Walking into the dimly lit and crowded restaurant, my first instinct was to immediately exit. I was in Chicago, why was I dining at a dive bar? I walked past the scantily dressed hosts and was seated with the rest of my group at a large round table. My day had been wonderful so far; That morning, I had gone to the top of the Sears Tower, visited the Chicago Art Institute, had brunch at Grace, and shopped along the Magnificent Mile. My stay at the Dana Hotel could only be matched by a luxury suite at the Westin. Everything about this trip had been absolutely perfect up until that point. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay “You’ll love sushi,” Connie said. “It’s the most amazing array of textures and flavors.” As a chef, Connie Freiberg knew exactly what food was delicious and what food was disgusting and inedible. I trusted him, to a certain point. I knew I had to try everything at least once. However, I hated fish. I hated the texture, the taste, the color. Sushi was just raw fish and rice, right? It seemed disgusting. I didn't want to voice my opinion on the subject in case she would be offended, so I humbly agreed and pretended to be excited about trying the sushi. Soon the waitress came to our table and asked for our orders. I didn't have the confidence to order sushi, so my boyfriend, Axel, happily ordered it for me. It's a little confusing when you're at the beginning of a relationship with someone and their family is in a better economic situation than yours. It's hard to know what to say and how to act when you're afraid your "peasantness" will come out and make you look like a fool. I hoped I wouldn't seem indifferent towards their family. Our starters came out shortly after, and the sushi itself moments later. Savory edamame, young soybeans picked and steamed in their pods, gave off a salty aroma and delicious texture. Following the lead of others, I put the pod lengthwise into my mouth and pulled it out between my teeth, extracting the tender soybeans from inside. The combination of crunchy yet soft texture was a pleasant surprise, and the woody flavor of the legume was extremely satisfying. I had noticed that the initial activity of the restaurant had not calmed down, but had started to feel calmer. My stress lessened, if only for a fleeting moment. "First take your baguette and dip it in the soy sauce and see if you like it. Here, try mine. I added some wasabi." Axel told me. I made this and loved the taste of the wasabi combined with the sauce. The spiciness of the wasabi combined with the saltiness of the soy, but it wasn't overpowering. I mixed a conservative amount into my own soy sauce and chose to add more shortly after. “Then take a piece of sushi, dip it in your soy sauce and wasabi mixture and give it a try.” Axel added, "Won't it fall apart? Do I put the whole thing in my mouth, all at once, like this?" I asked. I was trying to find a way not to eat that. I didn't want to try it. It smelled like fish, quite unpleasant to me. Was there even raw fish on it? I almost threw up in my mouth. I could feel my anxiety starting to rise. My heart rate was increasing, I was starting to sweat. I was more afraid to try this food than I.