Japanese desserts recipes

hello. I'm Rosa Pennitt, a 33-year-old computer engineer from the UK, currently working in London, and I've come to realise that there are many students living the dream I've always dreamed of, in a country far away from London, called South Korea.Having been to South Korea, it's been an amazing experience and I have nothing but praise for the country.Growing up, my family didn't have much money. I had to take out student loans until I graduated from university, and I managed to graduate by applying for jobs on campus, working part-time at the library, and getting some government funding. If I was very good, I could get a scholarship, but I wasn't that good, and I was accepted to the school I applied to first, so the scholarship was very hard to get.
I've been working in the field of computer engineering since then, and I've had a variety of careers, and I'm currently working for a company that works as a team. We build and maintain software and hardware, such as developing new programming and building a server room for a project, and I'm working on the hardware side of things.
Recently, a project with a large company in the UK was successfully completed, and all employees were given time off, and we were all given generous holiday pay, so everyone was encouraged to go abroad.I always like to go to new cultures and experience new things, and this was a pretty big project, and we completed it ahead of schedule, so we were given a long holiday and generous holiday pay.
I have a friend named Lily, who I've been hanging out with in my neighbourhood since I was a kid, who is now settled in Korea and working as a lecturer at a university there.
When I told Lily that I was going to take a long leave of absence and was considering staying abroad, she asked me to come to Korea at this time. She always talked about how much she liked Korea, and I was curious about Korea, so I said yes.
After finishing the project, during the few days when I had to go back to work to complete various paperwork at the company, my colleagues had all made travel plans to different places, and I mentioned that I was going to go to Korea this time.
I was taking a break from work, grabbing a cup of coffee from the vending machine and relaxing in the waiting area when he approached me and asked me, "Are you travelling to Korea this time? How many days are you going to be there?" I wondered why he was so interested, given his negative comments about Korea.
"I'm going to Korea for about two weeks, and my best friend from childhood is a professor there, so I'm thinking of getting her help."For some unknown reason, Richard, who had been talking negatively about Korea, didn't let my story go.
"Korea is just a subset of Japan, its culture is not as good, its development is not as advanced as Japan's," he said in one short sentence, which was very offensive to me.I didn't stand still either. Lily, who lives in Korea, has told me many good things about Korea and how it is better than the UK, and her examples were specific and she didn't seem to be lying, so I had a positive opinion of Korea, and even though I haven't been to Korea yet, I found Richard's comment very rude.
"My friend Lily has been living in Korea for four years, she knows so many good things about Korea, and she often tells me about the excellence of Korean culture, so Richard, on what basis do you talk about denigrating other countries?" Richard seemed confused by my unexpectedly strong words.
He hesitated, then said, "I don't know because I haven't experienced it myself, but I find it hard to believe that Korea is good, because I'm going to Japan next time, and I'm sure I'll have a better experience there than in Korea." I didn't want to get into another argument with Richard, so I just walked away.
I thought he was just a low-level person who was talking bullshit and tried to move on, but his words kept coming back to me.No matter how much I thought about it, I couldn't understand what he was saying, and I regretted coming back to him without giving him a proper response.I should have just stood my ground and shut him up! But I felt that going back and arguing with Richard now would only give him an excuse to fight me and put me in a worse position, so I had to suck it up and let it go.Of course, during my trip to Korea, Richard paid a heavy price for his remorse, but I'll tell you about that in a moment.
I had to get over the offence, and the day finally arrived to board the plane to Korea.Before I left Korea, I had come to think of it as a minor disagreement.Getting on the plane to Korea was exciting and anticipated in itself.Meeting Lily at the airport, reuniting with her after so many years, and welcoming her to Korea, I could see her relaxed and content with life in Korea.
With her guidance, we began our tour of Korea, a truly exotic country, a whole different world, and I could see why she raved about it.
The roads were clean and well-maintained, the public toilets were almost always clean everywhere you went, the food was delicious, and there were plenty of experience zones where you could experience the amazing cultural industries that Korea has to offer. I also visited several of the country's large shopping malls, which were all beautifully designed and built with an eye for aesthetics.
On my tenth day in Korea, I had fully adjusted to the time difference and was soaking up the Korean atmosphere that I was hoping that time would pass more slowly.
Lily insisted that we go to Gwangjang Market, which is one of the most popular spots for foreigners, but she said that even if you don't go there, you can find all the food sold at Gwangjang Market in other places, and to be honest, vendors who charge foreigners unfairly have been in the news recently, and when I saw the news, I thought that I had been victimised many times.
Lily didn't want me to go to Gwangjang Market because she said that it was the place where even Koreans are unfairly charged. However, the atmosphere of Gwangjang Market was very different, so I convinced her to go to Gwangjang Market after promising her that I wouldn't buy anything at Gwangjang Market, but just watch.
As expected, there were quite a few foreigners at the entrance of Gwangjang Market, including many Europeans and Americans, but also many people from other Asian countries besides Korea. Lily was disappointed because she said that in Korea, most of the prices are scouted and 99% of the stores are transparent, but there are some merchants who take unfair advantage of the market and ruin the image of Korea.
I was surprised to hear Lily's story because unlike other European countries, Korea is a country where foreigners don't have to pay more for goods and food, and where prices are set, so I was surprised to hear that there are places in Korea where people who do this kind of dirty business.
From a foreigner's point of view, Korea is a country where people are not perfect and there will be people who behave badly, but from a foreigner's point of view, Korea is a country that has been transparent in its consumption, where you have to eat expensive food at the gwangjang market, where you are treated unfairly, but where you have paid very honestly everywhere else. If it weren't for Lily, I would have been a victim of such a scam here, and I felt that such injustices shouldn't happen anymore.
Although I didn't buy anything or eat anything here, I felt that the atmosphere of the Korean market was different and there was a lot to see. Lily also wanted to buy things and eat food here, but she emphasised many times that we should be satisfied with just looking around.
After walking slowly, we walked back towards the entrance of the market and saw a familiar figure in front of us, which I almost recognised as Richard, who hadn't shaved in a while, had a scruffy beard, and was dressed in a plain outfit, standing still on the side of the road, looking at his mobile phone.
Actually, Lily knew about Richard, because when I was in Korea, a colleague of mine, Richard, told me that there was a person who said that Korea was just a subordinate country of Japan, that it was culturally and economically backward, and Lily was very upset about that, and she asked him if he had ever been to Korea or Japan, and she was very upset to hear Richard's bullshit. She made me understand from the very beginning that what Richard was saying was complete bullshit, that the United States was a subsidiary of the United Kingdom.
I told her that there was Richard, the characterless man I had told her about.I was surprised, and she was very surprised.If he was going to Japan, why is he here? I approached him cautiously.I looked at his face and silhouette several times to make sure it was him, and then I was sure it was him.Dear Richard, are you lost? Can I help you? I didn't ask him in an aggressive way, but in a friendly way, because you have to be careful and friendly to get what you want.
Richard was very surprised and smiled at me, very happy to see me. I introduced him to Lily, who was next to me, as a friend of mine who lives in Korea, and although Lily had already heard about Richard, this was her first introduction to Richard.
Richard arrived in Korea this morning and said that it was his first time here and that he couldn't get used to the different atmosphere from Japan. I asked him if he hadn't just been living in Japan and was going back to England, and he made an unrecognisable fat face. I knew something was up right away. I suggested to him that if we hadn't already eaten, we should join him for a meal, saying that it was a great coincidence to meet a colleague in Korea and that we must have a lot to talk about.
I wanted to take my time to hear Richard's story about why he came to Korea.I didn't want him to give away the fact that he had hostile feelings towards Korea, that Lily and I knew, and that he thought very badly of it.Slowly, as I listened to his story, he relaxed and began to tell me that he had actually had an unfortunate experience in Japan.
He said that he was walking down a busy street in Osaka, and he wanted to go to a bar by himself, but he didn't know much about Japan, so he was wandering the streets, wondering which bar to go to, when he was approached by a Japanese man who was smiling at him. At first, he didn't realise he was a tout, because he didn't look like a typical tout, he wasn't dressed in fancy clothes, he just looked like an ordinary office worker.
Richard said he was looking for a pub nearby, and the tout said he knew of one, and led him to it, where he drank contentedly by himself. He said he enjoyed the quiet atmosphere, the lack of people but himself, and the small Japanese-style bar where he drank at his leisure.He said he drank as much as he was satisfied with, and when he asked for the bill to pay and leave the bar, he realised that he had been charged a ridiculously high amount of money.8 The bill was for about 10,000 yen, and it was very expensive, including the tax, and it even included the drinks and snacks that I didn't drink.
He said that he could never pay, but they wouldn't let him leave because they didn't understand him or didn't speak English.
When Richard insisted that he couldn't pay, and shouted that he was going to call the police, they started to bring more empty glasses to the table where he was sitting, and even brought some dirty plates as if he had already eaten the appetisers, and threatened him.
Richard said that he was able to get out of the situation after settling the bill for 50,000 won. After being scammed in Japan, Richard quickly lost interest in travelling, and the next day he went to another place, but there was nothing in sight, and he said that he couldn't bear to think about what happened yesterday.
He said he came to Korea not because he liked Korea, but because he just wanted to get out of Japan, and I came to think that it was a very good thing that we didn't let him enter Gwangjang Market.
Lily and I comforted him, and then I took him around Seoul with me for the rest of the next few days, showing him the conscientious, clean, and friendly side of Korea that I had seen, but also the incredibly developed side of Korea.
Starbucks in Korea is like a place where a lot of people are working on their laptops, doing their work, a little bit like a school library, and it's very quiet, and then Richard and I saw two Korean students, who were programming and coding, and they were struggling with something.
Richard and I, who have already endured a long period of bumps in the road in our careers, could tell that they were trying to solve a task set by the school, and at the same time, we were curious about what they were building and what they were doing.Richard first said to the Korean students, "I'm actually a working programmer, and I'm here to help you because you seem to be stuck and not making progress.
I sat down with the two Korean students, and we had a chance to talk about things.They were freshmen in college, and I didn't have much to offer them programmatically, but I could tell that they had a really great vision and were working very hard.It's kind of creepy to talk about the conversation with them, so I won't go into details, but I felt like I was seeing myself in the past, because I was in a very similar position as a college student, struggling financially and having to study.
I talked to them about the programming industry and gave them a good vision of what they could do if they tried hard enough, and I also remember giving them a dessert to end the meeting.
It was very meaningful to have the opportunity to interact with these students and not just go back to Korea as a tourist.
After a few days of enjoying Korea, he even arranged for me to fly back to the UK with him, as he had been travelling alone in Japan and had been victimised by a scam, so he was very emotionally distressed and relied on me as a colleague.
So at the end of our time in Korea, I said goodbye to Lily, and he said goodbye to Lily, and we were sitting next to each other on the plane, and we were heading back to the UK.
And I asked him a question, do you realise now that before I went to Korea, you said that Korea was a subordinate country of Japan, that it was a very flippant thing to say, and that it could have hurt a lot of people?" I said sharply and firmly.He said he had nothing to say, that he thought he had been punished for what he had said, and that he had been thinking about what he had said the whole trip, and that he was grateful that he had said it now.
Richard acknowledged that his comments were very flippant, saying that he had never been to Korea and had never been to Japan, but that there was no reason for him to think that way."I was very quick to judge Korea, and after travelling around with you and experiencing it firsthand, I realised that I was wrong. Richard's sincere apology softened my feelings towards him, and I actually thought he felt the same way, because when the three of us were travelling around Korea with Lily, he would often say things like, "I really like Korea," "Korea is amazing," and "I didn't know that before, why didn't I know that before?
Richard's flippant remarks were very wrong, but I also felt that he was not a very human being when he reflected on his experiences in Korea and Japan. If he doesn't make flippant remarks again, I think he would be a good colleague to work with.
After returning to the UK, the project team came together again, each with their own wonderful experiences, and talking about them was like travelling the world indirectly for a few days, and I heard a variety of stories, and Richard was the loudest, and it was funny to see how loudly he said he loved Korea.
He promised not to say anything rude, so he didn't tell me about his scam in Japan, but I don't know if it was because he was ashamed of what happened to him, or if he decided not to say anything bad about other countries.This was my travelogue about Korea, and I would like to write about it again if I go to Korea again in the future.

A Silence Abroad
It was on my first night in Japan that I forgot I was alone. Tokyo’s Shinjuku district greeted me with bright neon lights illuminating flocks of tourists walking shops, arcades, and food stands. And somehow, I was a very small part of it, all by myself on the other side of the world.
Solitude is a vulnerable state, and consequently, a compromise. You seize the moment for yourself, and the space is only yours to fill, but intrusive thoughts will covertly slip through and permeate like a disease. Underneath all the lights, humanity surrounded me, enjoying a drink with friends or snapshotting a moment with family. All these people congregated here from around the world, and in spite of their differences, companionship was what they all shared together. The streets filled with the sounds of their life.
But when you feel alone, the mind tricks you into believing that you are not part of it. And you become a silent spectator, watching the phenomenon that is humanity being orchestrated in front of you. It’s a hollow feeling.
And after not speaking and hearing the sound of your own voice for a while, it becomes replaced by a solemn tone whispering empty thoughts. I tried not to listen.
…
Nevertheless, Tokyo was beautiful (Senso-ji temple was stunning and my favorite Japanese dessert is now age manju). One night, I even went to a Japanese hip-hop show in Shibuya and it was a wonderful experience. Getting to watch such extremely talented artists so passionate about their craft inspired me and pulled me away from ruminating loneliness for some time. I met one of the performing artists after the show and told him how much I loved his verse (despite not understanding Japanese) and we hugged and he cried. He thanked me over and over until he started apologizing for thanking me so much. But I wish I had thanked him just as much for showing me what humility was. (His band is KOMOREBI - check them out!).
I also went out with some other travelers that night, trying okonomiyaki in Setagaya for the first time that felt like it melted into mouthful bliss. I then went out to a punk rock concert and a night club. I wasn’t a huge fan of the clubbing, but the company was refreshing. And like all good things, it was fleeting, and I bid my farewell to everyone that night.
I packed my things and took a bullet train to my next stop, Kyoto. I was anticipating it, as the train zoomed south with Mount Fuji in surreal, passing view. Looking out the window, seeing my own transparent reflection, I took a breath. The train was moving at around 300 km/hour, but everything felt still and quiet. Even the parts of me that wanted to cry.
Kyoto was rich with temples and vestiges of a long, cherished history. I visited the Kyoto National Museum where I saw sculptured deities with venerable auras, parables scripted in decayed scrolls, and art that embodied Buddhist principles.
I saw elevated temples monumental and grand, and others more modest and reserved. But they all stood resolutely, bearing the resilience of time and constant revival. They have seen desecration from arson and natural disasters, but throughout history, the Japanese have rebuilt and renovated them. And somehow, after enduring all this, as long as time has persisted, here they stood before me, as a testament to strength and preservation.
The long-lasting principles of Buddhism and the culture that were so deeply rooted in this country’s history must continue to live on through the structures that stood before me. Purpose is enough to withstand the cruelty of time’s passage.
And the cycle of destruction and restoration that traced centuries was felt in the emanating silence only occupied by the sounds of water trickling down a rill or the occasional soft, swaying of trees. I like to think that ancient silence had touched my existence in those moments and advised me to listen.
Solitude is painful because the empty space that comes with it is congregated by the deeper parts of ourselves that seek to dwell on the purpose of our existence. It is when we are alone and quiet that obtrusive questions confront us, invoking us to listen and contemplate. And when we fail to answer gracefully, that is when the loudest and most self-destructive parts of ourselves will answer for us. The parts that are so keen in stripping our humanity from us.
After my last day in Kyoto, I packed all my things once again, and went over to my final destination, Osaka. I had only one night there. And it was an abrupt return to bustling crowds in the metropolitan. Existential silences were replaced with the sounds of humanity again. But as I walked through Dotonbori on a Friday night eating lots of warm, delicious takoyaki and skewers of Kobe beef, that feeling still returned. I knew I was unwell. And trivialities started to begrudge me and I could tell that it was time. And there would be no escaping it.
I took a taxi back to my hotel and I laid in my bed earlier than expected that night. I could only hear the faint sound of vehicles from outside and the whirring of the heater. The dimly lit corner lamp softened the room. The silence had touched the brim. And everything finally spilled. I cried and I cried and I cried. I was finally listening and it hurt doing so.
This solo trip was supposed to help me escape my problems, but it didn’t. When I brought myself here, I brought everything, and that included problems I wish I could have left behind. And amidst my issues, I questioned myself and my place in the world, even my very reasons for existing during times I felt like I had nobody. And albeit having wonderful moments with people throughout my trip, even strangers who treated me with grace and hospitality, that feeling still lingered and it was revealing a deeper issue. An issue not with whether I was in Japan or back home. Or whether I had people around me or I was alone. It was a deeper issue with myself.
But the silence that comes after the storm is just as serene as the silence that precedes. The older I get, the more I begin to have a respect for emotions. They must be felt, because it is a signal to lean in and listen to ourselves in our most vulnerable state. And feeling pain when we do is scary and uncomfortable, but it is the most selfless act we can do for ourselves. Because the silence that follows is like an aged temple still standing after centuries of cyclical adversity. Like the calm flow of water down a rill. Like the soft swaying of trees.
My 10-day solo trip was coming to an end. It was coming time to go home. I spent my last day in Tokyo walking Yoyogi Park. The sky was a clear melancholy overhead scattered, naked trees around the park. I saw couples sitting together, friends circled on picnic blankets, and some reading a book by themselves. Humanity felt beautiful that day and I was grateful to be a part of it, one last time. I packed my things once more before taking my flight back home the next day.
I loved Japan and I am grateful it carved a space for me to experience all that I did. Yet, I find it hard to even believe that I was once there, engulfed in my own solitude. Maybe it’s because I’m the only one that can testify its truth. Or because I didn’t get the romanticized solo-traveler “epiphany” that I wanted. That I returned with the same issues I left with, the same, flawed self that was proof of what it meant to be human this whole time.
And I realize that flawed self inevitably comes with confusion and noise. But I’ll welcome it. My humanity lives in my constant struggle for self-preservation, as I continue to unravel and understand myself. And perhaps that is enough purpose for my own existence, to strive for those following moments of silence, where I will continue to stand resolutely in my own imperfection, alone or not.
Can also read here: https://tazwarf.substack.com/p/a-silence-abroad
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Critique: https://www.reddit.com/DestructiveReaders/comments/1covpxm/comment/l4eemkn/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

kind of wish i got my faves instead of trying new flavors! and the non dairy has a bit of a weird taste to it

So. I would like to lose about 20 pounds, but I have always been naturally thin and have never had to think about it before. I don't have any idea what to do.
But there are a lot of complicating factors. I feel very "precious" writing this, but I have to acknowledge where I'm starting from, and I'm a major pain in the butt. 😅😭

• I eat out a lot, and eating out with friends is very important to me socially. It's not something I'm willing to do much less.
• I do cook at home semi-regularly, but I cook what I know how to cook and what I like.
  • I have a very busy and mentally demanding schedule.
  • There is no time or bandwidth for researching recipes or planning ahead.
  • I've tried meal prep for the week before, and it just doesn't work for me. Usually I'm hitting the supermarket at 9 p.m. and if I'm lucky, I can prepare something which will last me the next couple days.
• I refuse to count calories.
  • I have tried it several times before on MyFitnessPal, and I can't stick with it for more than a few days. It becomes obsessive, because often there isn't an exact match, and I feel like I have to use a scale to weigh everything out exactly. It takes up a ton of time and energy, which I don't have.
  • It's basically impossible to count in restaurants.
  • I already feel guilty every time I eat, and counting calories will make me see food as more evil than I already do. I don't think that's good for my mental health.
  • Eating cannot be another job. I already have about 4–6 jobs, depending on how you count them, and they are wayy more interesting than obsessing about every single thing I'm eating.
• I'm an all-or-nothing thinker.
  • Either I can have a chocolate anytime I want, or I can never have one again. And I don't have the willpower to never have one again.
  • Potatoes, cheese, pasta, and hamburger are either bad, or they're not. I don't have the mental reserves to do the mathematical equations to figure out when they're ok. I have code to write, and music to learn, and graphics to design, and clothes to wash, etc., etc. It's all I can do to get myself fed as it is.
• I don't particularly like "light" food.
  • I don't care for spaghetti squash, pumpkin seeds, chia, tofu, and many of the thousand other "diet" foods I always hear about.
  • Salads, plain steamed veggies, and lean meat cooked with no oil don't fill me up. I need carbs to feel satisfied.
  • "Light" desserts like fruit and whatever else are depressing.
• Apparently, it's hard to know if what you're doing is even working, because you won't see immediate results.
  • Since every body is different, it seems like there isn't any way to know with any accuracy what will work. I don't believe the one-size-fits-all daily calorie estimates you see.
  • Since you can't know, effort put in might be difficult and worthless. so why bother?
• I'm terrified of accidentally making my metabolism slow down, and then ending up having to permanently eat like a prisoner forever.
  • I was doing fine for my whole life. I've just gotten slightly off-track. I'd just like to right the ship and then go back to eating freely.

So there you go. I feel stuck, because my body feels disgusting. I'm thinking about trying Noom, because then it will just tell me what to do, and I won't have to think about it (right?).
TL;DR everything is too hard. And this isn't the only hard issue I'm dealing with in my life right now.

I'm a total newbie to baking. I've been trying to recreate these Japanese baked cheese tarts I had and am having moderate success (flavour is okay) but am strugglng a bit with the shortcrust pastry. I bake the tartlets until golden but then after filling them and putting them under the grill/broiler like the recipe says to caramelise the tops but keep the centre all gooey and lovely, but the edges end up burning. I tried baking them in the oven and it took longer to brown the tops, the edges still burned and the filling was too set. But I don't want to underbake them because then I guess I'll get the dreaded soggy bottom? Here are some before and after pics. Have the before pics gone a bit far with the baking? The edges are coloured but the bases are still quite pale. I was following this recipe. Any advice would be much appreciated.
Btw, I fully recommend these tarts, they are absolutely amazing. Both sweet and savoury. I had quite a lot of leftover filling so separated and tried adding pistachio, raspberry coulis and the flavour was great! It's got me into baking anyway :)

I have a recipe in mind but need other opinions, suggestions, and corrections. I will compete in a 4 man team.
app: salmon tartare with a vinaigrette sauce on a flatbread cracker and white fish tartare (still haven’t decided on which white fish) with a orange sauce also on flatbread cracker
entree: duck confit on a farro salad (probably not gonna do it cause it takes too long)
dessert: napoleon crème brûlée ( found it in a cook book)
requirements - 1. semi low cost so we are able to practice a lot (around 25 total cost can go a little over)

1. must be completed in one hour
   
2. we are only able to use 2 burners
   
3. no electrical equipment but can use dry ice if needed
   
4. not too complicated yet not too simple (able to display skills)
   
5. must follow a theme ex. french, asian, Italian, etc. can be fusion.
   

Thank you.

I'm currently reading "Eating with the Tudors" by Brigitte Webster, and like many books on the subject, it discusses the number of dishes served at court or at banquets, which strikes the modern diner as an awful lot of food. (I don't think any of the original Tudor recipes in Webster's book state yield or number of servings, but perhaps that was self-evident to cooks of the time.)
Allowing that caloric intake was greater through much of history (until the junk food era), if you went to a grand dinner, in the long stretch from medieval times to the Victorians/Edwardians, and dinner was, say, 20 courses, how big were those? Were they equivalent in size to modern-day appetizer, soup, main, and dessert courses? Or were they more like the multi-course tasting menus of today, with just a few mouthfuls per plate?
In service à la française, it makes sense a person could take just the amount they wanted to eat. But with Russian service, was it polite to eat just the amount you wanted to from what you were served rather than clean your plate?
Thank you!

Hi,
I made almond crumble to accompany a pan a cotta dessert on the side recently. I had ground almond meal available so I used that. The recipe called for flour, butter, caster sugar and then in the oven for 8 mins. I didn’t like the taste. It tasted more flour than actual almonds and took longer than 8 mins. Looking online for an almond crumble topping and confused what almonds to use? Raw? Blanched? Pulse them in food processor? Or maybe double the almond meal? This has to be cooked/toasted on its own since it’s not going with any berries etc in the oven. Any advice specifically what almonds to use? Thinking w skin may not taste that good when ground… Thanks so much

The Battle for the Burger ThroneIn the kingdom of Fast Food, where golden arches pierced the sky and crimson and white buckets held the promise of fried delights, a great conflict brewed. Four mighty houses vied for supremacy, their leaders each intent on claiming the coveted Burger Throne.
House McDonald’s, led by the shrewd and ambitious Ray Kroc, commanded a legion of loyalists from the bustling city of Drive-Thru. Kroc's golden arches were seen as beacons of efficiency and consistency. His armies, clad in red and yellow, marched with a precision that only years of franchising could instill.
House KFC, with its charismatic leader Harland Sanders, held sway in the southern regions. Known for his secret recipe of eleven herbs and spices, Sanders inspired fierce loyalty among his followers. The scent of his fried chicken wafted through the air, a tantalizing promise of comfort and home.
House Wendy’s, led by the wise and kind-hearted Dave Thomas, occupied the fertile plains where square patties were the norm. Dave’s soldiers, carrying banners of blue and red, were renowned for their fresh, never frozen beef, and the warmth of their Frosty desserts.
At the heart of it all sat the Burger King, a monarch whose reign spanned decades. His kingdom was vast, but his grip on the throne was slipping. The flame-grilled taste that had once enthralled the masses was no longer enough to quell the rising ambitions of his rivals.
The Great Feast of Fast Food was upon them, a gathering where allegiances were tested and strategies were forged. Ray Kroc, ever the strategist, arrived first, his golden arches emblazoned on his chariot. He cast a calculating eye over the banquet, noting the positions of his rivals.
Next came Harland Sanders, his white suit pristine, his demeanor relaxed but his mind sharp. He exchanged polite greetings with Ray, though both knew pleasantries would soon give way to battle.
Dave Thomas entered last, his presence a calming influence amid the tension. His focus was not just on victory but on ensuring the people of Fast Food had quality meals.
As the feast began, the Burger King rose to address the assembly. “Welcome, noble houses. The time has come to determine who shall lead the kingdom of Fast Food into the future.”
A murmur of anticipation swept through the hall. Ray Kroc stood, his voice cutting through the noise. “Efficiency and consistency are the pillars of any great kingdom. Under my rule, every meal will be swift, every bite the same.”
Harland Sanders chuckled softly. “Aye, Ray, but people crave more than speed. They crave the comfort of home, the taste of tradition. That is what House KFC offers.”
Dave Thomas rose, his demeanor thoughtful. “Both of you make good points. But the people also deserve quality. Fresh ingredients, prepared with care. That is the foundation of House Wendy’s.”
The Burger King listened, his expression unreadable. Finally, he spoke. “Each of you brings something valuable to the table. But this throne cannot be shared. Prove your worth in the arena, and the crown shall be yours.”
The arena was a sprawling marketplace where each house set up their best offerings. The people of Fast Food would judge with their coins and their loyalty.
Ray Kroc’s soldiers moved with military precision, their assembly lines a marvel to behold. Harland Sanders’ followers cooked with heart, their meals rich and satisfying. Dave Thomas’ people served with a smile, their quality evident in every bite.
As the sun set, the people cast their votes. The results were close, but one leader emerged victorious, their values resonating most with the kingdom.
The Burger King rose to announce the winner. “The new ruler of Fast Food is…”
Dave Thomas, founder of House Wendy’s, stepped forward to the cheers of the crowd. His focus on quality and care had won the hearts of the people. As he took the Burger Throne, he vowed to lead with wisdom and integrity, ensuring that every meal was a feast fit for a king.

The Battle for the Burger ThroneIn the kingdom of Fast Food, where golden arches pierced the sky and crimson and white buckets held the promise of fried delights, a great conflict brewed. Four mighty houses vied for supremacy, their leaders each intent on claiming the coveted Burger Throne.
House McDonald’s, led by the shrewd and ambitious Ray Kroc, commanded a legion of loyalists from the bustling city of Drive-Thru. Kroc's golden arches were seen as beacons of efficiency and consistency. His armies, clad in red and yellow, marched with a precision that only years of franchising could instill.
House KFC, with its charismatic leader Harland Sanders, held sway in the southern regions. Known for his secret recipe of eleven herbs and spices, Sanders inspired fierce loyalty among his followers. The scent of his fried chicken wafted through the air, a tantalizing promise of comfort and home.
House Wendy’s, led by the wise and kind-hearted Dave Thomas, occupied the fertile plains where square patties were the norm. Dave’s soldiers, carrying banners of blue and red, were renowned for their fresh, never frozen beef, and the warmth of their Frosty desserts.
At the heart of it all sat the Burger King, a monarch whose reign spanned decades. His kingdom was vast, but his grip on the throne was slipping. The flame-grilled taste that had once enthralled the masses was no longer enough to quell the rising ambitions of his rivals.
The Great Feast of Fast Food was upon them, a gathering where allegiances were tested and strategies were forged. Ray Kroc, ever the strategist, arrived first, his golden arches emblazoned on his chariot. He cast a calculating eye over the banquet, noting the positions of his rivals.
Next came Harland Sanders, his white suit pristine, his demeanor relaxed but his mind sharp. He exchanged polite greetings with Ray, though both knew pleasantries would soon give way to battle.
Dave Thomas entered last, his presence a calming influence amid the tension. His focus was not just on victory but on ensuring the people of Fast Food had quality meals.
As the feast began, the Burger King rose to address the assembly. “Welcome, noble houses. The time has come to determine who shall lead the kingdom of Fast Food into the future.”
A murmur of anticipation swept through the hall. Ray Kroc stood, his voice cutting through the noise. “Efficiency and consistency are the pillars of any great kingdom. Under my rule, every meal will be swift, every bite the same.”
Harland Sanders chuckled softly. “Aye, Ray, but people crave more than speed. They crave the comfort of home, the taste of tradition. That is what House KFC offers.”
Dave Thomas rose, his demeanor thoughtful. “Both of you make good points. But the people also deserve quality. Fresh ingredients, prepared with care. That is the foundation of House Wendy’s.”
The Burger King listened, his expression unreadable. Finally, he spoke. “Each of you brings something valuable to the table. But this throne cannot be shared. Prove your worth in the arena, and the crown shall be yours.”
The arena was a sprawling marketplace where each house set up their best offerings. The people of Fast Food would judge with their coins and their loyalty.
Ray Kroc’s soldiers moved with military precision, their assembly lines a marvel to behold. Harland Sanders’ followers cooked with heart, their meals rich and satisfying. Dave Thomas’ people served with a smile, their quality evident in every bite.
As the sun set, the people cast their votes. The results were close, but one leader emerged victorious, their values resonating most with the kingdom.
The Burger King rose to announce the winner. “The new ruler of Fast Food is…”
Dave Thomas, founder of House Wendy’s, stepped forward to the cheers of the crowd. His focus on quality and care had won the hearts of the people. As he took the Burger Throne, he vowed to lead with wisdom and integrity, ensuring that every meal was a feast fit for a king.

Alright, buckle up because we're diving into why Vancouver's food scene is straight-up legendary. Forget the regular city vibes; Vancouver is a melting pot of flavors, a culinary carnival that beats anything else in North America. Join me on this personal quest to unravel why the combo of Asian influence, Pacific Northwest goodness, and chill dining vibes makes Vancouver the top pick for foodies.
Asian Culinary Delights: Tradition and Creativity Unleashed
Vancouver's streets resonate with the aromas of traditional Asian dishes, prepared with a touch of authenticity that transports you across borders. Picture slurping savory ramen in Chinatown or savoring hand-pulled noodles in a cozy corner of East Van. But what makes Vancouver's Asian food scene truly exceptional is its fusion of tradition with modern creativity.
In this city, innovation meets tradition on a plate. Take, for instance, squid ink brioche with sea urchin pâté – a daring yet harmonious blend of flavors that pushes the boundaries of culinary expectations. Vancouver's chefs are culinary artists, creating dishes that not only pay homage to traditional recipes but also elevate them into extraordinary, palate-pleasing experiences.
And let's not forget the matcha mochi croissants that have taken the city by storm. A fusion of Japanese mochi and French croissants, these delectable pastries are a testament to Vancouver's culinary diversity. Each bite is a dance of textures and tastes, showcasing the city's flair for seamlessly blending cultures and cuisines.
Pacific Northwest's Grocery List: Seafood Galore and More
Living next to the Pacific Ocean is like having a seafood aisle in your backyard. Fresh salmon, sweet Dungeness crab, and chubby spot prawns – Vancouver's seafood game is on point. And let's not forget the local veggies and meats, straight from the region's green landscapes. It's like nature’s way of saying, "Hey, enjoy the good stuff!"
Nature Vibes: Dining with a View
Vancouver's layout is like a dating app for food and nature; they're a match made in heaven. Whether you're brunching in a leafy neighborhood or devouring seafood with an ocean panorama, the city serves up an Instagrammable backdrop for every meal. Picture this: a patio, a breeze, and the scent of fir trees – eating out just got a whole lot cooler.
Neighborhood Chronicles: Culinary Adventures Off the Beaten Path
Downtown is cool, but venture out, and you'll hit foodie gold. Commercial Drive's eclectic spots or Richmond's legit Asian flavors – Vancouver's neighborhoods are like culinary treasure maps. Each area has its own flavor story, tempting you to be the food explorer you were born to be.
Conclusion
Vancouver isn't just a city with good food; it's a food fiesta waiting to happen. The Asian vibes, the Pacific Northwest's goodies, and the city's chill connection with nature make dining here a full-blown experience. Vancouver isn't just North America's food champion; it's a vibe, a journey through flavors, and a big, fat stamp on your foodie passport. So, next time you're craving a culinary adventure, Vancouver's got your back, fork, and knife.
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Here me out, I trust y’all’s judgement because you know sushi.
I’ve been a sushi chef for 12 years now. I learned under a Japanese chef in the middle of desert first. I moved to Austin and learned under various chefs for years. I have a lot of experience in kitchens as well. I can cut fish, nigiris, sashimis, recipes, rice, zu, sauces. I can order and budget and manage.
Where I currently live (El Paso TX) there’s not very many sushi bars, much less good ones. I luckily found a chef (Korean/Japanese) that had great fish. We had Korean kimchi freezers for the fish and he had good reps for his products. We had better fish than I was getting in Austin. He was a maniac but I respected his product and recipes. Late last year he picked up and moved out of town.
I’m his absence I was asked to work for a newish sushi bar. A chain from South America whose first bar in the us was this one. Though their goal was more upscale than their previous ventures. Their other restaurants were fast casual, lots of fried rolls and volume volume volume for their sales.
This bar was already a year in. I was asked to cut two whole blue fin tunas for the anniversary party. A 50lb and 75lb. Thousands of dollars worth of fish. The premise was to break them down in front of customers then immediately go into a 65 person seating, 8 courses in Two hours. Then 30 minute window to reset the tables then a 100 seating. the tuna itself was the product we were using. A miso, a sashimi, a couple rolls, something from the kitchen. Several nigiris of akami, chu toro, and otoro, followed by otoro and chutoro sashimi.
Suffice to say it was a shitshow, and we spoiled out most of the product. The tuna itself wasn’t great, it wasn’t bluefin but yellow fin. Neither fish had any otoro, much less chutoro. I cut what I could of the belly and we used that.
They needed help. They knew nothing of purchasing seafood, much less making rice, cutting fish, storing fish, Japanese food on general.
At first I had free reign to change everything, but that quickly got undermined. I tried everything. Made my case with numbers, with support of the servers, customers even. Went as far as to purchase product myself or get samples to physically show the difference in quality. I readjusted ecipes, order guides, training guides. I bought stuff under the radar. Everything got shot down. We continued to suffer through bad reviews, always the quality of the product came up. It was literally the cheapest fish in the catalog. Yet sold as the most expensive in town.
We had ton of problems in the kitchen too. I got promoted to run both sushi and kitchen. I didn’t have experienced staff, couldn’t get the ok ok that payroll. I burnt myself out, 75 hr weeks, no days off. No dishwasher. No. Sushi chefs other than myself had enough experience. I walked. I got the fuck out. I felt like I couldn’t fix it. I wanted too but the powers that be felt like it wasn’t worth it. I don’t know, I just needed to get it off my chest

A Taste of Lebanon in Paterson: Experience Authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine at Al Basha
Indulge in the culinary delights of Al Basha Paterson, where Middle Eastern flavors come alive in every dish. Located in the heart of Paterson, NJ, our restaurant invites you to experience the richness of Lebanese cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. From traditional favorites to innovative creations, every bite at Al Basha Paterson is a journey of taste and tradition.
Indulge in Authentic Lebanese Flavors at Al Basha Restaurant in New Jersey
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Embark on a Culinary Journey at Albasha Restaurant in New Jersey
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Authentic Lebanese Dining at Albasha Restaurant New Jersey
Experience the culinary magic of Albasha Restaurant in New Jersey, where Lebanese flavors take center stage. Nestled in the heart of the state, our restaurant offers an extensive menu of authentic Lebanese dishes that captivate the palate. From savory shawarma to fragrant mezze, every dish at Albasha Restaurant NJ is a celebration of tradition and taste.
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Experience the Essence of Lebanese Cuisine at Al-Basha Restaurant
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Mediterranean Meets Middle East: The Basha Grill Culinary Experience
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Explore Rich Lebanese Flavors at Basha Paterson, NJ
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Comfort Food Perfected: Shawarma Basha’s Signature Dishes
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Dine In and Delight: Authentic Lebanese Flavors at Al Basha
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Lebanese Lunchtime Favorites at Albasha: A Midday Feast
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Journey Through Lebanese Delicacies: Explore the Albasha Menu
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A Haven of Middle Eastern Flavors: Dine In at Al Basha Restaurant
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Embark on an Eastern Culinary Adventure with Our Diverse Menu
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Are entry refurbished and reopened from Albright a Hyatt property. Absolutely loved the hotel! Amazing staff, clean facilities and room and an excellent executive lounge experience.
As a titanium elite member I was upgraded to a one bedroom suite which was massive! A lively welcome Amenity in room of some amazing truffles and fruit. The room was modern and spacious. I Liked the design perhaps not For everyone but it appealed To me.
The tv was massive in the bedroom, city view, bath was lovely. Overhead shower though I prefer a hand shower everyone is different.
Swimming pool was ample in size and had great facilities. No staff on duty in the area, so am unsure if the bar etc by the pool is Open regularly etc.
The executive staff <3 amazing service. Friendly attentive and genuinely good people. Am unsure if there is afternoon tea as I was Swimming. However there are evening cocktails and light food. I foolishly thought I’d go to dinner afterwards however I was too full. The array of cheese and cold cuts was ample. They had fresh spring rolls. Salad. Vietnamese shrimp salad, drinks. Hot food of satay and seafood snacks. Bread. Desserts and so on.
Breakfast - again great experience. Japanese, Korean, Indian, Vietnamese and standard western fare were all available. Omelette station. Noodle soup station. Fresh juice station. For Me the winner was the coffee and fresh croissants.
Overall I strongly recommend the Hotel, maybe a tad far From the city centre but tacos are easy to get. One of the best experiences yet!!!!