The early 2000s to mid-2016 was a simple time period to feel alive and to be hopeful about the
future. Pop culture seemed to be at its peak, Kobe Bryant was still representing the Laker’s basketball team, action figures were the hot stuff, Michael Jackson and Mariah Carrey were still jamming it, the homeless issue in Los Angeles wasn’t as terrifyingly rampant, Venice Beach was a site to marvel at during those cool summer breaks, church members would always try to bless my confused soul, Sam Raimi was pumping out his three Spider-Man films, the Halo video games were growing in popularity, the small town of Yucaipa was beautiful and pleasant to live in, and social media wasn’t much of an issue.

Those were the times to be a proud prince of Southern California which was the ideal American Dream place to live in back then. I still think about the fundamentals that made this State great for its amusement parks, beaches, mountains, job opportunities, houses, cities, history, popular films, and music that were made here, and the diversity of various foods that you can eat. However, there’s one food place that rules this entire land. In-N-Out Burger.

I tell people who aren’t from California that In-N-Out Burger is one of the greatest burger places of
human innovation. People would ask me why I love it so much. Simple. The double cheeseburgers,
fries and strawberry milkshakes are god-tier when it comes to the quality of the taste and its freshening texture that can’t be matched. As a follower and advocate for In-N-Out Burger, thou shall not talk badly about this wonderful establishment.

Never in my life have I faced the dreadful feeling of puking out my guts if there were ever a situation of cross-contamination from In-N-Out Burger. This establishment has treated my health with utter respect and dignity as a fair patron noble since the start of the 21st century. Through the perspective of a comical and shy young lad, I couldn’t help but feel prideful to dine at one of the In-N-Out Burger establishments in the city of Moreno Valley.

Visiting my grandmother and grandfather who lived in Moreno Valley back then brings back fond
memories of when I thought that my grandparents were farmers for some odd reason. Although my
grandparents never took me to In-N-Out Burger often, my mother or father would be my honorary
royals to do so. Needless to say, I was a young spoiled brat that should have been more humble during those early days in the Wild Wild West.

I was fortunate to have my parents show me the glorious privilege of eating a burger that would forever change my life. That being In-N-Out Burgers double cheeseburger. As stupid as it may sound, that establishment alone was a place where I and most of my good friends would go there to eat and talk for hours on end about life and fun stuff.

The food alone along with the milkshakes were the best parts of my experience, yet the people
that were there during those times hold a special place in my heart. Most recently in December 2022, I obtained my ordination license to perform weddings in California.

A particular wedding that I
performed was for my best friend of seven years who chose me out of all the people he knew to officiate his wedding ceremony. This was a challenging mission to undertake but it wasn’t as impossible to complete, and my name ain’t Tom Cruise.

Once I had successfully completed the wedding ceremony, my best friend and his newly wedded wife asked me where I would like to eat before I head back to Japan the next morning. I just simply said In-N-Out Burger because it’ll be the last time in a long while that I’ll eat there.

As we ventured off during the evening in my best friend’s car, we, at last, arrived at our hometown
In-N-Out Burger establishment. I thought to myself that it’s been a while since I had my last
pleasurable meal here.

Finally arriving at the grand entrance, my best friend had ordered my meal, and not to mention, he purchased an In-N-Out Burger T-shirt as a Christmas present. I’ll eventually be wearing that shirt proudly around Tokyo to show my pride and love for the place that made me
unbelievably happy.

As corny as that sounds it is a precious feeling that I can call upon when I feel
down in the dumps. Although my last quest at In-N-Out Burger was short-lived, I could never forget
the experience that it holds in the deepest part of my heart that makes me miss my best friend.

Fin