What’s the most delicious thing you’ve ever eaten?

I appreciate the brain strain some of these recommended prompts bring out.

This is one of those for sure.

Hmmmmmm….

I think I may be a little broken in my thought process these days. What should be a simple answer turns into a philosophical rabbit hole. Really? Yeah.

I’m even weirder than I realized. Thanks, Jetpack.

So let’s dive in.

Pondering this one my head dove into the memory hole and came up with not so much a particular food but instead particular experiences with food. Specifically the first time experiencing something new. Examples:

Scotch Eggs with hollandaise sauce. Absolutely amazing and mesmerizing experience. Never before had I experienced the taste or seen egg and sausage prepped and served in such a manner. And the sauce? At first glance I thought it was mustard. Certainly a barrier I had to break through to get to the first bite. But I had to as my host was quite hospitable and who was I to be an asshole scared of mustard on a weird looking ball garnished with melons and strawberries.

Not me.

Took the plunge and here’s the thing: was it truly that delicious OR was my now broken psychological blockade so relieved that my expectations were completely surprised? I guess I’ll never know. One thing I did know was that I had to learn how to make this magical ball of awesome.

And I did.

Funny thing? Not too long ago I introduced Alicia and Kaitlynn to them. They too were of my previous mindset of “WTF is that?” to “Aw yeah make some more!”

Same reaction from my in-laws.

I had to cut them off when the prices of eggs went to the rate of retarded (or I took the opportunity for the excuse to run with. I’ll never tell.)

But then, there’s the gold standard for chili rellenos that o experienced for the first time at the most amazing Mexican restaurant o had ever dined at. Another magical dish in its preparation that I had to learn to construct, that I judge every Mexican restaurant on. If their rellenos suck, just leave. If they use bell peppers instead of pablanos? Report them to the health department and don’t look back.

So in the end and getting back on point, o can’t say for sure. So many things were so shockingly enjoyable the FIRST time, I don’t know where the bias lies.

Good job, Jetpack. You strained my brain and now I’m hungry. And it’s after midnight.

Thanks.

Jim 06/26/2025

P.S. Funny thing—this whole “first bite” rabbit hole reminds me exactly why I wrote Toys Are Totems in the first place.

It’s not just a book about toys. It’s about what happens when something small cracks open something big inside you. Just like that Scotch Egg did. Just like that first perfect chili relleno.

If you’re hungry for meaning, memory, or maybe even a little magic…

this might be your bite.

👉 Toys Are Totems is available now: https://amzn.to/3HU663z

No hollandaise required.