Sunday, September 19, 2010

Mentaiko Potato Sandwich

I would imagine that the potato salad sandwich is one of those "only in Japan" ideas - like corn kernels on pizza (or potatoes on pizza for that matter) it's one of those carb-overload creations that boggle the American mind. However happy Americans may be to serve their kids pizza with fries in the lunchroom or to feast on unlimited breadsticks with our pasta at Olive Garden, I think the idea that every meal should include protein has been so deeply drilled into us that an all-carb sandwich just seems deeply weird. Of course, this particular sandwich does contain protein, in the form of spicy fish eggs (mentaiko) blended with the mayo. It even includes a few grated carrots and a sprinkling of parsley. Now that I think of it, it strikes me as a somewhat Slavic concoction, if only it were on black bread instead of a chewy white roll (apologies for the missing bite in the picture above). Much as I like mentaiko in onigiri, and even on spaghetti or on a crisp baguette, I can't say I'm a huge fan of the mentaiko potato salad sandwich. Maybe I'm more American than I like to admit.

1 comment:

  1. Funny, I thought potatoes on pizza are really popular in America, I see them everywhere on high-scale food blogs.

    On the other hand, I've also noticed that spaghetti sandwiches are really popular for Americans. It's comforting and nostalgic they say, the older folks remember being given them when they're younger. So I guess the idea of all-carb sandwich, despite what you suggested above, is actually extremely common to most Americans but just not you. I've met a Brit once who also thought that carb-on-carb was an American thing.

    Also, fries sandwiches.

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