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Resting and Relaxing

Tuesday Mar 23, 2004

So we are back in Kagoshima finally getting a bit of rest and relaxation. After all, what is vacation about? This was the most low key part of the trip but it included some really great highlights.

One such highlight was Steak Anne's also named Steak and Beer. Now any restaurant named Steak and Beer has to be good! And it did not disappoint. The reason it truly makes the blog though is the process it entailed. Arriving during the peak of lunch hour we were seated at the counter. When you walk in as well as when you leave you get a resounding welcome/hello from the entire staff and a thank you for being here. It is not unlike the loud wait staff of the Japanese restaurant in the film "Defending Your Life." This demenour goes hand in hand with the way food is prepared and served. Steak Anne's is an in-your-face establishment. After ordering you sit and watch as they literally set your meal on fire. At first a very small fire just barely engulfing your plate, but then, BOOM, flames almost to the ceiling. I feared for my life and I was over 10 feet away from the stove. When they serve the meal you place your napkin on the table so that the plate is placed upon the upper half and you lift the lower half to prevent scortching hot sauces to find your clothing, skin, face, etc. Beyond the heart racing excitement and adreneline rush caused by the fear of being burned to death the meal was amazingly delicious. As good as Ron of Japan/Benihana style steak. I'm sure there would be Steak Anne's allover the states if it weren't for our fire codes and human rights laws. Damn our silly democracy.

Other highlights included the rental of Charlie Kauffman's lesser known film, "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind" which chronicals the life story of Chuck Barris, TV producer of horrible gameshows and simultaneous CIA operative. Great film! Kauffman is just the greatest screenwriter ever.

Children are arriving here in the classroom so I will continue on about the graduation, Japanese pizza, Dr. Seuss park, no tanukee, and the volcano later!

to be continued....