My girlfriend managed to drag me down here, to South Florida, and with it being her trip, I guess it’s her call on entertainment. She chose to go to a comedy show at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood. I didn’t particularly think the comedians were very good…and I was turned off by the 2-drink minimum. The only thing that was OK there was the food…in particularly, the fries. That brings me to this week’s moment in the Flashback Friday series: the best French fries ever.
How I first came across this moment? Anybody that knows me knows that I have a certain affinity for fries. Once upon a time, in my first weeks of living in Japan, I entered a fry-eating contest that Charley’s was putting on at the Yokota Community Center. I placed a very disappointing 2nd, effectively ending my competitive eating career. Anyway, it was a Saturday in May 2009. As I did so often, I made the trek into Central Tokyo…this time, hanging out in the Ebisu neighborhood. I got a relatively late start to the day because I was out into the wee hours of the morning at a speed dating event in Kokubunji. As the day in Ebisu winded down, I took the Yamanote to Shibuya, got off and walked around. I happened upon an Outback Steakhouse, where I ordered a burger and bacon cheese fries. The fries came out, looking all sexy and delicious. I put some ketchup on them and Good Lord…they were the best ever.
What it meant to me then? In the moment, I was hungry. That burger was delicious but those fries were literally from another planet. The presentation was awesome. The way the cheese was so evenly melted on the cheese and the bacon slapped on top with the ketchup to finish it off. I was so taken back by the presentation that I took a picture of the fries before I dove into them.
What it means to me now? That was over 6 years ago. I haven’t had fries that looked or tasted that good since. Even in my trips to French Fry Heaven or me making my own fries at home, I haven’t been able to replicate that presentation or taste. Perhaps, I should stop by Outback during my trip to Tokyo next month to cop some of those fries.
