The trio embarked on a unique culinary journey to Itoshima, a charming retreat near Fukuoka, Japan. They traveled by subway from Fukuoka to Itoshima, initially overwhelmed by the bustling morning commute. However, as the train emptied, they were treated to picturesque cityscapes reminiscent of scenes from Japanese animation, captivating viewers.
Upon arriving in Itoshima, they indulged in their first meal at a Japanese home-style restaurant. The menu featured eggplant miso stir-fry, tender chicken hamburg steak, and savory grilled mackerel, all of which delighted their palates. When Yeon Woo-jin mixed rice with egg yolk, Kwon Yul expressed shock, saying, "Woo-jin often creates unusual dishes." This sparked an impromptu debate about whether they enjoy pineapple on pizza, with Yeon Woo-jin being the sole advocate, resulting in a 2:1 split.
Yeon Woo-jin's 'unusual taste' controversy continued at a seafood restaurant. When Lee Jung-shin poured sauce over his seafood rice bowl, Yeon Woo-jin was taken aback and tried to stop him. They also engaged in the classic 'pour vs. dip' debate over sweet and sour pork, with Yeon Woo-jin again standing alone in the 'pour' camp. Kwon Yul humorously remarked, "The 'pour' advocate is upset about pouring soy sauce, truly peculiar," eliciting laughter.
Yeon Woo-jin showcased a rugged charm while grilling seafood, revealing his forearm muscles. Lee Jung-shin admired, "He's different when it comes to seafood," while Kwon Yul praised, "He shows both the alpha male and the gentle side in front of grilled clams."
After wrapping up their Itoshima itinerary, the trio returned to Fukuoka and visited a trendy izakaya popular among the MZ generation. Here, Yeon Woo-jin's bucket hat became a topic of conversation. Lee Jung-shin teased, "You look like the 'I made a mistake' character from the movie 'A Bittersweet Life,'" to which Yeon Woo-jin retorted, "What are you talking about? It's super hip," drawing laughter. The appearance of chicken sashimi, mackerel sushi, and wagyu straw-grilled beef perfectly matched their tastes. Yeon Woo-jin commented, "You shouldn't come here on the last day of your trip. It makes you forget everything else you've eaten."
Reporter: Se-yoon Jung, TenAsia yoon@tenasia.co.kr