Lunchtime Investigation
This time around, I decided to do
some investigative work. I’m one of the stir-fry junkies on campus, so I became
pretty familiar with the options quickly. One ingredient I have often noticed,
and have tipped my imaginary hat to those brave enough to opt for it, is the
crabmeat. As a general rule, I tend to stay away from cafeteria seafood
options. Since my elementary days, when tuna boats were all the rage, I just
couldn’t stomach the idea of cafeteria fish. Don’t get me wrong, I grew up in a
coastal town in southern Alaska, I have a deeply ingrained love of fish. Still,
something about the mystery behind cafeteria food makes me extremely wary of
anything from below the waves. So as I stood in line, I began to wonder, can it
really be that bad? No one has been hospitalized from consuming the crabmeat in
Chase thus far, and I’m sure if this were a concern, the cafeterias wouldn’t
leave the option open. So I took a deep breath, and placed my order.
I am very relieved to report that I
had no life threatening reaction to my crabmeat stir-fry. Not even a slight
stomachache. I wouldn’t go as far as to say I liked it, or that I would get it
again. More than anything else, the texture threw me off. Still, it wasn’t the
horrid result I thought it would be. A little fishy, a little squishy, but in
the end, it was just my regular stir-fry meal with a twist. By the end of lunch, this investigation led
me to wonder, what other options are being shunned in the cafeteria simply
because of misled perceptions? From now on, I think I’ll try to be a little
open minded about what is being offered – maybe even try a few new things.
I enjoyed reading your post, and I completely agree that certain food options on campus are shunned on sight, just because of an abrupt judgement. I too am a stir-fry junkie, but I generally avoid the seafood and most meats as well. Last year I made it so far as to try the shrimp, but you have inspired me to be more adventurous and try the crab meat next time!
ReplyDeleteSorry to burst your bubble, but I'm afraid that the crab meat is actually what is known as Sea Leg (a crab-meat like substance composed of other fish and colored to resemble crab). It won't make you sick unless it is spoiled, but that's probably why it had a different smell and texture than you are used to.
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