The course of shadows and thorns is a metaphorical representation of the challenges and obstacles we face in life. Like shadows, these difficulties darken our path and cast doubt on our journey. And like thorns, they poke and prick us, causing pain and discomfort. Throughout our lives, we encounter various forms of shadows and thorns. These can be anything from personal struggles and failures to external factors that hinder our progress. Sometimes, these shadows and thorns present themselves as self-doubt, fear, or uncertainty.
What are the most popular items on the Magic Touch Bullet Train Sushi menu?
With Magic Touch tablet ordering and Shinkanshen delivery system, customers can sample many types of Japanese food made fresh to order and delivered to tables in front of you. But for the most part, you re on your own, following the Easy Steps for the 1st Time Comer on the plasticized menu, which guides you to the iPad in front of every diner, from which you order your food.
Sometimes, these shadows and thorns present themselves as self-doubt, fear, or uncertainty. Other times, they manifest as difficult circumstances, setbacks, or adversity. Regardless of their form, these shadows and thorns have the potential to shape us and teach us valuable lessons.
Sushi is delivered by ‘bullet train’ with a Magic Touch in Cerritos
I recently spent a couple of weeks in Japan, where I rode a bullet train many times, a wonderful trip, made all the better by the amazing bento boxes sold in even the smallest of train stations.
Bento — more properly referred to as ekiben — are wonderful things. They’re edible Joseph Cornell boxes of tasty treats and happy bites, going for about $10 a box.
Curiously, when I got back, I went to the newly opened Magic Touch Bullet Train Sushi restaurant, situated in yet another of the many South Street Cerritos food malls, where they do not offer ekiben. Which is a pity, because it would certainly add to the sense of being Over There.
But still, the high-tech style of the eatery does have a Tokyo Modernist/Robot Restaurant sense to it. Though in this case, the food isn’t served by robots. It’s served by miniature “bullet trains” (properly shinkansen) that come zipping out of the kitchen (or whatever is in the unseen back of the restaurant) bearing your nigiri, your sashimi and your rolls along with a sundry of appetizers and small dishes.
I should explain that there are humans working in Magic Touch. They bring you beverages and other items that might not do well on a miniature train. But for the most part, you’re on your own, following the “Easy Steps for the 1st Time Comer” on the plasticized menu, which guides you to the iPad in front of every diner, from which you order your food.
A fun way to dine
The order is then transmitted to the back, where the dishes are loaded on the train and shot out (well, not really shot; they move a lot slower than the full-sized bullet train), somehow stopping right in front of where you’re sitting.
It’s a clever system, allowing you to keep track of what you’ve ordered on the iPad, though there is something a bit alienating about sitting at the counter, staring ahead at the very brightly lit “track,” waiting for your food to arrive. There are several tables where you can interact with others. Otherwise, this is dining in a world of white space, a bit lonely, a bit cold. Once I got past the novelty, I fell into a bit of existential angst.
And I do need to mention that the food doesn’t come out especially fast. Unlike Magic Touch’s cousin restaurants, the somewhat less mechanistic revolving sushi bar (of which there are many in Japan, where it was invented, and where the proper name is “kaikan”), you don’t have the fun of watching an endless parade of dishes march on by. In this case, the train arrives, the food is taken, the train withdraws. In between, you’re on your own. It’s Concept Uber Alles, or however that would be said in Japanese.
Priced well
But there is a good side to all this high-tech obsessiveness: the prices are low, really low. Nigiri sushi — the slices of fish atop rice — run from $1.75 to $2.75. Sushi rolls fall into the same range. Hand rolls are $2.25. You want a sushi combo, it will run between $6.25 and $10. The sashimi combo is $5.25. Which is so far below the usual price, it’s hard to cavil about the lack of humanity.
Indeed, nothing costs much: edamame is $1.75, miso soup is $2.25, seaweed salad is $2.25, so is seafood gyoza. Fried chicken is $2.75. Fried soft shell crab is $5.25. All of which is way below market. Even discount sushi shops, like the Sushi Stop chain, cost more.
And the quality is better than you might expect. The 16 rolls are well-assembled, if not elegantly so. For $2.75 you can sample exotica like the Tiger Roll, the Hamachi Roll, the Dragon Roll, the Soft Shell Crab Roll.
The fish is fresh. The turnover is fast. The restaurant is busy most of the time. And when you’re finished, you clock “Check Out” on the iPad, and a human will bring you your check. Or as the menu says, “Your servers will bring you the cheek (sic).” Check or cheek, it won’t add up to much.
Merrill Shindler is a Los Angeles-based freelance dining critic. Send him email at [email protected].
Magic Touch Bullet Train Sushi
Rating: 2 stars
Address: 11900 South St., Cerritos
Information: 562-402-5177
Cuisine: Japanese
When: Lunch and dinner, every day
Details: Soft drinks; no reservations
Atmosphere: High-tech setting, where you order from iPads and watch in wonder and puzzlement as your sushi zips out of the kitchen on a Bullet Train. Not as efficient as you’d expect but still fun. And very inexpensive.
Prices: About $20 per person
Suggested dishes: Sushi Rolls ($1.75-$2.75), Hand Rolls ($2.25), Nigiri Sushi ($1.75-$2.75), Combo Platters ($6.25-$10)
Cards: MC, V
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I came here this past Sunday after leaving the mall and just being hungry. I wanted some sushi but also wanted something that was fun. This was the first thing to pop up when I typed in sushi on yelp. I read reviews and saw that there was a conveyor belt do you deliver the food which I thought was incredibly cool. I really think places like this that are interactive are becoming more and more important to today’s food experience. This is definitely one of those places that you would find a foodie on Instagram featuring.
This restaurant is in a shopping center which looks relatively new. It is very easy to find amongst many other restaurants. There is a parking lot with plenty of parking so that is not even something to worry about. The cleanliness of the restaurant is impeccable.
Sometimes there is a wait if your party is more than four which is completely understandable. I usually venture out to restaurants alone, so I was seated automatically. There is an option to sit at a table as well as the bar. Either way, you’re experiencing the conveyor belt. It just really depends upon personal preference and number in your party.
When I was seated, the host gave me a very thorough walk-through of how everything went. There is a tablet at each seat where the individual orders from. You can order up to four items at a time and it will appear in front of you once it’s ready. There is hot water at each station and free green tea. There is a little cubby with ginger in it. On the tablet you can order Ramen, appetizers, sushi, and desserts.
Each time, I would order 2 to 3 things at a time. My food came out within five minutes of ordering it, usually staggered. I’m a big salmon lover, so that’s what I usually order when I get sushi. I ordered maybe 7 items total.
*****DUDE, I TURNED INTO A CHILD WHEN THE FOOD SHOWED UP*****
I thought the flavor was good. I’ve had better sushi, but I still did enjoy the meal. My favorite was the spicy ramen. I officially like boiled eggs now ( you can keep the yolk)…. I really think being so excited about the way food was served made up for everything.
Wait staff was very attentive. My ice water cup was never empty. Oh yeah. Besides ordering on the tablet, you can call for assistance, ask for your check, and see how much you’ve ordered/spent on the history tab. I was so happy that EVERYTHING on the menu has a picture attached. All my food came out looking like the food on the menu!
Will be back.
They test our resilience, determination, and strength of character. They force us to confront our fears, embrace discomfort, and grow. In fact, it is often in the midst of these challenges that we discover our true potential. While the course of shadows and thorns may be daunting, it is important to recognize that it is an integral part of the human experience. We cannot avoid it nor can we escape it. Instead, we must find ways to navigate through it. One way to navigate the course of shadows and thorns is through self-reflection. By critically examining our thoughts, beliefs, and actions, we can identify areas for improvement and growth. This introspection helps us gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our values, enabling us to make informed decisions and navigate the challenges more effectively. Additionally, seeking support from others can be instrumental in traversing the course of shadows and thorns. Surrounding ourselves with positive and uplifting individuals who believe in our potential can provide the motivation and encouragement needed to persevere. Sharing our experiences and struggles with trusted friends, family, or professionals can also offer insight, guidance, and a fresh perspective. In conclusion, the course of shadows and thorns is an inevitable part of life. While challenging, it is through these experiences that we grow, learn, and become better versions of ourselves. By embracing these obstacles rather than avoiding them, we can navigate the course of shadows and thorns with resilience, strength, and grace..
Reviews for "Shadows of Betrayal: Exposing the Cjrse of Shadows and Thorns"
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