MY CHOPSTICKS STORY.

• Date: 01 August 2021
• Author: Farsad, Negin

I have a secret, a dirty secret, something that's caused a lot of heartache and pain over the years. It's not my fault. I was born this way. You see, I have fat fingers. Fat fingers that... oh God, here comes the truth... cannot wield chopsticks.

I know, some people would prefer that I say "wide-fingered." Don't worry, I'm not trying to fat-shame my fingers. I'm just trying to be real about my limitations.

When I was growing up in Southern California, it wasn't an issue because our idea of cultured cuisine was Panda Express at the mall. But now, I live in Manhattan--a borough known for its citizens' exceptional knowledge and use of chopsticks.

I'll hear my Asiano-phile friends say, "Hey, Negin, wanna meet up for some dim sum?" or "Hey, Negin, wanna grab a quick bite of sushi?" They can all walk into sushi bars, beaming with confidence, and go, "Oh look, here are the chopsticks, let me rip them apart at the seam and rub them...