So here's one for the books...

Last night, I wanted to eat at a little place in the hotel that specializes in charcoal grilling. It was full, so I went there tonight. I did not want a terribly big or filling dinner, so I ordered the Terriyaki Sirloin. I ordered a tuna starter (assuming it would be grilled) and a side of rice. The waiter came back to my table and asked "How would you like your celery stick?"

Now, in the USA I have had the following:

• Celery sticks with my buffalo wings which are dipped in blue cheese or ranch dressing
• I recall Molly used to make "ants on a log" with peanut butter and raisins
• My mom used to stuff celery sticks with cream cheese
• I used to dip vegetables in a sour cream and Lipton onion soup mix

I was sure that none of the above were what they offered, so I thought about the possible options:

• Last night the vegetables were boiled, so maybe he wants to know if I want my celery sticks boiled?
• Maybe they'll grill them on a little table sized hibachi grill (like a pu pu platter)
• Perhaps they serve them with a wasabe mustard?
• Is there some other way celery sticks would be prepared in Japan? I did not think that I had ordered celery sticks, but after last night's dinner with so many surprise courses, I was not sure.

The waiter must have seen that I was perplexed. He repeated "How would you like your celery stick?" Then he added, "Medium rare, rare, or..." I said "Oh, medium rare, of course!"

The tuna came raw with some lettuce, nuts and some kind of sauce. I was then served one of the best sirloin steaks I have ever eaten - medium rare! Sirloin steak!