[krogers58]

I have sampled puffer fish in Japan, and it was absolutely delicious. As I understand it, most of the fatalities associated with it are from poorly trained "chefs" preparing them. As I understand it, in Japan, there are approximately 200 trained chefs, who undergo special licensing and training, who are legally allowed to prepare puffer. It is, though, extremely expensive.

[reformed_democrat]

I've heard it's wonderful stuff, but I found out about it's unpleasant side effects before I had a chance to taste it. I was always too chicken to sample it -- well, that and the fact that is was never a daily special at Kuru-Kuru Zushii (the original fast food -- the stuff goes by on a conveyer belt and you pluck what you want).

Kuru-Kuru Zushii was relatively inexpensive -- two pieces of tamago were only 50Y, and the most expensive was the real crab meat at 250Y. There were little spigots every few seats, and these dispensed ocha (very, very hot ocha). I sure miss that place. I wonder if there's a market for that out here . . .