kinako-anko
2022.02.02: This is a timely post! The day before Setsubun, with five twos aligning and the Omicron variant spreading, I rode my bike for just over 5 minutes to the vaccination site at Senba-cho Pool in Osaka for my third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. I received my vaccination eligibility at the end of last month and immediately started online booking, but it didn't go smoothly, so I easily made a reservation over the phone for today at 10 am, exactly 7 months after my second dose. I was directed to a gymnasium on the second floor of a building under renovation, where only one floor was used for vaccinations, accommodating about 50 people every 30 minutes. The process was quick, and before I knew it, the vaccination was done. My arm felt slightly heavy, but I had no issues during the 15-minute observation period. After leaving the venue, since I hadn't had breakfast, I decided to try the "morning curry" at the curry specialty shop "Rika Shokudo Temma Honten" right across from Kansai TV building, which opened at 10:30 am. As soon as I arrived, the open sign was displayed, and I sat at the back counter to order the limited-time (1/24-2/6) curry for 1000 yen, which included Hiroshima oyster fry and mozzarella cheese. I requested a medium serving of rice (250g) for free and added a raw egg for 50 yen. The oysters were fried after I ordered, and within 5 minutes, the curry was served with plenty of condiments (pickled radish and Fukujin pickles) and a sprinkle of garam masala. The large oval white curry plate had a slightly runny brown curry sea on top of the rice, with a white island of rice in the back and four large oyster fritters sitting on top. Last year in March, I had a "oyster fry curry with Parmesan cheese" that looked like snow falling, and this time, the melting mozzarella cheese swam in the curry sea. The curry initially tasted sweet but gradually became spicy, causing a slight sweat on my forehead - it was delicious! Breaking the raw egg yolk made it milder, and the cheese melted further, enhancing the flavor and making it easier to eat. The oysters were juicy and plump, freshly fried. While I was eating, two takeout customers arrived, and more people were opting for takeout rather than dining in. When will the Omicron variant be contained? I am writing this draft at 9 pm on the same day, and my left arm where I received the vaccine is starting to feel sore and itchy. According to an acquaintance who had their third dose, the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are worse on the second day. I'll keep some fever-reducing medicine by my bed before going to sleep. Bon appétit! (●^o^●)