Poll: Japanese First Date

[etoiles]

They will probably have some vegetable sushi which is just basically a small piece of raw veggie (avocado or cucumber mostly) surrounded by rice. Nothing crazy.

Tempura is also another choice as others recommended which is basically fried food, whatever flavor you choose.

 

[mnrose]

It is not a big deal. We ate at a Japanese restaurant last night. I'm not a big sushi fan, but had a California roll (NO fish in this one), beef negimaki (thinly sliced beef rolled around scallions..beef is cooked!), and tempura. All was delicious, and not a speck of raw fish entered my mouth. OTOH, my teens and my DH enjoyed the raw fish in assorted rolls.

There will be other things to have besides sushi!

 

[mmackeymouse]

LOL, one of our early dates was to a Japanese steak house. I was so nervous because I really just didn't know what to expect. "Japanese" was really exotic in our town back then. Heck, I was just getting settled in with Lasagna, the other "foreign food."

I hate sushi but I love a good hibachi grill~ I usually get the steak, which comes with a side salad, clear broth soup, grilled vegetables and fried rice. They always have chicken too. Nothing weird. And I have NEVER been offered chopsticks, although I have seen others ask for them.

Look online for a menu. I bet there's something you can eat there. Go and enjoy yourself.

Okay, I don't want to be a complete moron, but....what's the point of clear broth? Is it to eat? Drink? Dip something in?

I love sushi so it wouldn't be an issue. Check the menu online. Just because it's a Japanese restaurant doesn't mean it'll have hibachi. It should have teriyaki though and that's a safe option.

In your position I'd tell the guy I've never had Japanese food but would love to try something new. I really doubt the food will make you sick. Of course getting all worked up about it might.

Well, this specific restaurant doesn't have a website/menu. It is a small chain restaurant, and I checked out the other restaurants in the chain, and they all have similar menus, although not identical. Some have tempura. Some don't. They all have hibachi, so that's good. One even has a chicken tempura roll....I could maybe handle that! So, I have a general idea of what they have, but not an exact idea.

I'm not too worked up. I'm fine. After all, concentrating on this keeps me from concentrating on "What am I going to wear?" "Should I hug him hello or shake his hand?" "What will we talk about?" and all those crazy questions.

 

[wiigirl]

Japanese Pavilion sounds great. You and your date should have a great time and a great dinner.

 

[wvjules]

OMG Just relax. You're going to ruin this date because you are too nervous. It's dinner with a friend. Eat, drink and be merry!

And I hope you were joking about going into shock from eating different foods?

 

[Gumbo4x4]

The clear soup is just eaten as soup. It always reminds me a little of a thin French Onion soup, if that makes any sense.

 

[Wendy31]

OMG Just relax. You're going to ruin this date because you are too nervous. It's dinner with a friend. Eat, drink and be merry!

And I hope you were joking about going into shock from eating different foods?

This.

I understand being a little nervous. I have social anxiety myself.

But, really, you'll be fine - just keep things nice & casual & & friendly & don't make every little thing so significant.

And, regarding the soup - some hibachi restaurants serve it as a course; some don't. Ours has it at dinner but not at lunch. You'll have a spoon. It's basically just broth w/ some chives usually.

 

[design_mom]

Okay, I don't want to be a complete moron, but....what's the point of clear broth? Is it to eat? Drink? Dip something in?

It's soup. You eat it like soup. It's usually has some mushrooms and/or onions in it, but it's mostly broth. It's my DD's favorite part of the meal. I think she could eat a gallon of that soup.

I don't really know anyone who doesn't like hibachi chicken or steak. My dad is the LEAST adventurous eater I know. (He is a meat and potatoes man and says "whew! that's spicy!" about Ortega taco seasoning mix.) Even he likes hibachi steak and fried rice.

If you are feeling adventurous, give it a try. If you are not feeling adventurous, say so... and have in mind someplace that is the same price (or less) that you can suggest if he asks.

 

[mustgonow]

Have you gone into shock from trying new foods before?

 

[BlovesC]

Unless he's taking you to an actual authentic restaurant, which are extremely rare, you have nothing to worry about. It will likely be some super Americanized place with chicken teriyaki or tempura on the menu. You really can't get more mild (or boring) than that or hibachi. Try and relax!

 

[mmackeymouse]

No I've not gone into shock from trying new foods before. It was a joke!

Honestly, I am not tooooooo nervous. Probably a healthy nervous. We have already talked tentatively about future dates. Star Trek marathon at his place with him cooking and me making dessert. A Murder Mystery train ride in a few weeks.

So, I feel okay. Just going to try to make it through without completely screwing up.

 

[Sanchez]

"Should I hug him hello or shake his hand?"

I would go with the fist bump (unless he presents written proof that his immunizations are current.)

 

[TheIncredibles!]

If it's a Hibachi place I think being at a table with other people will make that whole first date thing seem a little less uncomfortable and was a really wise choice on his part. Focus on that and the pressure that will take off of you and don't worry about the food or the greeting.


As for the Movie marathon to be honest I would NOT do that as a second or third date. It's way too intimate for this early stage and especially for somebody with limited dating experience. I know it sounds nice but trust me, being alone together this early on will have your mind spinning when you're actually there and you won't know what to do. Do you talk or sit and watch quietly? When is the date over? When do you leave? PLEASE save that for a few dates down the line when you are more comfortable with each other. The Murder Mystery train however is an excellent idea. Lost of people around, it's an organized activity etc. Try and get a few more of those types of dates in before you get to the date at his home thing.

Good luck!

 

[Handbag Lady]

I'm sure there will be something on the menu you can eat. Don't make a big deal about it.

Totally this. I am a huge picky eater and there are things I like at every LA restaurant I've been to in the past.

You can also make this a point of conversation so he can get to know a quirk of you right away.

 

[robinb]

I love Japanese and I tend to roll my eyes at adult picky eaters. That being said, I voted "No, thanks. Maybe something else?" I would call him up and suggest another restaurant. There is no reason for you to add a level of anxiety to a first date.

Have fun!

 

[sonnyjane]

Sounds like you're going to stick with the hibachi place which is exactly what I'd suggest.

I just wanted to say that referring to a hibachi place in the US as "Japanese" food is essentially the same as saying that Taco Bell serves "Mexican" food. If you order the hibachi it's essentially exactly the same as ordering a steak at any other restaurant, they just chop it up into bite size pieces for you first lol! Same goes with the chicken. It won't be as exotic as you fear

 

[ilovemk76]

Cancel the date. Any man that does not know what a picky eater you are is not marital material.

 

[NaLisa]

First of all, relax. Dating is an opportunity to socialize and see if you like each other. No need to make it out to be more than that (e.g. could this be my soul mate?)

Second of all, I wouldn't discuss a second date (much less a third) until you've gone out on the first one.

Third, Japanese food (as served in American hibachi restaurants) is very mild. I can't see it shocking your system. But if you're than worried about it, why not go to the restaurant before the date to make sure the food agrees with your system? You could do take-out if you're worried about dining alone.

Try to relax, have fun and avoid unrealistic expectations.

 

[MrsDuck]

Order the beef or chicken teriyaki...very safe option. Tempura is also a safe option...it's just battered and fried shrimp or veggies. Just be open and honest that this is new for you and laugh off asking for some American utensils if they only offer chopsticks. Hope you have a great time? Don't get too worked up over this.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Exactly what I was going to suggest. Order the teriyaki and call it a day. You'll be fine! Don't overthink and just enjoy!

Who knows... you may love Japanese food!

Have fun!

 

[mmackeymouse]

As for the Movie marathon to be honest I would NOT do that as a second or third date. It's way too intimate for this early stage and especially for somebody with limited dating experience. I know it sounds nice but trust me, being alone together this early on will have your mind spinning when you're actually there and you won't know what to do. Do you talk or sit and watch quietly? When is the date over? When do you leave? PLEASE save that for a few dates down the line when you are more comfortable with each other. The Murder Mystery train however is an excellent idea. Lost of people around, it's an organized activity etc. Try and get a few more of those types of dates in before you get to the date at his home thing.

Good luck!

You are probably right. Thanks for your advice. I will take that into consideration. I just never thought of it as "intimate," as a movie marathon seemed like a relatively harmless activity, one that I would do with a brother, sister, cousin, or friend. So, I would be cool for it, even if he and I decide we don't hit it off romantically. And you are missing the point of it, hehe. The fun of a Star Trek marathon is the philosophical discussion that ensues (Geek alert)

Further, I am a homebody. I would much rather spend time at home with a friend(s), partner, myself...in private than go out. It's the life of an introvert. But, it probably is something that should be reserved later on down the line, you are completely right.

Second of all, I wouldn't discuss a second date (much less a third) until you've gone out on the first one.

Looks like that ship has sailed huh?

Something to keep in mind for the next guy, I guess.