Good News, Bad News
First the good news:
I was invited to dine at an absolutely splendid restaurant called Tsuki this evening, and I must say that, outside of Tokyo, it was one of the most delightful Japanese meals I've ever experienced. We were treated like royalty!
Our evening opened with Sunomono Moriawase (shrimp, octopus, whitefish and baby scallops in a light vinaigrette), Gyu Tataki (thin-sliced beef with daikon, carrot, chives and kaiware sprouts) and Smoked Octopus Salad (over Japanese greens). From there, we shared the Honey Miso Steak, Pistachio Salmon Teriyaki (with grilled tomato) and Sea Bass Cartoccio (in lemon butter with asparagus and mushrooms)... all accented by an absolutely splendid bottle of Kaguyahime. I'm so full (and a wee bit tipsy) that I don't think I'll be able to eat for the rest of the weekend!
As for the bad news: My "date" (a bloke who works for the French Consulate) turned out be something of a cochon. He invited me to join him for an after-dinner drink at a nearby pub, then proceeded to put his paws all over me the entire time. After 30 minutes or so, I had to excuse myself from the table and privately ask the hostess to call me a taxi. He was so drunk, I don't even think he noticed that I'd left.
Needless to say, (especially after having read this earlier today), I can't say that I'm surprised. Mind you, I have nothing against France in general (Paris is among the loveliest, most cordial cities I've ever visited), but French men turn me off. Completely. The ones that I've met seem to think that women are either mindless sex toys and/or trophies with which to notch their belts.
No, thank you. Ever again. Lesson learned.
P.S. I guess what it all boils down to is that I'd really like to meet someone truly special. Maybe someday.
I was invited to dine at an absolutely splendid restaurant called Tsuki this evening, and I must say that, outside of Tokyo, it was one of the most delightful Japanese meals I've ever experienced. We were treated like royalty!
Our evening opened with Sunomono Moriawase (shrimp, octopus, whitefish and baby scallops in a light vinaigrette), Gyu Tataki (thin-sliced beef with daikon, carrot, chives and kaiware sprouts) and Smoked Octopus Salad (over Japanese greens). From there, we shared the Honey Miso Steak, Pistachio Salmon Teriyaki (with grilled tomato) and Sea Bass Cartoccio (in lemon butter with asparagus and mushrooms)... all accented by an absolutely splendid bottle of Kaguyahime. I'm so full (and a wee bit tipsy) that I don't think I'll be able to eat for the rest of the weekend!
As for the bad news: My "date" (a bloke who works for the French Consulate) turned out be something of a cochon. He invited me to join him for an after-dinner drink at a nearby pub, then proceeded to put his paws all over me the entire time. After 30 minutes or so, I had to excuse myself from the table and privately ask the hostess to call me a taxi. He was so drunk, I don't even think he noticed that I'd left.
Needless to say, (especially after having read this earlier today), I can't say that I'm surprised. Mind you, I have nothing against France in general (Paris is among the loveliest, most cordial cities I've ever visited), but French men turn me off. Completely. The ones that I've met seem to think that women are either mindless sex toys and/or trophies with which to notch their belts.
No, thank you. Ever again. Lesson learned.
P.S. I guess what it all boils down to is that I'd really like to meet someone truly special. Maybe someday.