THINGS I WANT TO EAT RIGHT NOW

So I have this awful tendency to shop for groceries when I'm absolutely starving. Although I obsessively think of food, the whole brainstorming process doesn't start until I feel that itch in my belly. Because of this, I become incredibly indecisive. And the supermarket is the worst place to be. I find myself pacing the aisles, pausing in front of cans of sauces, marinades, frozen dinners, often overwhelmed by the number of choices I have. But then I end up making something I've grown accustomed to, never really branching out and making new things.

Well hopefully after this post things will change.

Truth be told, despite the fact that I often consider myself quite the connoisseur of international cuisine, I still tend to eat the same dishes, the same meals. I suppose that I've convinced myself that because I've eaten agedashi tofu so many times, I can tell exactly how it should taste and have created these false expectations in my mind. I'm getting off track here, but you know what I'm trying to say.

1. Chocolate dipped bacon



Sara Jayne Photography

Don't get me wrong. I am not a real big chocolate eater. I've always seen it as sort of a savory snack, far from the typical Hershey's bar or mocha frappe. It's apparent that most of the world is a big fan of cocoa and refined sugar so it's no surprise that someone decided to start dipping things in it. Fondue, anyone?

There's something incredibly intriguing about dipping bacon into chocolate. Not only will there be a contrast in flavors, salty versus sweet, but the oilyness of the bacon would probably (i'd imagine) create a melt-in-your-mouth feeling. Plus, who doesn't love pig fat anyway?

I've read a number of recipes to make it and it's really not that difficult. I guess I just haven't felt adventurous enough to finally go through with it!

2. Jelly fish

The last time I went to Japan was nearly seven years ago. I remember sitting at the table just after New Years with my family around when my grandmother presented us with a salad. Garnished at the very top was shiny, slimy, and sliding down the lettuce leaves. "Gerri-fishu" my grandmother enunciated to my brother and I, to which we both pursed our lips and shook our heads in silence.

I really regret not eating it.

I want to try it cured, but my understanding is that most jellyfish that is marketed is already processed, otherwise it cannot be consumed. My curiosity kills me! Does it taste like fish? Like the sea? Perhaps its own distinct, unusual flavor? I must know! I cannot seem to find it here in Hawaii and perhaps what little kanji I know fails me, but hopefully I can cross this off my "Must Eat" list.

3. Olive Garden



OKAY OKAY I KNOW. THIS ISN'T A REAL FOOD. But effing-A man, they play the commercials here in Hawaii all the time and we don't have one here! I want to eat EVERYTHING, I don't even care if it sucks. I just need to get it out of my system.

4. Pad Thai



I love Thai food. I can't get enough of it, really. But despite the numerous visits to Bangkok Chef in Nu'uanu or Chiang Mai in Moili'ili, I have never tried pad thai. Perhaps it's because it reminds me of an omelet of thai foods, a mish-mash of various dishes and flavors. And because they're a real family style restaurant like most Asian cuisines are, I can't imagine sharing something like that and eating something else too. Maybe I'm over-thinking the dish, but I'm desperate to try it now. I'll just have to make a mental note to remind them no shrimp!

Okay I'm kind of tired of talking about food for today. More updates to come!