I dropped off Bwana Ben’s stack of books this afternoon. He’s insistent that he’ll return them once he’s done, even though I’m equally insistent that I don’t need them back.

If you’re a helpless, pitiful sushi addict (and I freely admit that I am), a good itamae (sushi chef) is worth his weight in gold. And when that itamae has 30-odd years of experience, and knows you by name, and orders exotica like fresh abalone for you, and slips you orders of belly tuna when the owner’s not looking, well… such a man is truly invaluable.

So, for as long as I’m still in Michigan, I’ll tip heavy and buy him a beer now and then. I might even try talking him into moving to Vegas with me.