You Can't Make Me Eat the Rice

Monday was an exciting day for me! I accepted a new position as a media specialist for an elementary school in Pasco County; a position I have been dreaming about for over 3 years! To celebrate, my husband took me out for lunch. We decided to go to Ginza Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar on Collier Parkway. I was thrilled to see that they offered an assortment of fresh veggies and lean meats that they would stir-fry for the customer! They also had one of my favorite items; seaweed salad. I love sea vegetables, so this totally made my day. But I was about to have my dream lunch crushed by the rice Nazi. (This is of course made in reference to the soup Nazi, a beloved character from the classic TV series “Seinfeld.”)

The sushi bar had wonderful nigiri sushi just calling my name. Now since I’ve changed my diet, I no longer eat white rice; especially white sushi rice which is just empty carbs. But I love sashimi so figured I would just make my own by removing the rice. I helped myself to 6 pieces of nigiri (3 salmon, 3 tuna) and sat back down at my table and proceeded to eat just the fish and put the rice to the side. Viola, insant sashimi. And before I had even finished my 6 tiny pieces, the sushi dude calls out to me from behind the sushi bar “you must eat the rice with the sushi.”

What? I must eat the rice? Who is going to make me eat the rice? How can you make me eat the rice? Last time I checked I was the one who had control of what I put in my mouth. I proceeded to tell him “No, I don’t have to eat the rice, I don’t eat rice.”

He then pointed to a sign that I had overlooked where it stated that the customer must eat the rice. WHAT???

And then our waitress came over and tell me the same thing: “You must eat the rice.”  Again, I replied “I don’t have to eat the rice, I don’t eat rice.” She then tells me “if you want no rice, you need to order sashimi off the menu.” To which I replied “no, I want the buffet but I don’t want the rice.” All of this for 6 bite size pieces of raw thinly sliced fish. And this is not a cheap buffet. Lunch for the two of us (with tip) was $35.00.  And we drank water.

I am in control of what foods I put in my body. No amount of food pushers, sushi chefs, waitresses, or foolish signage can make me eat the rice. Not happening.

Editor's note: Jenny Hodges lost 212 pounds with Weight Watchers and regular exercise.