True's Birthday

True turned 17 today and he had some friends over to dinner.

Anna put on a beautiful spread: do-it-yourself sushi, with various kinds of fish, seasoned rice and nori. There was salmon and tuna and yellowtail and sweet shrimp and roe. There was natto and Korean-style beef and something like spinach flavored with sesame.  There was spicy minced salmon. There was salad and there were peppers and cucumbers and takuan, bright yellow pickled radish, and pink pickled ginger. And there was miso soup with tofu and scallions.

Finally, she served True's favorite chocolate cake with vanilla frosting. It was, perhaps, the best cake she has ever baked.

The gang stayed and talked and laughed for hours before heading out into the night. Happy Birthday, True.