The spice of life

Boiled Sliced Fish in Hot Chili Oil (Spicy Pavilion)

My friend Kamele asked me an interesting question recently. She asked what it was about spicy foods that I liked.

To be honest, that question kind of stumped me. What was it, really? Maybe it’s the numbing sensation that turns a regular meal into something dynamic. Or, it could be because I’ve never liked anything bland, not my coffee, my wardrobe or my attitude.

It would be good to note that I also have a very sensitive stomach. My stomach goes crazy after eating a particularly spicy meal, which is the majority of my meals. I’ve had the stomach flu too many times to count, and there was even a time in my life when my mother thought that I had ulcers, because I’d always worry myself sick.

Still, these afflictions haven’t stopped my love for spice. If there’s a bottle of Sriracha at the table, I’m using it. If there’s a set of tacos in front of me, I’m dousing it in hot sauce. Even my twin nephews are aware of my obsession and make sure to save their Taco Bell hot sauces for me to keep in my purse — just in case.

People always talk about making sacrifices for the things they really love in life. Similarly, I’ll deal with a sore stomach and risk giving myself ulcers for that fiery taste! It makes me feel alive.

Sichuan peppercorns have my heart