All you can eat meat

The other day, we went out to a Brazilian Churrascaria. It's basically an all-you-can-eat Brazilian steakhouse. We went with some friends of ours who are from Japan. Cyndi met the wife, Masumi, a couple of years ago, and she became Frederic's Japanese teacher, and our family friend. Her husband, Shinya, works for a Japanese company that works directly with Honda. They've been here for a few years now and are unsure how long they will stay. Shinya and Masumi have two sons, Haruto and Sota. Many times when we get together, typically for special events like Thanksgiving or when we go out to eat, the boys are dressed up in matching outfits. I'm not a big fan of calling men's/boy's clothes "outfits," but I guess that best describes what they do.

The Sashajima's are interested in many things American, and we are interested in many things Japanese. They are a very nice family and while it's hard at times to communicate with one another, it never deters from our growing friendship.

Masumi and I share the same birthday and Shinya's is several days later on the 25th. Brunch, at the Brazilian steakhouse, was scheduled to celebrate our collective birthdays. I am the oldest of the three January births. 39 (me), 38 (Masumi), 37 (Shinya). We picked the restaurant because the Sashajima's like meat. All of them do. Meat, meat, meat. It makes me happy when they come over to our house and I prepare something on the Weber. The last time was Sizzling T-Bone Steaks with a mustard butter, mashed sweet potatoes, asparagus, wine and beer. Most of the time when we get together (the entire two families--Cyndi and Masumi get together weekly with the kids), the event centers around a meal. Our house for the traditional American fare, their house for Sushi, Japanese restaurants, etc. I guess that's what friendships are sometimes about. Getting together, trying new foods/places, drinking, having fun.

After the meal--we all ate way too much (Frederic and I had a "Man vs. Food" Challenge. We had to try at least one piece of every meat they served that day. I won!)--we went back to the Sashajima's for cake (Cyndi got a traditional Japanese cake at a Japanese grocery store), and presents. I thought our present to the couple was clever. It's hard to buy for anyone, but even harder when you buy for people who you know are not staying. The less "things" they acquire, the better. I suggested that we go to the butcher and buy them different cuts of meat. Cyndi agreed, it was a good idea.

In a large bag, they received Lamb Chops, Pork Chops, Italian Sausage, Chicken Breast, and their favorite, Ribeye Steaks. The butcher thought we were a little weird, giving meat for a present, but he gladly took care of us.

Cyndi predicted that Masumi would find the whole idea hysterical. And she did. So did Shinya and the boys. It went well with the theme of the day, but at that point, no one, including the happy birthday couple, was interested in more meat. They quickly put it all away in the freezer. Out of site, out of mind, I guess.

I'm happy Cyndi met this family and that we all get along so well. It's tough meeting people as adults. We are all so set in our ways and not as giving with our time or friendship. Never mind the cultural differences between us.

We have a trip planned with them in March to go to the Dells. What could be more American?