Manx

I'm writing this because recently something disappointing has been brought to my attention. It seems that an exceptional restaurant in Denver (of all places, right?) called Domo has some potentially catastrophic information on their website.

The information is here: Domo FAQ

Specifically, I am referring to the <i>Am I supposed to rub my chopsticks together before my meal?</i> question. Although the accuracy of the information provided is not being disputed (I have not yet had the time to do a full investigation into that matter), the information itself seems to ignore the very real danger of splinters.

As a helpful guide to all those who may have been or could potentially be confused by the information provided by Domo, I have created this handy guide which describes the variations in modern-day chopstick varieties.

Feel free to print this out and keep in your wallet or purse for the occasion that you find yourself at a Japanese restaurant. Also please note that I would support a moderators decision to make this a sticky thread.

The Guide:

There are essentially 4 types (and two sub-types) of chopsticks that are manufacutered in this world:

<b>Variety #1- Art or decorative.</b> These should clearly never be rubbed together as their value would diminish. Also, they may have been located in some fashion models hair at one point in their existence. Only a few of us would find that to be not disgusting. Granted, I would be one of those not-disgusted.

<b>Variety #2- High-quality.</b> These are rarely provided at Japanese restaurants in America (I can't speak for Japan, maybe our Resident Ninja BshidoHEAT can provide some insight into that question). They assuredly will NOT produce splinters. In the off chance that they do, it is right and customary that the diner shall be entitiled to sue the restaurant for wrongful splintering. Due to the prestige and financial status of these types of restaurants, lawsuits are typically settled prior to court in the tune of millions of dollars.

<b>Variety #3- Reusable Plastic.</b> Low quality but long lasting. By the nature of plastic, there are no splinters as long as the manufacturing process remains in check. Long-term use of this variety of chopstick actually promotes the removal of splinters. A built-in safety mechanism which may or may not be patented by some rich dude who now lives on a yacht in the Caribbean.

<b>Variety #4- Disposable Wood (Sub-variety 1).</b> These are the chopsticks that are cheap and readily provided at many a Japanese restaurant. They are typically connected at the top and can very easily be snapped apart. If there are visible splinters, they rarely affect the user as they are located solely within the highest top centimeter of the chopstick itself. Proper and typical use of a chopstick will prevent the accidental insplinteration of one's hand when using these chopsticks.

<b>Variety #4- Disposable Wood (Sub-variety 2).</b> These are the offensive and dangerous chopsticks with which most people feel the need to use the tried and true methods of Rub To Remove Splinters. The problem with these most hazardous chopsticks is that the wood is joined for 1/3rd!!! the length of the chopstick itself. Even under careful use of these chopsticks, it is still highly probable that you will impale sensitive areas of your hand through continual use.


Ironically, and to their discredit, Domo uses Chopstick Variety #4, Sub-Variety #2.

splck

Around here Domo is a gas station chain...I can't see myself eating there.

__________________
nice line eh?

PayUp

Long live the fork!

__________________
Born to Lose.

Crack

Fork and Spoon in '04!

__________________
Crack, you and I are long overdue for a vicious bout of mansex.

~Halx

Fremen

Fork! the fork and spoon, vote SPORK in 2004!

__________________
Google

duckduck

Nein! The FOON is where it's at!

__________________
Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way!

Sticky

<b>Manx</b>, don't forget the following variety.

<b>Re-usable Coated Wood</b> - These chopsticks are made of wood and fashioned in a decorative or esthetic manner. The chopsticks are then coated with something to keep thme fromwearing down so that they can be washed and re-used.

I have a few pairs of these at home.

__________________
Sticky The Stickman

Charlatan

Chopsticks rule... I don't rub them together unless they are the cheap wooden ones myself.

__________________
"My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars."
- Old Man Luedecke

Tophat665

Chopsticks 29¢? What a bargain! That is a bargain for me! I think I will buy some!

Never realized that rubbing chopsticks together was something people did to any purpose at all, let alone a strangely ironic one. You learn something new every day. I learn something new and useless every day.

__________________
Light a man a fire, and he will be warm while it burns.
Set a man on fire, and he will be warm for the rest of his life.

n0nsensical

I think those are what "Variety #2 High-Quality" refers to.

Derwood

i love the fact that they give you chopsticks in all the Thai restaurants in Chicago, even though no one uses them in Thailand.

Americans: "Chinese, Thai, um, Asian.....it's all the same, right?"

__________________
"You can't shoot a country until it becomes a democracy." - Willravel