My buddy David and I went to the local Asian grocery store today. Man, do they have some weird shit. Dried squid that is probably like squid jerky, quail eggs, snow pea chips, dried, fried squid, wasabi peas, sugared ginger, and tons of other stuff that I can't begin to imagine what's inside. The pictures don't really help, either. I would like to go back with someone that actually knows what's in the packages. Some of the stuff looked pretty good, but I'd be afraid to try it without knowing what it was.
My favorite part was reading the English translation of what's inside. We bought something called 'Muscat Gummy' which seems to be muscadine-flavored gummy candy. We didn't buy them for the candy, we bought them for the description on the package:
Its translucent color so alluring and taste and aroma so gentle and mellow offer admiring feelings of a graceful lady. Enjoy soft and juicy Muscat Gummy.
We also bought grape-flavored Hi-Chew and some other kind of candy that looked like Nerds and tasted like ass. The Hi-Chew wasn't bad, but I get the feeling that the Japanese don't like things as sweet as Americans.
They did have some cool chopsticks, mugs, and assorted china, plus a really cool Chinese butcher knife for only $25.00. I may head back there later and pick one up.
You should come visit! Man, there's so much cool stuff in Chinatown.
Posted at March 28, 2005 02:31 PMNow now, that "nerds" candy definately mellows into a "non ass flavored" aftertaste. Let's be fair. Give me another year or two, and I might be convinced to partially consume more of that tiny container of them.
Posted at March 28, 2005 03:07 PMMuscat gummys are way yummy. Eat them. You'll like them. My kids love them.
Posted at March 28, 2005 04:09 PMI like the green tea ice cream they sell at Asian groceries. Try it.
Posted at March 29, 2005 10:59 AMAs a fellow Southerner, I would like to add: Chinatown = overrated. Every cliche you've ever heard concerning overcrowding in big cities comes to life in Chinatown, especially on Canal Street. It is also a massive magnet for tourons. To be fair, it is great if you are shopping for electrical devices and/or parts though.
Posted at March 30, 2005 09:53 AMOh, I have to disagree if you're extending that out to talk about NYC's Chinatown (I'm a former NYC resident.) Put on that psychological armor already and don't be afraid to brave the hordes and/or tourons. The smaller alleys are worth exploring, and Kam Man on Canal always yields interesting things.
But if you're talking about Chinatown replications in other areas, uh - yeah. Agree. (This after dismal experiences visiting 'Chinatown' in LA, and seeing Portland's small Chinatown, where all the locals dine elsewhere...)