WED 21 JUL 99

Dinin’ Chinese in the Big Udon

Mike H., Mike C., Chris and I finally make it over to the 12^th floor of the Osaka Ekimae No. 1 Building. Walk past belly-up bar and liquor store next to lobby. With vending machines inside, in case the beer runs out. Everybody’s smokin’ and jokin’. The lovely interior of the elevator is finished the same as a walk-in refrigerator except for the quarry tile that should be on the floor.

We go in, and are given tickets, redeemable for a bottomless mug of beer. Soft drinks and tea are also available, but no wine or liquor. The essence of this buffet is Chinese. There are:

Steamed dumplings

Marinated Shiitake mushroom

Sautéed Japanese Eggplant

Spring rolls

Edamame

Peanuts

Glazed sweet potato

Cooked bitter melon

Sausages

Shrimp

Pork ?

Food is not particularly special, but quieter than the others to date.

Music is Japanese pop – quieter than others.

Mike and I go to Windows on the World to reminisce about the future that could and should have been. Instead, we talk about the end that was and chili peppers.