April 21, 2006

Domo Arigato, Mr. Big Reddo

Upon deciding that viewing their photos of Japan in the living room was simply not good enough, Big Red arranged with our friendly neighborhood astronomer Rob for a slide show at the University of Hawaii’s Institute for Astronomy Auditorium. Preceding the viewing, it was essential that we gather for an authentic Japanese meal. We arrived at Momomo, and were seated on cushions on the floor around a low table. A large hole under the table provided for ample legroom, games of footsie, and numerous opportunities for erotic retrieval of dropped napkins. The waiter arrived, rounds of sake were ordered, and we were left to peruse the menu.

Dining at Momomo is izikaya style, which roughly translates to Japanese pub food. We each ordered several dishes, and soon we were passing around platters of Chile Shrimp, Beef Tongue in Lemon, Fried Eggplant with Meat Sauce, and Tempura served with Green Tea and Chili Salts. A second bottle of sake arrived along with Maki Sushi, Rainbow Rolls, and fresh Tofu cooked right at the table.

Fully sated, it was time to move on to the slideshow. As we rather noisily clambered to the auditorium, Rob informed us of the many rules we were breaking, and instructed us to immediately blame Kim should we get caught. Knowing that no slideshow in the college auditorium is complete without Korean wine, Gia had cleverly smuggled in a few bottles and cups for all. Over shots of cherry blossoms, sumo wrestling, and monkeys in the snow, I sipped my plum wine and realized how very grateful I was that Big Red was driving.