This past week I hooked up with some friends at an izakaya to
watch the final game of the World
Baseball Classic, Japan vs.Cuba. More on the results later. I first met these folks at the same pub. We bonded over
the historic Yanks–Red Sox Game, cheering for Matsui.
Fast forward to the food. As we anxiously
awaited the game's start, I noticed hot dog, Japanese style, $2, on the handwritten specials board. At that price
I knew I had to try it. What better snack for a ball game than hot dogs? Beneath that read: $5.50 –
dressing: squid sashimi, natto and seaweed. We ordered up two dogs;
one with the squiddy, squishy works, and one plain.
I was relieved, yet surprised, when the waitress brought our Japanese hot dogs. Surely these golden-battered tubesteaks impaled on skewers were little more than corn dogs with a Far-Eastern pedigree. In all fairness, I've never had one of these state fair staples. As for the Japanese version: sweet batter encased a mellow, soft seafood sausage. All in all, a perfect complement to an ice-cold Sapporo. As for the game, Japan won 10-6.
10 More Dirty Restaurant Tricks
5 Things You Didn't Know About Turducken
10 Catchiest Food Jingles We Love to Hate
