sticksandbones | (no subject)

Sounds like someone hasn't heard of fake vanilla flavoring.

You should have specified that. In which case, I would have agreed, sort of, as artificial vanilla...tasted quite peculiar, especially in certain foods.

It is simply not the same as authentic vanilla. What do you have against it, though? Any specific offences or instances where it had offended your tastebuds personally?

Why specify when it's so much fun to see other people jump to conclusions?

Artificial vanilla flavoring tends to be used to keep costs down, so you end up with very fake-y tasting vanilla ice creams and the like. Anything where the vanilla flavor is the star attraction shouldn't cut corners. It's too obvious when they do.

...I see. You are causing problems on purpose.

Regardless of that, I do agree. I suppose it cannot be helped, but...it is still not the same thing as the real deal, yes.

What's your favourite flavour, then?

Of course. Controversy was asked for, after all.

I'm fond of matcha. Though, miso ice cream is also an interesting flavor. As is sea salt.

You seemed quite...experienced with controversy.

[ Hold on. There was quite a lot to unpack here. Sounds like a...Higashian thing? At least the first two one did. Sea salt sounds rather self-explanatory, and he instinctively nodded at that last one. ]

The saltiness of the sea salt perfectly complements the sweetness of the ice cream, and it lends a refreshing layer to the ice cream's cold...it is the perfect companion indeed, especially during summer months. An exquisite taste that even the distinguished Miss Christine could approve of.

You do have taste. Although I could not say I was overly familiar with the other two — is the first one green tea, a Higashi-specific tea and a cultural favourite there? I do not know if you have a country called Higashi in your world. Regardless of that, I have heard of this tea, and I have been dying to try it. It could be an ice cream taste? Tell me more.

[ Conveniently leaving out the fact that miso ice cream is plain STRANGE. Well, it wasn't as if he was familiar with that, as he'd said. ]

What can I say? I know how to find entertainment.

A very apt assessment of the flavor! Bravo. It isn't one that's commonly seen, so I'm glad you understand the nuance.

Matcha and green tea are similar, but different. With matcha, rather than leaves being steeped, the leaves are steamed, dried, and ground into a powder that is whisked into hot water. It contains a little more caffeine than your typical green tea, and the flavor is a bit brighter and more intense, which lends to all sorts of different things. Ice cream, candy, mochi, even noodles.

Higashi isn't a country where I'm from, but it is a district of my city. The country itself is Japan.

Hmm. Well, I cannot exactly blame you, I suppose, as perhaps it is not unlike finding enjoyment in a dramatic play. [ Phantom NO. ]

But indeed, I am glad that we are on the same page regarding sea salt ice cream. It is true that it is uncommonly seen, although it is indeed a nuanced taste. Perhaps a little acquired for some people, but the threshold of getting into it isn't actually that high. They simply needed to let their palate be accustomed to its contrast and richer flavour.

[ He said that food isn't art, but then he went and said things like this. Figures. In any case, he is VERY interested to ~~hear~~ read the next part, since he has a personal interest in tea and the tea-making process. ]

I see. I imagine it must have a richer taste than its cousin, then. Although in noodles...I wonder how that would go. But the tea itself is something that I would fancy trying, and matcha ice cream certainly captures my interest, as well. The same can be said about matcha candy; although sadly, I am not overly familiar with mochi. Is it also a dessert item?

A district of your city, though? Japan? ...I see. I have too little information to draw a proper conclusion, but perhaps 'Japan' is your world's Higashi. Tell me a little more about your world. Do you, perhaps, have a nation that was akin to the Victorian Empire — one where 'the sun never sets'? Figuratively speaking, that is.

Edited 2024-02-29 23:44 (UTC)

Sounds like you're the type that would enjoy a good TV drama.

I'm honestly surprised that sea salt isn't a more common flavor. A lot of people seem to enjoy sea salt caramel. It's a similar taste. Besides that, the strange and unusual flavors tend to attract attention even if it starts out as someone blogging about how it sounds disgusting. Humanity loves a good experience.

Mochi is a sticky, stretchy sort of confection made out of cooked rice that is pounded and ground down into a paste. It's typically made around the new year. Dango is similar, but it's made from rice flour instead of cooked rice, and it's eaten year-round.

That would be England, though in the case of that phrase, it would be the British Empire. Funny that they go by different names. Is Higashi also considered the far east?

I have played a lead role in a spy flick before; I am unsure if that qualifies. Although I have had experience with several drama plays before, including...tragedies. [ He meant his own life, since the Troupe Leader had essentially turned him into one; the man - entity - was fond of tragedies, after all. ] Though, watching them, especially on the telly...is a whole different matter altogether. I cannot say I am actually fond of them.

[ Someone takes that remark all too literally. ]

Mm, sea salt caramel is also lovely, if not a bit more exquisite. It adds a layer of sweetness to the salty-and-cold taste, but not the cheap and irritating sort of sweetness. However, I suppose they are not more common because people tend to stick with the basics: vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. But we should think of them as the primary colour of ice cream rather than the end-all. The mixing of them and mixing them with other tastes could result in some truly heavenly experience...or hellish. It is not unlike the human experience in general.

...I got a little bit carried away there, but in any case, I suppose you are right. Experience is king when it comes to both food and art, isn't it? [ He truly took after his Troupe Leader. ]

I see. I cannot say I am familiar with dango, either...but both sounds intriguing. If you know how to make them, perhaps you could obtain the ingredients from Heimr.

I suppose the occassion makes the mochi more special, while dango a common everyday item, but both occupies their own role, isn't it?

[ England? The British Empire? So his country does exist in his interlocutor's world, after all. He had suspected that it might be the case, but...never thought that his wild stab in the dark (metaphorically speaking) would actually net a concrete answer. He pauses for a moment. ]

That should have been my line, I believe. In my world, it would have been the Victorian Empire, or simply 'Victoria' — where I came from. Well, the political situation there is currently...complicated, but I shall leave it at that, as I am afraid I am not very qualified to talk about politics.

But in short (to answer your question): yes. Although it was perhaps worth mentioning that all our nations, and the cities and provinces underneath them, are mobile. It is to my understanding that this Grove is unmoving, a stationary town. Perhaps your Japan is more similar to it than our Higashi, in that sense of the word. Which would make our understanding of geography differs slightly in that respect.

Oh, but the stories are so intriguing. Love, accidents, betrayal? Entire story arcs that culminate in the whole thing being someone's comatose dreamscape? What's not to like?

You'd be pleased to find out that sea salt caramels are pretty in-fashion these days, I think. I've even found it mixed into vanilla ice cream. There are thousands of combinations out there.

Dango could be easily made, if we have the right ingredients. I might look into it if I'm feeling particularly bored.

Mobile nations. How does that work, exactly?

Someone's...comatose dreamscape? Do elaborate. I am afraid I am also unfamiliar with televised drama plays aside from being not very fond of them; you would have to kindly fill me in on this.

[ That's actually less wild than some of the Troupe's plays, or Director Nian's ideas. Regardless of that, he is confused. ]

Oh? So it was in fashion back in your world? How amusing. I could picture how it would taste combined with vanilla, although despite my fondness for both, I would daresay that this combination is rather on the bland side of things. But indeed, there are thousands of possible combinations out there. What do you say about sea salt and chocolate? Or the more controversial, perhaps...sea salt with mint?

That aside, please let me know if you are planning to make some dangos. I would be most interested to try.

As for that...well, I am no scientist, but essentially, a moving or mobile nation was comprised of nomadic cities. That is to say, cities that can be moved as if they were a colossal vehicle. We utilise Originium reactors to power both the engines and electricity. The purpose was to avoid and minimise the massive damage that Catastrophes would cause.

...That was as far as I could explain it, to be honest. Again, I am no scientist or an academic like a couple of my colleagues here.