Sukiyaki? Suki-yucky!

Back for more, are you? Well, that's good to hear! I'd hate to know I was writing to a brick wall...

Today's visit to the Toke was especially exciting for me. For one, I was quite hungry after an less-than-filling breakfast. And, although it'd only been my customary week between visits, I felt like it had been an eternity since my last Little Tokyo meal. I couldn't really pinpoint why; I hadn't been on any vacations or encountered any life-altering situations. Maybe it was just that I hungered a little more than usual for some oil-drenched meat.

Once again, I decided to take advantage of the two-entree meal for $5.99. I ordered the teriyaki chicken, my usual, simply because when you're hungry, it's best not take too many risks. Then, just as my mouth opened to form the words for my second-favorite option (sesame chicken), I stopped myself cold. I lifted my eyes to meet George's, who was looking back at me, staring blankly.

'I'm tired of the same thing,' I said, which more than likely came as a shock to George, who had his hand on the sesame chicken spoon. 'What would you suggest?'

George looked up in thought, then quickly suggested the sukiyaki beef. I'm not sure if he actually did lapse into a moment of deep wonder, trying to weigh the many options, or if he just picked the dish because it was right next to the sesame chicken and he was too lazy to move from his current position.

'What the heck,' I said, 'why not? Give me the sukiyaki beef!'

Since he was busy dishing me up, George hadn't had a chance to pour me a soda. I thought maybe today I'd eschew the drink and buy an egg roll instead (in case I was dissatisfied with the beef). I ordered the egg roll and as I unfolded my wallet to get my debit card, I heard the distinctive sound of soda pouring from a fountain. Shit...foiled again!

We b.s.-ed about the weather (George offered the astute observation that April weather had been like May and vice versa -- hadn't heard that one before, Georgie-boy!) and then I was off to my seat. I coated my tongue with the succulent flavors of my teriyaki chicken and yakisoba noodles before decided to dive in to the beef. Hoping for the best, yet expecting the worst, I stuffed large chunks of beef and green pepper, dripping with sauce, into my mouth and began chewing. It was only a few moments before my taste buds rejected this new flavor...what a disappointment! Of course, anywhere else, this entree would have been divine -- but Little Tokyo? What a shame.

I was still able to leave with my belly full -- thank goodness I opted for the egg roll on the side! As I left, I passed by a group of screaming kids. I tossed a nickel on the floor and watched them scramble to it like a pack of retarded wolves.