Frazz by Jef Mallett for May 31, 2018

Golf is surprisingly meditative if you allow it to be. I used to play a lot in college, and later on the course my uncle runs. I have a handicap of 12. It’s a very effective substitute for new-age meditation like the present vipassana trend. I wish it could be more affordable, though.

Sushi is delicious if you understand the way the Japanese respect food. And even if you don’t, it’s still very tasty without the soy sauce, wasabi and pickled ginger. It feels like you’re tasting the true essence of the fish for the first time. And the rice helps mask the taste if you’re not a fan.

Ceviche, though, is what I’d recommend for most who are afraid of raw fish. And for those who like their steak rare. (I know I do.)

sushi isn’t fish, it’s rice and vinegar. it can be served with fish

I’M older, and I don’t like either one.

They raw fish isn’t so bad, but all that rice is gross

“You’ll like sushi when you’re older.”

No, Frazz, I won’t.

And they’re right: Golf is a good walk spoiled.

sushi is about as appetizing to me as eating raw liver. Golf offers meditative times which I can enjoy for an hour or so – with the sound off.

Sushi and golf are just 2 things I don’t care for.

My late husband played golf and I enjoyed accompanying him to a few tournaments and watching the majors on TV until it became all about Tiger Woods.

Tried sushi as a kid. Hated it. Tried golf as a kid. Hated it. Tried sushi as an adult. It’s pretty good. Tried golf as an adult. Hated it.

Wait a minute Jef. I thought Frazz-types played golf with little plastic disks and chainey basket-thingies. There’s even little pull carts…

It appears that Frazz is a BBC fan. Doctor Who or more than that?

With the last letter partially obscured, perhaps he’s a BBQ fan. =^_^=

Pickled ginger is meant to be eaten as a palate cleanser between courses, NOT on a delicate piece of seafood. Nothing should be “smothered” in wasabi or soy sauce, any more than you would smother a good steak in cheap ketchup. And if you find that you do not care for the taste (or texture) of one or another type of seafood, then cross it off your list and try something else. Many people are already used to lightly smoked salmon, so raw salmon is familiar; raw tuna is similarly familiar because tuna is often served “seared”, with only a thin outer layer cooked (and if you have only had tuna from cans, you are in for a revelation).

Sushi is bait.

Well taste has always been subjective and, thankfully, can change over time.

As a teen I would have turned my nose up at raw fish, just like you. As an adult, I have learned to appreciate it. So you don’t like it… that’s ok for you and more for me! And I’ll bet there are plenty of things I can’t stand that you just love… it’s all relative to individual tastes, and that’s ok.

And on the subject of preferred sports… I prefer bowling to golf, unless little windmills are involved 8^)

Golf is not so much a “game” as it is a "means to an end! You CAN observe and play it as a ‘game’ but it is ALSO a way the “good old boy” network meets and discusses strategies! You want comradery; take up bowling. You still need to ‘golf’ if you desire acceptance in the corporate world!

I’m 42… how much older do I need to be before I like eating bait, I mean sushi?

Most non-asians eat sushi the wrong way. They pick up the whole sushi, dip it in shoyu, causing the rice to fall apart. The correct way is to use your chopsticks, pick up the fish/ebi/whatever dip IT in the shoyu, replace on the rice roll, then eat it! No brainer.