WE WERE PLAYING TRUTH OR DARE. AND I DARED MY PALS TO JOIN ME for a very special fish dinner. Not such a big deal on its face, but jaws dropped when I told them what I had in mind. How about a bit of Fugu?
The infamous puffer fish, lethally poisonous if prepared incorrectly. But a notorious and very celebrated dish in Japanese cuisine. Japanese Roulette, any one? I merely wanted to try a new restaurant around the corner. After all, there are about 17 licenced Fugu restaurants in the US, and 12 are in New York City. So how bad can that be?
For some reason I was faced with scepticism. This from a group that's planning an excursion to investigate Mothman sightings. There is a festival on Sept. 17, not too late to join the adventure...anyway...
The Japanese Emperor is forbidden to eat Fugu. From time to time Fugu has been totally banned. The Tiger Blowfish, which is the most poisonous, is also the most edible. The Ministry of Health has a list which shows parts that can be consumed safely. The best time to eat Fugu is autumn and winter. If you die of Fugu poisoning, your friends will know, because you will look like a dead fish. I just made that up....
Nowadays most Fugu sold comes from fish with a small amount of toxin. The "Forbidden Fruit" is the liver, still eaten by fools, and amateur cooks, often with fatal results.
A dish of Fugu can cost about $50. in Japan. A full dinner, is $200. Due to the expense, the fish is sliced very carefully to obtain the largest possible amount without poison. A Hiki knife is used to slice the fish, and is usually stored very carefully in a separate location.
I'd like to add that even though I'm inviting my friends to some Fugu and Chips, I do understand their point of view. They may be influenced by the fact that Fugu is totally banned in the European Union.
I don't like to eat alone and am still waiting for some takers. Anyone??
The great poet, Buson (1716-1783) wrote this famous Senryu:
I cannot see her tonight
I have to give her up
So I will eat Fugu.
Once again I thank Willow at magpie tales for thinking up this dare, and urge you to check out the other participants!!
http://www.minblu.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/lynxny
28 comments:
Terrific. I laughed a little, cried some and loved every word.
Lyn:
Although I am a vegan I must confess I do eat fish now and then,,, it sounds intriguing to try a dish of Fugu - if we can then go to Serendipity 3, restaurant in the Upper East Side for the sundae, listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most expensive dessert, at $1000, but will skip the Mothman Festival adventure. Only in New York ,,,, Great magpie wonderful story , great imagination you have.
Joanny
i'm not sure whether you're serious about having guests over for fugu or not but after reading through your thrilling fugutale i am uh, er, um going to have to decline your invitation for supper. i'm absolutely sure i have anything else to do that evening ;)
actually, your magpie was great, and your imagination is alive and whale, i mean well :)
Hi Tumblewords-
I appreciate your kind words! Thank you...
Hi joanny-
Thanks!! I too fail my labels, a lapsed veg. I actually don't daydream about Fugu..but the sundae..I know about the frozen hot choc. at Serendipity, but $1000? hmmm...
Hi sheri-
OK, so we won't do dinner! But I know you won't decline my chocolate dessert list!!
Girls just want to have fun..thanks...
lol....I'm a sh*tbag when it comes to lethal bets....no amount of soya sauce could convince me...!
I only knew a little about this fish but fascinating stuff.
Just when I was imagining myself puffy and poisoned, looking like a fish...thanks for the giggles. I always look forward to being Magpied by you, Lyn!
Hi Lena..
Thanks..probably all you need to know..I'm saving the soy sauce too!!
Hi Willow-
High praise indeed from #1 !! I mean to be serious, but I seem to need to go into a little song, a little dance..thanks!!
nice magpie. love the poem there at the end...i might even try it...one day....maybe....smiles.
whew-always love the variety of how we all see something-somehow Fugu isn't anything I need to get too close to-let alone swallow-I'd need more than a little song or dance-more like Medecine Man
Great Magpie Lyn....
Hi Brian-
Don't rush into this! Perhaps hire a taster first!!
Thanks...
Hi kathew-
Yes, perhaps have emergency standing by!!
It is terrific how many points of view the mag brings out..thanks!
Great Magpie .... educational, written well and wonderfully entertaining too!
MmmmmFugo....I'll park the car and meet you inside!
Hi Helen-
Thank you..I do like to get the facts straight!
always just a little dance on the edge for you Lynne! personally will stick to your list of chocolate decadence. xxo
Hi Mary Ann-
Mmmm, indeed!! Park the car..I'll order the cocktails!!
Hi Jeane-
Thanks..I'm with you with the chocolate..of course..the rest is just foolin' around!!
lyn,
I tried Fugu once; I was convalescing in Japan from wounds recieved in 'Nam. Too bad, I died and now I spend my time in the blogsphere reading and commenting and writing inane diatribe from time to time. So as much as I'd love to join you I'll have to pass. (Gomenasai) but let me say that I love reading your essays and will be coming around again soon. :)
rel
Hi rel-
Really don't mind being haunted by you..funny is a good trait for ghosts..I should know!! Thanks...
I may just take a rain check ;) ...and use the excuse that I don't eat fish!
Hi Caty-
Good choice..I'll be changing the menu! Thanks..
I love to eat fish, but not that in love with it! I'll pass on the fugu.
;-)
An entertaining and great Magpie.
Hi 00dozo-
Funny, but I haven't had any takers! I'm willing to switch!! Thanks for visiting..
Well, I'll politely decline that invitation, seeing how I've lived half my life within the European Union.
Hi Angie-
A fine excuse!..Guess I'll have to excuse you..Think I'll just offer you a chocolate!!
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