S4E28: Super Sushi

0:00Speaker 1:Welcome in everyone to Lively Lewis Stories. That's right. We're back with even more awesome adventures with Levi and Ivy. Set your story time meter to fun and get ready to join the Lively Lewis crew. All you need is your imagination and off we go. I can't wait to see where our story takes us today. Have you ever wanted to get more Lively Lewis in your life? Well, we've got you covered. Grab an adult and zoom over to LivelyLewisShop.com. Or just click on the link in our show notes. Enough about that. Let's get to today's super Lively Lewis story. The story you're about to enjoy was inspired by Winnie. Thank you so much for your amazing idea.

0:44Speaker 1:What do you kids want for lunch? Called out Levi and Ivy's dad from the living room. They were playing in their playroom and happily ran out to give suggestions for something tasty to eat. We could do ice cream for lunch, said Ivy. I hear that's a thing now. Levi laughed, hoping his dad would fall for it. Ivy, said her dad. Just because your mom isn't here doesn't mean I'm going to fall for that. But it does sound really good, so maybe ice cream for dessert. How about pizza or cheeseburgers or tacos or pasta or sandwiches or fried chicken or smoothie bowls? Levi was saying until his dad interrupted him. I don't think there are any more ors for you to add to that list, Levi, he said with a laugh. Those are all great suggestions, but we can only pick one. Or maybe it would be fun if we tried something we'd never had before. Dad, you like everything. I don't think there's anything you haven't eaten before, giggled Ivy. She's right, Dad, said Levi agreeing with his sister. Okay, fair, said Levi and Ivy's dad.

1:48Speaker 1:So maybe something that you two haven't tried before, but I get to pick. Does that sound good? Levi and Ivy looked at each other trying to figure out if it was a good idea or not. They decided it was fine and told their dad he could pick lunch. So to help me narrow down my choice, is there any food you really feel like eating now? Their dad asked. I'm always hungry, said Levi, so whatever you pick, I'm sure I'll like it. I've been wanting boba tea, answered Ivy, when she said that her dad's eyes got wide as if he just got the best idea ever. I think I know the perfect spot for you to get boba tea and some lunch you've never tried before, he said.

2:29Speaker 1:Let me make sure they're open for lunch and I'll be right back. Levi and Ivy waited for their dad as he grabbed his phone. All set. They're open and I really think you're going to love it, said Levi and Ivy's dad. The kids were excited and jumped in the car. They weren't sure where they were going. They just hoped it would be good because they were getting more and more hungry as the minutes went by. Just a short ride later, Levi, Ivy, and their dad pulled up to a restaurant called Roll With It. Is this a sandwich place? said Ivy. I love sandwiches. I'm going to get my usual. Turkey sandwich. Bacon and lettuce, said Levi, interrupting his sister before she could finish her order. It's literally one of the only things you eat. I like turkey and lettuce sandwiches, okay, said Ivy. No, Ivy, it's not a sandwich place, said her dad. You've eaten hundreds of sandwiches. Remember, this place serves food you've never had before.

3:26Speaker 1:It's a sushi restaurant. Levi looked really excited to try something new. My friend Kai loves sushi and I've always wanted to try it, said Levi. Good choice, Dad. As Levi and his dad were talking about what they'd be getting to eat, Ivy stood by the car. Do you want us to bring your food out here or are you coming to eat with us? Asked Ivy's dad with a smile. Yeah, Ivy, let's go, said Levi. You can help me decide which roll I'm going to get. Maybe I should go with salmon or tuna or sea urchin or octopus or shrimp tempura or a California roll or... Levi, enough with the oars, said his dad laughing. Maybe we can share a sampler and have a bit of everything.

4:08Speaker 1:That's what this trip is all about, trying new things and experiencing food from another culture. It'll be fun. But by the look on Ivy's face, there was nothing fun about what they were going to do. Um, maybe I can just grab something to eat when I get home, said Ivy. You know, I'm not even that hungry anymore. Ah! But Ivy, this place was just voted best boba tea in town, said their dad. I made sure it was good because I know you said you wanted some. Great, I'll just have a boba then, said Ivy with a smile as she walked up to meet her dad and Levi at the door. Well, the funny thing is, Ivy, you can't get boba without trying some sushi first. It's a rule they have, said her dad with a wink.

4:53Speaker 1:Very funny, dad, said Ivy. I'm just not interested in trying sushi. I don't like it. Have you had it before? Asked her dad. No, answered Ivy. Then what don't you like about it if you've never had it? He asked. It's so different in the raw fish. It's disgusting, Ivy answered. I'm very glad we're having this discussion outside because if we were inside the restaurant, I think you would have offended a lot of people by saying that. especially since you have nothing to base your opinions on since you've never had sushi before, said Ivy's dad. It's not fair to label food that's different disgusting when you've never even given it a try. Yeah, Ivy, I bet there's a lot of people who think that turkey and lettuce sandwiches aren't good either. I bet you can't even imagine that because you like them so much, said Levi. Well, everyone in this restaurant really likes sushi, and I'm sure if you gave it a chance, you'd like it too. And if you don't, then at least you know for sure.

5:52Speaker 1:Ivy looked down at the ground. She felt bad about what she had said. I'm sorry, Dad. I'm sorry, Levi. You're right, said Ivy. I just really think I won't like sushi. Ivy, this lunch is a chance for us to all try different things. So I'd really like you to give it a chance, said her dad. I do seem to remember a little girl who thought she didn't like chocolate ice cream until she gave it a try. Ivy did remember thinking that chocolate ice cream was not good at all when she was younger, even though she had never tried it. Now it's her favorite. She knew her dad was right about trying new things, so she decided to give it a try. And if I eat some sushi, I can get a boba tea? Ivy asked with a little grin. Yes, you sure can, said her dad. Okay, let's do it, said Ivy as she followed Levi and her dad into the restaurant. Then as soon as they got inside, they heard someone calling their names. Levi, Ivy, over here, shouted Levi's friend Kai. He was sitting down having lunch with his parents. They were almost done, and that gave Ivy's dad an idea. He asked Kai's parents if Kai could join them for lunch because it was

6:55Speaker 1:Levi and Ivy's first time having sushi. He thought that Kai could explain the different types of sushi to them and answer any questions they had. We love that idea, said Kai's mom. It's so nice of you to try some new foods. And you picked a good one. You're going to love sushi, added Kai's dad before they left to head home. Then Kai walked over to sit with Levi, Ivy, and their dad in the corner booth. Ivy slid into her seat, still looking a bit uncertain about what she would find to eat at this restaurant. Sensing she was a little nervous about the food, Kai started listing off his favorite sushi rolls and the ingredients in each one.

7:30Speaker 1:He told Levi and Ivy how some sushi rolls are spicy and some aren't. Some sushi rolls are filled with veggies and some aren't, and some sushi rolls are made with raw fish and some aren't. The last thing that Kai said was the only thing that caught Ivy's attention. Tell me more about the sushi not made with raw fish, asked Ivy. I thought all sushi was made with raw fish. Not all. Some sushi is made with cooked shellfish, like crab, shrimp, and some veggies like cucumbers, avocados, and carrots, said Kai.

7:59Speaker 1:I love shrimp tempura rolls, and I think you will too. It was actually the first type of sushi I ever ate. It could be a good one for you to try. Levi and Ivy agreed. Their dad was so proud that they were giving it a try. The sushi roll arrived at their table, and Levi and Ivy each picked up a piece. Levi immediately popped it into his mouth. I love it, said Levi with a mouthful. I think he means he loves it, laughed Levi's dad. Kai smiled, knowing Levi would like sushi. That's because he pretty much likes all food. Kai then turned to Ivy, who was still holding her piece of sushi. She was just staring at it, not knowing what to do next. Well, of course she knew what to do, but she didn't want to. Ivy, how about we count down from three, suggested Kai. I know it's different, but I also know you'll like it.

8:49Speaker 1:Just trust me and give it a try. I do like shrimp and rice and all these veggies. And it does smell good, said Ivy, giving the piece of sushi one last look before she nodded at Kai, and he started counting down. Three, two, one. Ivy tossed the piece of sushi in her mouth and started chewing. Quickly a first to tell her taste buds got used to the taste of the delicious shrimp. That's so good, said Ivy with a big smile on her face. Can I have another piece? Absolutely, Ivy. I am so proud of you for giving it a try, said her dad. I'm happy too, because I really like it, said Ivy. Kai was excited to introduce his friends to more and more types of sushi and ordered a few things. He then ordered a roll with tofu carrots, and since Levi and Ivy really enjoyed both, he asked if he could suggest a raw fish roll. Something easy like a tuna roll or a salmon roll, suggested Kai. It's filled with raw salmon, seasoned rice, and wrapped in dried seaweed. Kai let Ivy pick out which roll they would get next, hoping that would make her feel more comfortable as they moved into eating raw fish.

9:55Speaker 1:She chose tuna because she likes tuna salad. Kai ordered the roll, and moments later it was sitting in front of Lee and Ivy. They each grabbed a piece, but this time Ivy was the first one to try it. She didn't even need a countdown this time. Once she was done with her first piece, she sat for a moment, not saying a word. Levi, Kai, and Ivy's dad didn't know if it was a good reaction or a bad reaction until Ivy spoke. I love it, exclaimed Ivy, grabbing another piece. This is the best one so far. Then for the rest of the meal, Levi, Ivy and their dad and Kai shared a few more rolls before they were all full. And the conversation as they got up to leave was how excited they were to come back. Dad, you were totally right, said Ivy. I'll always try food first before I say if I like it or not.

10:40Speaker 1:Imagine if I didn't listen to you. I would have never learned that I love sushi. Ivy thanked Kai too because he made their experience so enjoyable by telling them all about the delicious food they were eating as they ate it. As Ivy walked out the door, her dad called to her. Ivy, don't you want boba tea? He asked. No, thank you, dad, said Ivy. I'm way too full. I'll have it next time we come here. Ivy's dad was so happy to hear that there'd be a next time.

11:07Speaker 1:And there were so many more next times at so many more different restaurants. That's because that day, Levi, Ivy, and their dad started a tradition of going out to eat at new restaurants every month and sampling foods from around the world that they had never tried before. This wonderful new tradition gave them the opportunity to learn more about themselves and what foods they liked and didn't like, but also learn about other people and the cultures around the world. Thanks for joining us today. We hope you enjoyed the story and learned a little something too. And since we know everyone has their own story, we'd love to hear yours. If you have an idea for a Lively Lewis story, leave a comment on our Apple podcast review page with five stars, your idea, and your little one's name. Then maybe our next adventure will be with you.

12:03Speaker 1:Until our next Storytime Hangout. Thanks for listening. We can't wait to share another fun, lively, humorous story with you.