The title phrase "it was all a dream" is a common cliché of TV and movies. However, in the hip-hop scene where much of the show takes place, it is known as the opening line of Notorious BIG's "Juicy", which recounts the rapper's rise from rags to riches (reflecting Alfred's career path over the course of "Atlanta").
Demarcus made mention of a sushi restaurant located in a train station on the Ginza line , Ginza refers to Tokyo's Central Business District . That restaurant is called Sukiyabashi Jiro, a 10-seat, sushi-only restaurant and was awarded a prestigious three star rating by Michelin, owned and operated by Jiro Ono. For more information, please consult the documentary broadcast on American public television entitled "Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)"
"Coon Chicken" refers to the "Coon Chicken Inn", a string of chicken restaurants located in Utah and the Pacific Northwest, founded on the first half of twentieth century. The reason why it became a flashpoint of controversy was the exploitation of the cultural heritage of a marginalized group to benefit a select few, that group being lower-class African-Americans.
Japanese Phrases:
- Omakase - Literally means, "As you like it", as in the chef decides what the restaurant patrons should have
- Itadakimasu - It's often translated as "I humbly receive," but in a mealtime setting, it's compared to "Let's eat," "Bon appétit," or "Thanks for the food." Some even liken it to the religious tradition of saying grace before eating.
When Fugu or Blowfish is being prepared, take heed of the following advice:
- Remove the skin from the corner of mouth and the rest zips off
- Wash off the jelly using salt
- Remove the eyes.
- The most important instruction of all, using a good, sharp knife, gut the fish being very careful not to puncture the ovaries or liver. Should these burst, the toxins will be released into the flesh making the fish inedible.