister, having a preference towards shrimp, requests the gulf shrimp. I am a fan of most things; an adventurer in cuisine without many dislikes or restrictions. I suggest the imperial and spring rolls, as both are perennial favorites at other Vietnamese locales.

I want to get a cocktail, as I understand they are superb. Instead, I look to the tea menu. Coming from extensive tea menus, like that of the teahouse at which I work, and the connoisseurship of tea, I am not used to a simple menu like this. In spite of its simplicity, the menu features remarkably sophisticated teas known for being favorites among connoisseurs. For instance, they feature a 2017 Phoenix Honey Orchid oolong and maocha from 2013. I’m impressed.

My mother commands that I order everything, as she feels that I know the restaurant and cuisine best. Regardless of whether or not it is true, I accept. Ordinarily, I would not be as willing to take on the task, but today is my birthday, and I still accept the praise.

We then discuss tea and beverage options. My mother tells me she is considering the Gua Pian “Melon Seed” green, again, a well-known tea. I am considering maocha, as we have a hearty meal ahead of us, and pu-erh soothes me after dinner. My sister opts out of tea, as it is too late in the evening, and decides on a pineapple spritzer, which, admittedly, sounds delicious.

My father arrives, guided by the staff. I appreciate their courtesy and organization. Much like myself, my father is not one for pickiness or fuss, especially in food. He tells me he trusts my tastes.

With everyone now present, we decide on our menu for the evening: daikon rice cakes, spring rolls, imperial rolls, five-spice cauliflower, clay pot chicken, and gulf shrimp. My parents both order the Gua Pian, and I decide on the maocha for our accompanying teas.

Our server returns fairly soon to take our order, an accomplishment during a packed Sunday evening on the weekend before Valentine’s Day. A few moments later, staff members bring us our teas. To my surprise, they are not served in gaiwans, gong-fu style pots, or even small, restaurant-style metal teapots. Instead, they serve them in Hario glass pitchers-like those coffee shops use for pour-over coffee- containing metal tea balls and the respective teas. I feel perplexed.

According to The Slanted Door cookbook, chef de cuisine and owner Charles Phan met both Roy Fong and David Lee Hoffman, both of whom he cites as being pioneers and progenitors of both his own “tea program” and the larger tea industry. He also cites Fong as a personal mentor in tea, and describes his experiences in learning about it. Phan continues by saying that his education with Fong opened his eyes to the vast and beautiful world it offers. Consequentially, he wishes for guests to have the same experience of good tea, and mentions the frustrations with its at-the-time small presence. He even explicitly mentions and refers to his serving of high quality teas as his “tea program”.

Assuming all of these to be accurate, I feel disappointed already, albeit in something peripheral to the culinary experience. I am a firm believer that there isn’t a wrong or right form of brewing tea, even if it is in something unconventional like Hario pitchers and tea balls. I stand by that.

Nevertheless, I do take issue with an aspect of our tea experience: when my tea arrived, the staff gave me no sort of instructions on brewing guidelines. Though not necessarily a complete issue, it does make me question the customer experience of those unfamiliar with tea. My specific worry is that this style of brewing posits a scenario in which a customer unknowingly brews tea in such a fashion that isn’t doing it justice. As a result, they cannot understand and experience the complexity of tea- a contradiction to the aforementioned goal of serving the guest tea in an artful and enjoyable way.

Before I come off as overly critical, I present a few points in defense of the restaurant. First, due to my own self interest and career in serving tea, I tinkered with the brewing set-up and parameters to get a nice steeping. It wasn’t very much work. Second, it is a busy night. I know from personal serving experience that when the order of operations in serving is constantly in flux you, unfortunately, have to prioritize. It is entirely possible that the staff is diligent in their communication with the guest about the way to serve tea. Third, according to their website, The Slanted Door offers an afternoon tea service. I did not experience it; therefore, I cannot make harsh critiques of the tea program. Perhaps this teatime is more relaxed and focused on the tea experience, and can provide a better chance to drink it. Fourth, tea service in a restaurant setting-especially one such as this- provides challenges. A friend and I discussed this in detail before I began writing about my experience. Here are some of the challenges we covered: providing hot water; explanation to the guest on the brewing process and characteristics of each tea; formal staff training and education; serving size; tea ware; and integration with the cuisine, both in providing teas that pair well and ensuring that it does not interfere with the dining experience in any regard. Lastly, I still enjoyed my tea, even if in a context that I don’t prefer. While the tea did pose some challenges, I do not intend to judge the restaurant by its tea program. I digress. 

            (Note: Having voiced my complaints, I do plan a follow-up visit for tea so I can fully understand the scope of the restaurant).

After a surprisingly short wait, our first courses arrived. All of them are excellent. The daikon rice cake is well seasoned, and has a perfect texture. The spring and imperial rolls, although small, are vibrant and complex, but simultaneously so simple of a dish. They all disappear with great haste from our plates into our stomachs.

I enjoy hosting people, which means I have a habit of checking in with my guests. Even when I am not cooking for others, it is still of the utmost importance to me that everyone enjoys their experience. Despite the fact that I think I know the answer, I check with family. No surprise, everyone enjoys everything. In fact, all of us agree that there is no clear winner as they are all outstanding.

The tea is enjoyable, I have nowhere to be, I am 25, and the first courses piqued my interest and appetite. Our main courses arrive, though we did wait a bit longer than before. I don’t mind. We feast.

One aspect of our dinner that I notice right away is the seasoning in each dish. It is perfect: never too spicy or skewed in a particular direction, but always flavorful. None of these dishes ever contrasts each other in a negative way, yet they each stand out as distinct. I always appreciate this in food. Of the three, I found the clay pot chicken to be the most remarkable, as it has an extremely succulent texture in every bite.

            If there were a dish that I would call my least favorite, I would chose the gulf shrimp. This is not to say they tasted bad, on the contrary, they were delicious. I simply feel that the clay pot chicken overshadows both the shrimp and the cauliflower, as delicious as they may be.    

            As we finish the last morsels, I check with my family again. We all agree upon the claypot chicken being excellent, but I know that my sister secretly feels the shrimp to be the best. I digress. Now it is time for dessert.

            I always find myself torn after dinner. I enjoy many indulgences –after dinner coffee, desserts of all sorts, and digestives- but I have always preferred savory dishes. Although, tonight, I have especially conflicted as our options include: honey mousse, featuring pistachio butter cake, passionfruit gelée, and honey pistachio crisps; beignets with dulce de leche crema; and vanilla bean cheesecake with whipped greek yogurt, burnt honey cremeux, cointreau macerated blood oranges, and salted honeycomb crunch. Can you see my dilemma?

            My parents, not one for heavy desserts, opt for coffee-a usual occurrence on their part. I finish the remnants of my tea, somehow both full and unsatisfied. I end up deciding against dessert, as I have cake at home. Perhaps I will return for teatime and enjoy one of their heavenly-sounding desserts. It is now time to go.

            On my drive home, I consider every aspect of my experience: service, taste, creativity, atmosphere- all of the aspects that influence our gastronomic experience, and, ultimately, whether or not we return another day to enjoy ourselves. I find myself thinking of the expectations I previously held, and then compare that to the actuality of my experience. I acknowledge that this mindset does have flaws. In particular, we end up obsessing over why the result differed from the expectation. Though I keep telling myself not to, I cannot stop considering the discrepancy.

            When I had first heard about The Slanted Door, I heard it hailed as the paragon of fine Vietnamese cuisine. I even heard it being described as “world class”. Even the reviews of it featured in the eponymous cookbook refer to it as such. Other critics professed Phan’s excellence in bringing Vietnamese dishes to the minds, mouths, and stomachs of American diners unfamiliar with the rich, dynamic cuisine. In simple words, it seemed to be the destination to experience it at its finest.

            I, however, question that description. I did thoroughly enjoy my dinner, but I felt puzzled by its perceived excellence and its cost. Something- I wasn’t sure what, exactly-felt off.

            After my two hour car ride and mental parsing out of the experience, I came to my overall conclusion: The Slanted Door, although modern and delicious, did not seem as innovative as I had thought. Furthermore, the price did not seem to match my expectations or the overall experience I had. In short, for the price we paid (~$200), I expected something similar to ADEGA, a wonderful restaurant with one Michelin star at which I have dined.

 I realize this may come with controversy. But the fact is that many of the dishes, even the ones I had, could be found in similar or near identical forms at smaller, less-refined, even potentially-violating-health-code locales. Hell, my local Cambodian restaurant has a plate similar to the clay pot chicken at one third of the price, and is similar in taste. Although they may have been instrumental in exposing the zeitgeist to quality Vietnamese food in its earlier years, today they appear as an aging giant showing themselves as something larger than they really are.

        I want to note: I am not dissatisfied with my experience. It was wonderful. Nevertheless, I am dubious of calling something “world class” and excellent when other establishments serve similar dishes at better prices. While this critique does discredit the veneer of a Michelin-esque restaurant setting and aesthetic, it is not to say the experience is all-bad. If you have the ability to afford it, do not deprive yourself of a good experience.

Atmosphere + Location: 9/10

Service: 7/10

Food: 7.5-8/10

Tea: 7/10

Price: ~$200 for 4 people, 6 dishes, 3 teas, 2 coffees, 1 sparkling drink

Classification: Higher End Dining: $$$/$$$$$

[lechameaubleu-blog]

Super événement food et saké de la préfecture de Tokushima... De bons sakés de bons produits tels que le sudachi. Que demande le peuple.... #sake #nihonshu #paris #france #restaurant #erh #tokushima #japon #japan (à Restaurant ERH) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4c0cXUIg89/?igshid=env31ndm30mx

[storysofmyown]

How the demon bro’s would ask you to marry them

Note: I am unaware if this was done before, i have not seen this specific scenario yet, so if there is any resemblance to an already existing work it was unintentional!

Lucifer:

This man, he knew from the moment you two started the relationship that he would marry you. There was never a doubt in his mind, he was not letting you get away.

So, of course, he knew that at some point he would ask you to marry him. His pride dictating him to ask you first no matter what, and so...he did.

It wasn't a big party, nor was it with his brothers or anyone else. It was just the two of you. No interruptions and no drama, just you two, just like he wanted to be for the rest of his live.

He had planned the entire evening, making sure none of the brothers would interfere at all. He rented the whole restaurant, the only ones that stayed longer were the cook and after delivering the food they left.

There was soft music in the background, a dim light illuminated everything, the proposal, just like many things in your relationship was going to low-key.

You would be eating and chatting for a moment, look down, and the moment you look up there is a neatly placed black velvet box.

At first you were confused, but with a soft smile, Lucifer ushered you to open the small box. Inside there was a beautiful small ring with red stones. It was simply breathtaking, but so was the softness in Lucifer’s smug smile as he watched your face lit u[p at the sight of it. He would take your hand, give a kiss to it, the ring in his other fingers as you look at him directly in the eyes, before simply saying

“Marry me.” The weight of the ring and the feeling on his fingers between yours would only become present as you nod slowly, tears in your eyes as the demon looked at you with the most love sick expression he had ever shown.

Mammon:

Dear lord, did it take this demon long before he could simply say “I love you” in a sincere way without feeling embarrassed or berating your afterwards. But you stayed with him, no matter what, and where others would make fun of him and insult him, you put care and love in his life.

So...yeah, he wanted to marry. The moment he realized he wanted to marry you it was a soft night in your room. The two of you were in bed after the other’s leaving, you had fallen asleep in his arms and he was caressing your cheek, and he realized he simply couldn't live without you anymore.

This demon would want EVERYONE to know you are his, and only HIS.

He would buy you the biggest and most expensive ring there is. After all, you belonged to The Great Mammon, you would now need better jewelry and stuff like that. And what a better start than the best ring he could find? (He also bought this with half money earned from working and half from Lucifer’s credit card. The eldest made sure Mammon paid back after threatening him saying he would not pay one grimm for the wedding.)

Now, the demon would want this to be both a special and memorable moment, but he would want to have you all for himself when he asks.

So, he would take you to a carnival of sorts. It was almost as chaotic as your relationship with him, which was simply befitting.

It would be an EXCELLENT time. The most fun you had with him, and the relationship was always fun. The whole time would be spent between laughs, jokes, throwing popcorn at each other, etc.

Then,it would  be quiet. But not in an uncomfortable way, less and less people would be at the carnival, and when there is few people, he would grow quieter, mustering the courage to actually ask you. He would take a deep a deep breath, hands buried in his pockets as he plays with the small box. Finally, he would speak.

“Yo” he wouldn't wait for an answer. “Y-y’know that we...have been dating for a while, right?” One hand in his hair as he no longer looks at you. “And...and you are always so nice to me and you basically thought me how to feel lo-love or whatever and- and i guess what I’m trying to say is-” He would stop, a blush covering his cheeks as he finally looks at you and pulls the box out. “Would you marry me?”

And it amazes you, it amazes you that before, when your relationship was fresh and new, he would go on a tangent about how you should feel honored that someone like him, would be interested in someone like you. But not now, he didn't had to say that. Because you were honored that he would love you, and he was honored that you would even consider to love him back.

“Oi! Erh...are ya just gonna stand there?!” He would ask after several moments of silence, before you tackle him in a big hug and smile saying yes over and over. He would never admit it, but the demon cried a little, but never nearly as much as when the actual wedding arrived.

Leviathan:

Oh boi, oh dear, this poor demon is soooooooooo insecure at first!! He questions why you would ever want to be in a relationship with someone like him. He honestly believes that you will one day realize you could be with someone much better than him, so the idea of marriage never crosses his mind...until a certain day.

It had been years since you started the relationship, and little by little he had started to believe you loved him. He had his insecurities...and the fact that his sin was envy had not helped...but now he honestly believed you did love him. 

You were in his room, you guys were watching an anime you had been following for a while now. There was a specific scene that threw him off, the protagonist had claimed something that completely contradicted something that had happened back in episode #123. Before he could even say anything, you paused the show and went over a half an hour rant about the exact same subject he was just about to start talking about, even providing theories of your own about if this was intentional or not.

That was it for him. Man knew he needed you in his life forever. No one had ever taken interest in what he liked or cared to actually pay attention to the things he was fixated about, so knowing that you cared...he knew he couldn't risk ever losing you. Because even if one took away all the romantic parts of your relationship, you were still his friend, the best friend he had ever had. So, that night he started planing.

He had to ask Asmodeus for help, baby was so scared and nervous about the whole thing he didn't knew how to ask you at all. But in the end, he had his idea. He was going to ask you in anime fashion. He would think of your favorite anime from all of those you had ever watched and rambled to him about. He would pick your favorite, and base an entire game around it. he even dressed as our favorite character from the anime (no matter how embarrassing it was)

The final stage of the whole thing was a competition. Asmodeus will ask you both questions, and the winner would get a prize. This was a call back to that time you two competed to know which one was a bigger TSL fan, except that this time he would let you win.

You were so happy after winning you didn't notice the man take out a ring. The moment you stopped celebrating and turned to look at the demon, you noticed a blush across his face and the way his hand fidgeted with something between them.

“Mc...” His voice would be too quiet, barely even audible. For a second you thought he was going to attack you just like that one time, but instead he took a deep breath.  “I know i said there would be a prize for the winner, but i dont know if this is much of a price...I just know that...that I-I love you.” The last part was quiet, but sincere. “ And i know im a good for nothing otaku and that it isnt easy dealing with my insecurities but...I want to be with you so Mc...would you marry me?”

 His voice broke in several instances, barely even able to to actually say those words. But at the end he was able to get them out, tears and all. But the one that would be crying the hardest would be you, as you walked up to him and embraced him while whispering yes against his chest. His shaky hands would barely be able to put the blue stoned ring that for some reason reminded you of both the ocean and his room.

I might do the other brothers later on and possibly one undatable, but yeah i hope y’all liked whatever this was!

[pierre-olivier-photo]

Keita KITAMURA - Japanese Chef at ERH restaurant in Paris Copyright : PIERRE-OLIVIER . . @pierreolivierphoto @objectifs_tamron @cactus_image @loweprofrance @loweprobags . . #photo #photoshoot #photography #photographer #photographie #picture #picoftheday #portrait #portraiture #portraitphotography #portraitphotographer #japonais #chef #cuisinier #erh #restaurant #cuisine #foodporn #food #japanese #japanesefood #日本人 #写真 #ポートレート #ポートレート写真 #撮影 #シェフ #料理 #和食 #face (à Paris, France)

[anaticula-ana]

Hart

Round Two

Goldie had big plans for today, and she needed Candy to cooperate, so as soon as she woke up Goldie made her sister a big stack of pancakes. Candy eyeballed the pancakes and raised her eyebrow at her sister, “Bribery, hm? What’s the catch?”

As Candy began eating Goldie hesitated for a second, then blurred everything out at once, “Well, you know how you promised to take me downtown today to buy a new dress for the formal dance? ... When I was at Virginia’s yesterday helping make plans for the dance I mentioned it and she thought I was asking if she wanted to go with us and got really excited, then Dixie called and Virginia mentioned it to her and Dixie asked if she could come to and Virginia said yes, so now both of them are going to be here in an hour, so can we please take them with us please? I’m finally starting to make friends and I don’t want to have to tell them no. I would have asked last night but you were asleep...”

Candy snickered and shook her head. It hadn’t been all that long ago she was a teen. With a faked exasperated sigh she grinned at her sister. “I suppose so, but you’re going to owe me big time for this. I expect free baby sitting for at least a month once the baby is born.”

Goldie squealed with glee and hugger her sister. “Thank you thank you thank you! I’ve got to go get dressed!” Then she ran out the room. Candy smiled. Even without the pancakes she would have let the other girls come along. She knew how much her baby sister needed some friends. She missed her friends back in SimVille too. She stared into space for a moment. If she couldn’t convince Junior to marry her maybe she should try to talk Daddy into renting her an apartment downtown. It wouldn’t be SimVille, but at least there would be restaurants and shopping. And the Spa!

The girls had a blast shopping and soaking in the hot tubs at the spa. It was their first time visiting one and somehow Candy found herself promising the three she’d bring them back come summer once the baby had been born. She found the tubs too hot at the moment and insteaded enjoyed kicking up her heels and napping while listening to the girls chat. Virginia wasn’t much for soaking in the tubs either and kept getting out to ‘get everyone water’, but from her perch Candy could see that Woody had managed to visit the spa too. How on earth that boy managed to show up everywhere anyone went she would never know. Penny was the same way. Always popping up everywhere. Maybe it was an alien thing.

Back at the house Penny was visiting Valentine as the two chatted Valentine explained the benefits of having Penny move in before the baby was born. Penny thought for a minute then asked, “But what about Mary? Is she moving in too? Where will we all stay? It’s a four bedroom house and there will be six of us plus all the babies?”

“Erh, well...I had a chat with Rhett earlier and he’s moving out.” (It had been quite the argument, but Valentine insisted that it was time Rhett live on his own two feet. Rhett suspected that Valentine’s new relationship with Penny had something to do with it, but in the end agreed to move out Monday morning.) Valentine continued, “ As for Mary, she, uh.. she must not have told you yet...I’m buying her a house. Yes. That’s it. I’m buying her a small house where she and the baby can live.” Valentine nodded. Penny clapped happily. “That’s perfect! Maybe it can be right across the street from us so she can visit all the time.”

Valentine hugged Penny tightly, than as soon as she headed back to her place to grab her things he grabbed the phone and called Mary.  Mary was a bit upset at first to hear that Valentine was having Penny move in with him, but now slightly older and wiser she decided that Valentine being a jerk was no reason for her to be angry at Penny. Penny simply didn’t always understand things. She believed everything she saw on tv. Mary still fondly remembered the time Penny had believed Mary’s old bedroom rug would fly because she had seen flying carpets on tv. They had spent at least three weeks trying to get it to work.

Late that night after everyone was home in bed sleeping when Candy woke up in pain. The baby was coming. Goldie hear Candy’s yell and ran to her room. At least the baby was born! It was a boy. Candy named in Angelo in honor of her mother.