My favorite wasabi story. I was in Japan on a business trip, out for a business dinner. One of the Japanese employees across from me (who was already under the influence) would often ask me to try something, saying “Please, please”. At one time they brought out some roasted potatoes, and I said that some tabasco sauce would help, which they requested and was brought out. When I sprinkled a healthy amount on my potatoes and ate them (to the admiration of the Japanese), I held it out to the Japanese guy across from me and said, “Try some – Please”, which he then (to save face) had to do, and was somewhat overwhelmed. He then said, “Now we try wasabi” and ordered something that came out with a huge side of it. He took my chopsticks and put a large amount on, then his own. We counted down and put them both in our mouths. I was careful to not breathe in (as that is where wasabi really kicks you in the nose), and after a bit he surrendered and wiped his mouth with his napkin. I finished mine and enjoyed my victory.
@Mark_L@rjquillin Brings back memories of having “professional business dinners” (partying) with Japanese guys. Never quite knew what you were getting into. That was when I was about 1/2 my current age, so I was better able to handle the “adventure”
Fresh grated wasabi root; absolutely!
The yucky paste from tubes; not so much.
My favorite wasabi story. I was in Japan on a business trip, out for a business dinner. One of the Japanese employees across from me (who was already under the influence) would often ask me to try something, saying “Please, please”. At one time they brought out some roasted potatoes, and I said that some tabasco sauce would help, which they requested and was brought out. When I sprinkled a healthy amount on my potatoes and ate them (to the admiration of the Japanese), I held it out to the Japanese guy across from me and said, “Try some – Please”, which he then (to save face) had to do, and was somewhat overwhelmed. He then said, “Now we try wasabi” and ordered something that came out with a huge side of it. He took my chopsticks and put a large amount on, then his own. We counted down and put them both in our mouths. I was careful to not breathe in (as that is where wasabi really kicks you in the nose), and after a bit he surrendered and wiped his mouth with his napkin. I finished mine and enjoyed my victory.
@Mark_L
A very wise decision to limit breathing. It’s not guac after all…
@Mark_L @rjquillin Brings back memories of having “professional business dinners” (partying) with Japanese guys. Never quite knew what you were getting into. That was when I was about 1/2 my current age, so I was better able to handle the “adventure”
@pmarin @rjquillin Yeah, the after-work dinners in Japan could get pretty interesting. Kanpai!