Last month, video intern Charlie Westfall and I set off on an adventure akin to Lord of the Rings in search of something arguably more exciting than the One Ring: Sushi Fajita.
While I’d consider Charlie a pal, and lunch with him a treat, we were there on a specific mission: to capture the restaurant in all its gimmicky glory for a social media video. If you haven’t been yet, (1) You should check out our article on the restaurant in the May issue, and (2) You should get your butt in a seat there ASAP.
One thing about me as a creative is that I appreciate beautiful food. Taste is paramount, of course, but presentation undeniably shapes the experience. There’s something compelling about a thoughtfully arranged platter arriving at the table — the interplay of color, texture, and composition. It’s an art in its own right, much like a story or musical piece. Sushi Fajita excels at that balance, juxtaposing vibrant colors, bold flavors, and combinations that encourage a different bite each time.
While Charlie captured video clips, and I sat nearby trying my darndest not to immediately scoop up a bed of rice layered with spicy tuna, kimchi, and radish onto my strip of nori, we began talking about some of my other favorite dining experiences, such as seafood boils and Korean hot pot. Eventually, the conversation shifted toward the idea of dining as a communal act. Good food matters, but what interests me even more is the participatory aspect of certain meals — the way they invite people to slow down, interact, and share in the experience together.
I told him that I feel like that’s how meals are meant to be eaten. Not rushed through or treated as a transition between daily activities but shared in conversation and communion with one another. I think that’s how life is meant to be lived, too. Fully engaged and present with the people around us, mixed in with a bit of fun and new experiences.
Our June issue is all about going out, and while that can mean many things under the sun, I challenge you to do it with intention at least once this month. Treat it like a date night — whether with your partner, your friends, or yourself. Really plan it out. Then, because balance is key in everything, go do something completely spontaneous. Let loose. Have fun. Maybe get a tattoo of a ferret or go skydiving (I’m not liable for any accidents or injuries that may occur).
Then, go one step further and disconnect. I love taking photos and posting on social media as much as the next Gen Zer, but some moments are better lived in than lived through a screen.
Enjoy the “Going Out” issue! Use it as a guide to explore the great city around us. And if you’re looking for that aforementioned interactive dining experience, I highly recommend a game of billiards and a burger, as well as Mahi’s Ethiopian Kitchen. They’re on our covers for a reason!
