I feel as though I am losing my chopsticks skill. If you looked at the picture, you have probably already realized that I am not talking about those piano skills that too many of us claim to have. I am talking about the ability to move tiny bits of food to your mouth using either metal or wood sticks.
Years ago, when I lived in Japan (and for years after I came back) chopsticks were my go to implements for food consumption. I felt confident enough to eat scrambled eggs with them. I ate salad with them. I even ate a fish and picked around the bones (note: I have never eaten a muffin or ice cream cone with them–which my students do).
Today’s lunch was a fantastic Korean dish had at a restaurant just south of Yonge and Bloor called Oja. The restaurant was rather tiny, but that only enhanced the atmosphere. There were quite a number of items on the menu that I wanted to eat, but I settled on this one. I certainly didn’t disappoint myself.
Choosing food as Today’s Perfect Moment seems like a safe bet, but you might want to reconsider. Meals can turn out badly and a delicious lunch could easily be overshadowed by an even more delicious dinner.
Sadly, that perfect moment was interrupted by boarding the subway home in what shouldn’t have been rush hour. Uncomfortable is not a word I like to throw around much, but that’s what it was.
I miss izakaya like you wouldn’t believe. As for chopsticks, I still much prefer ’em over Western flatware and eat with ’em near daily … namely shredded romaine lettuce w/ finely-shredded Parm. cheese.
A sentimental & strange story, mine with chopsticks. I hungered to learn ’em at a young age. After instruction from my dad, I fumbled ‘n’ stumbled ‘n’ practiced at family dinners (who does daily family dinners anymore?!?) ’til my skills became adept and honed. I used to eat hamburgers and peas with chopsticks while the rest of the family used forks and hands. I was as different then as now!
For the record, we’re Caucasions. There was not a speck of Asian influence around me! All Asian persuasions come from within.
I’m better than many Japanese with chopsticks and am in no danger of my skills rusting; chopsticks for me are simply additional fingers. However, I also ensure to play my chopsticks. And I don’t mean on a piano.
Mmm, looks so good!! Keep using those chopsticks so you don’t forget how!!
I think I am going to have to start a practice regimen.