NOCTILUCA June 2016

CULTURE Appleton, Wisconsin June 2016 Vol. XXI

Issue III Page 9 As we go on: 4must-listen graduation songs

The school year is wind- ing down and with it comes ¿ nal exams, last-minute nostalgia and celebration for seniors throughout the school, and with celebra- tion comes an inherent need for playlists. Whether they be for formal graduation parties or just for the av- erage “let’s-go-insane-be- cause-high-school-is-over” shindigs, the perfect party needs the perfect songs. Here is a list of the top ¿ ve best songs to satisfy every senior’s graduation blues. “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds Best known as that one song from The Break- fast Club, Simple Mind’s “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” is as iconic for grad- uation as it is reminis- cent of the shoulder pads Katsu-ya of Japan is a Japanese hibachi restaurant with a sushi bar and a unique atmosphere. Located in downtown Appleton at 338 W. College Ave, this restau- rant was founded in 1988. Recently remodeled and re- located directly across from the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, Katsu-ya serves a wide variety of main dish hibachi options including seafood, steak, and chicken. Sides like fried rice and shii- take mushrooms are offered as well. The restaurant is dark and warm, but lively and ¿ lled with conversation. Each room has a small curtain at the entrance that goes down about a foot from the top of the door frame. Large samu- rai masks adorn the walls and other decorations add to the authentic environment. Before dishes are served, hot towels are given to the The Atmosphere By Jacob Zajkowski By Maddy Schilling and Rachel Flom The Restaurant

and À uffed-up hair of the 1980s. Lyrics like, “Slow change may pull us apart, I’ll get us back together at heart, baby,” will give de- parting seniors a little sense of hope for the next few months, that true friend- ships will last the test of time. On graduation day, seniors may even be seen leaving the gym with their ¿ st in the gym, revealing their amazing music taste and con ¿ dence as new North alumni. “Graduation (Friends Forever)” by Vitamin C This pick should be a no-brainer. As if the title wasn’t evidence enough as to why this song belongs on this list, the lyrics will resonate with any gradu- ating senior. Questions like, “Can we survive it out there? Can we make it somehow?” Have been in

groups. Don’t worry though, each table can hold about ten people, so if you plan ahead you can get most of the table to yourself. Another thing to note is that this is not a meal that you can grab and go. These dishes are meant to be enjoyed slowly with friends and family. Also, the waiter and the chef are two differ- ent people, so a tip left would have to accommodate for both of their services. Learn more at www.nakashimas. com. Hours vary by the day, but they are generally open from 5 PM to 10 PM. towards Justin Timberlake, the king of drama himself. “Five Years Time”-Noah and the Whale Sure, “Five Years Time” is more than anything a love song that tugs at the heart- strings of acoustic indie music lovers. Nonetheless, it is also a testament to the unexpected nature of the future as well as the hopes and dreams that people hold onto with gusto. Char- lie Fink’s voice is beautiful, Laura Marling backing ac- companiments are wistful, and the whole track rings of summer, thoughtfulness and wish ful ¿ llment. What better way to start out both the summer and post-high school life? Also, if these songs don’t quite do the trick, ironi- cally playing Kanye West’s “Graduation” is always an option. Happy listening!

Senior Rachel Flom listens to music on the dock of the school pond for her last year at North. Illustration by Maddy Schilling

anyone feeling a little nos- talgic. With their boy band dynamic and upbeat tem- pos, NSYNC make the per- fect group to listen to when you’re looking for a blast from the past. This more vengeful song is perfect for anyone looking to move on from any nasty social en- counters during their high school career. Any advice on cutting off toxic friend- ships should be addressed

the minds of every senior these past few months, as featured in the song, but the rest of the quiet 90s jam prove the determination that many have to remain in touch during college years.

“Bye Bye Bye” by NSYNC

While this song may seem like something pulled out of a 2000 teen À ick, “Bye Bye Bye” is a must for

Restaurant in review: Katsu-ya of Japan

egg into the rice by À ipping it through the air and onto the chef’s knife.

The Prices

Prices for most meals are about $20-$35 and include the soup, appetizer shrimp and the main dish with veg- etables. This is a small price to pay for the wonderful at- mosphere and culinary de- lights. With reservations, you are seated almost immediately. The waiters are friendly and work quickly, coming out to check on the tables every few minutes. The chefs are limited, but expertly trained, the one that cooked for me being trained in the culinary arts in Japan. The chefs are talkative and charismatic, and will talk to any customer with ease. The Staff

Katsu-ya is located in downtown Appleton, right across the street from the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. Photo by Rachel Sina

customers for them to clean their hands. They are passed from one side of the table to the other on a platter, with each person taking one. Af- ter everyone is done, the towels are put back on the platter and sent to the origi- nal side where it is picked up by a waiter. For those of who are ask- ing, “What is hibachi?” I have just the answer. A large metal panel is used as a grill. The grill is right in front of the customers as the chefs prepare their meals for them. The chefs even perform The Meal

tricks to entertain them. An interesting one is when they stack onion slices up, pour oil inside and ignite it, creating a burst of À ames. Many of their tricks involve À ames, but they also spin their knifes around or juggle their other various cook- ing utensils. For the meal, a warm beef broth is served beforehand. This simple yet tasty soup helps to draw any customer’s palate into the food that is to come. When I was there, I ordered the salmon which was very tasty. I also ordered the fried rice, which was expertly prepared before my eyes in- cluding the cracking of an

Mon-Thurs 5-10 p.m. Fri 5-10:30 p.m. Sat 4:30-10:30 p.m. Sun 4-9 p.m.

The Rating

4/5 The delicious and intrigu- ing meals and lively atmo- sphere give the restaurant a deserving four stars. How- ever, pricing and speed keep it from being a ¿ ve.

The Small Things

Reservations are recom- mended for larger parties as tables are shared with other