Shopping for Raw Fish

On Wednesday I ventured down to Toronto with a couple of friends. We shopped at the Eaton Centre before heading over to Queen St. While at the Eaton Centre, we realized how grown up we've all become and how our style has changed. No longer would we walk into every store or look forward to the nearest Hollister or American Eagle. We knew what we wanted and knew where to get it. Everything was more expensive and perhaps better quality, but still fashionable. I think while being at university, we've grown more accustomed to a young Asian lifestyle. Surprising or not, none of us ended up getting anything. As we left the Eaton Centre, we ended up going to Urban Behaviour and Forever 21 on Yonge St., but that was still to no avail. We ended up wandering Queen Street for a while drowning in the scent of Lush which has a sales associate who is overly enthusiastic. Maybe it's the fumes she's taking in everyday. Either way, I went in search of a messenger bag because my canvas one has begun to smell. I suppose I shouldn't leave it on the ground so often and rain doesn't help either.

Around 7:30 we decided we were a tad hungry--okay, very hungry--leading us to a sushi place we've explored the last time I was downtown. As we walked further down Yonge St, the journey seemed to be a hundred miles as our hunger and all day adventure tired us. Many tired steps later we arrived at Sushi Hana. My friends and I sat at a candle lit booth and plopped down into the seats. Our feelings were elated knowing we had a seat where we didn't need to move. After struggling to decide what we should get on the menu and the waitress checking up on us a couple of times, we ordered three bento boxes and three rolls. I ordered the tempura bento box with unagi rolls, while my friends ordered a tempura bento with a BC roll (salmon skin) and a sashimi bento with spider rolls. After a few minutes and quiet chatter, the rolls arrive and they looked so delicious. We dove into the rolls tasting each one and savouring the flavour of well made maki. Once the rolls were finished, we realized we were all quite full, but the bentos were still on their way. The bento boxes were extremely large and came with a lot of food. I was determined to finish my meal and would not be defeated by it. I quickly managed to scarf down the dynamite rolls that accompanied it and worked on the fried foods next. The tempura was good and satisfied my cravings for something deep fried. I struggled with each bite from then on trying to finish the ball of rice on the corner of my bento. Finally, as I was nearly bursting from the inside, the box was empty. I had won. My friends on the other hand, decided to pack most of their orders which probably was a better idea than what I had just accomplished. Funnily enough, at the beginning of the meal, I had even encouraged my friends to indulge and order more rolls. I suppose it's a good thing we did not or I'm pretty sure I'd be in a sushi coma. Either way, we paid the bill and with happy stomachs we departed for the subway.

As customary of our hang outs, my friends and I always migrate towards a tea house for youngsters like ourselves. Although we were full we knew we had to go to Destiny's. We were seated by the door that led to the patio and sadly, that door was opened many times by people who needed a smoke leaving a cold draft in their wake. I ordered my favourite drink, the Red Bean Mix, despite the fact that it was cold and we were cold. It was delicious as usual, but I found it hard to down because of the large intake of sushi I had just devoured. We sat a little longer listening to many tracks of Lady Gaga play, which seemed to be the soundtrack of the day, and then paid the bill. Home was our next destination.

As I sauntered into my bed, I reminisced about the days events happy that I was able to hang out with my friends after a hard term. One last thought occurred to me as I drifted off to sleep.

Sushi wa oishii desu.