gaminghistorian

Q&A #1: BBQ, Japan, and....Taco Bell?

Added 2020-09-23 14:44:52 +0000 UTC

Hello Patrons!

Work continues on the Mega Man DOS video. I also might be doing a quick video on LJN's Roll 'n Rocker!

But now it's time to answer some questions. I've selected 3 at random and the most popular question from the comments section last week. So let's get started!

Do you have any plans to visit Japan in the future once everything calms down? Would you like to visit Nintendoland? - Tung Wesley

Japan is a beautiful country. I've been there twice. The first time, was....when I was born! I was born in Okinawa, Japan on the US Naval base. When I turned 2, my family moved back to the United States. I don't remember a thing.

When I was 19, I made the Magic: The Gathering Pro Tour and competed in an event in Kobe, Japan. I didn't do so well in the tournament (190th place) but walking around Kobe was the real highlight. I was only there for 3 days, but it was so much fun. I think my favorite part was all the delicious food!

My friends & I were planning a week-long trip to Japan this year but then COVID struck. Maybe in 2021 we can make it happen. Nintendoland is definitely on our list! It looks wild.

Favorite BBQ item and side - Chris Morton

Oh boy, BBQ! As a Kansas City local, I am quite familiar with BBQ. My favorite cut of meat is the burnt end. I'll let local restaurant Joe's KC explain the history behind these delicious little beef nuggets.

Back in the day, at one of Kansas City's historic barbecue joints, over near 18th & Vine, the sandwich maker would slice brisket by hand right there on the counter where customers lined up to place their orders. The first thing the sandwich maker would do when a fresh brisket was brought to the counter was trim off the ends. The ends of a brisket are thinner than the middle part, and therefore cook faster, and after long hours in the smoker, the ends get, well, burnt. These crunchy, heavily caramelized, intensely smoky, end pieces were not considered suitable for sandwiches and over the course of a day, as the sandwich maker did his work, these discarded pieces piled up on the cutting board. To hungry customers standing in line, these blackened bits of barbecue proved irresistible. They'd reach in, snatch a few, and pop 'em in their mouths while they waited to order. These burnt ends were so popular, folks wanted them put on the menu.

Today, burnt ends are made a little differently, but the idea is the same. They are just so tasty and delicious. As for a side, I keep it simple: Give me fries!

Does your wife ever join you in playing video games? - Matt

Kristin does not really play video games, but don't let her fool you: She is very good at Super Mario World! She grew up playing the game and knows just about every secret. We actually played the game together on Twitch last year.

Her other favorite games are Super Mario Kart, Tetris, and Aladdin (SNES version!)