This food-based narrative essay focuses on a detailed discussion of a story, usually involving a conflict and a solution.

For this essay, I decided to create an outline so I can have a clear gist as to how I should start the essay from beginning to end.

Narrative Essay Outline…

Introduction:

• Include a hook in the beginning which pulls the readers in.

(Examples such as a quote, question or interesting facts.)

• A bit of background information about the narrative essay…

( My past experience of food as a child. Where my family came from and their opinions on American food.)

Thesis Statement: Don’t judge a food by its cover or Trying new foods can be exciting.

Body:

• Using descriptive words for the setting/ environment

(Such as gloomy, lively or friendly.)

• Incorporating imagery within the paragraph to describe my experience with seafood. What I learned from going to a seafood restaurant.

(For instance, I figured out that I really enjoy having oysters and trying them out for the first time)

• How this certain experience affected you in any way or bring any positive or negative outcomes in your life.

Conclusion:

• Summation of all the main points.
• Mentioning of the thesis statement and how it makes a connection to yourself or future self.

(For example, by not judging a food by its cover I was able to try oysters and clams)

The Final Narrative Essay…

 Oysters, the one word I cannot stand to hear because it reminds me of moist, mushy, and smelly seafood. Practically all things I hate combined. Although, my family enjoys the presence of seafood and the taste they give off. My adolescent years detest the thought of having any sea creature close to my mouth. According to my mom, seafood has an oceanic taste which reminded her of the beaches she went to as a child with her parents. One of my mom’s favorite seafood dish would be the cocktail sauce with oysters which is quite ironic since oysters is one of my “top seafoods I would never eat” list. Whenever my mom offers me clams, mussels or oysters I would usually nod my head “no” while plastering a miserable face on. However, the day of my sister’s birthday was the day when I had to let my guard down and prepare myself for the worst. 

“Today’s my birthday and I am so going to force you to eat seafood!” yelled my older sister across our room. I pulled my blanket over my head and sighed because I knew there was no way those little slimy creatures would ever make way into my mouth. “What’s so special about seafood? They look like they’re contaminated with diseases or even worse…they might have parasites in them.” I stated. “Stop exaggerating, you’ve never tried seafood anyways so why would it hurt to try? Live a little.” replied my sister while doing her nails and getting ready for her birthday party. She wore this beautiful tight black short dress with floral printing which accentuated her waist and showed her amazing figure. “What do you think?” she asked. “Well I think you’ll look even better at a korean barbeque restaurant rather than a seafood restaurant.” I sarcastically replied. She turned to me and sneered saying “At least I can tolerate all sorts of food with no issues and hurry up get dressed! You need to go!” After an hour of getting ready and dressing up our family headed out to the restaurant. Once we were there, I looked up at the restaurant sign and became nervous. Why of all places she could’ve went she decided to come here? I thought to myself. We head inside to the restaurant and the host came and sit us down at our table. I looked around and noticed that it was a bright lovely place with a representation of all sorts of sea animals plastered on the wall with a blue ocean background. Wow this place really stood out. It felt warm being in here despite the sea animals on the wall. The atmosphere oddly enough felt friendly and comfortable. After a couple of minutes, my sister’s friends came in with a load of gifts. As always, my sister never forgets to invite her friends on any occasion, even to my graduation they were always there. They happily greeted my sister and our family then proceed to sit down at our table. My sister ordered a bunch of seafood including my mom’s favorite dish…the cocktail oysters. The minute the cocktail oysters came out I can feel my stomach bubble with disgust. The oyster was all black and grey with a mini looking “eye” figure popping out. My sister announced that as her final birthday wish, she wanted me to try the oyster. I hesitated and said “No I can’t do this. It’s disgusting, I mean just look at it,” while pointing at the creature. Her friends decided to help my sister in convincing me on trying the oyster. “C’mon it won’t hurt to try anything new once in while. You never know if you don’t try.” said my sister’s friend Michelle. Well it’s true that I’ve never tried oysters before and all I’ve been doing is judging the oyster based on looks. I gave one last sigh and said “Okay fine, I’ll eat the oyster just for you. In return you’ll do dishes for the week.” My sister nodded and said, “Fine by me.” I carefully took my hand out of the pocket and reached for the oyster, using my other hand I grabbed a load of cocktail sauce and drizzled it onto the oyster. I felt everyone staring at me, I gulped and closed one of my eyes while still holding steady of the oyster. I slowly relaxed and calmly told myself. I can do this, I got this. I swiftly took the oyster out the shell and chewed it. Boy was it mushy. But the taste mostly consistent of just spice and a little hint of the ocean which reminded me of what my mother told me. “It’s not bad. Just a little too mushy that’s all.” I said with a big smile on my face. Everyone laughed and my mother said, “See that wasn’t so bad was it? I laughed and said “Well I’m glad it wasn’t as terrible as I thought it was.” Our family went home with laughter and a bag full of gifts for my sister. As for me I learned a valuable lesson that night.  

That night I learned that it is not always a good idea to judge a food by its cover. It may or may not look appetizing but it won’t hurt to try. Growing up I used this experience as a way for me to be able to eat all sorts of food I’ve never had before such as sushi, lobsters and shrimp. This experience is very significant in my life because it also helped me build a better character of myself rather than judging and nitpicking on every little situation. In the end, I’m glad I was able to get out of my comfort zone and experience many new foods and be able to eat with no problem.