Taking A Deep Dive Into The Viral $19 Strawberry

I was just casually watching The Today Show as I did some work on my computer this morning. And, I couldn't believe what I saw. They had a contributor on to discuss the viral $19 strawberry. Admittedly, this was the first I had heard of it, but my jaw dropped to the floor. How It All Started Apparently, Mindy Kaling, one of my favorite ladies from The Office and so much more, had been on Jimmy Kimmel touting this viral $19 strawberry the internet is on fire for. Of course, after taking a bite she acted as if she'd never in her life had something move her this much. I rolled my eyes a bit. After all, it's just a strawberry. How different can it be? Then, Jenna and the others on the third hour of the Today Show had the same reaction. Again, I rolled my eyes thinking, 'an act for the cameras.' Sadly, I will never know because I am never going to be willing to pay $19 for a single strawberry. But, the lady who brought it, complete with its Beauty and the Beast type cloche, was selling its virtues hard! And, she spoke of the care with which she transported the precious cargo on the airplane to get it there in tact. More About The Viral $19 Strawberry So, here's the scoop. It comes from an upscale Los Angeles based grocery chain called Erewhon. The viral $19 strawberry racked up millions of views just last weekend alone. The supplier of the phenomenon is Japanese fruit vendor Elly Amai. Although, they are actually grown on a "farm named Anhay in the Tochigi prefecture of Japan," according to Food And Wine. Luckily, some influencers have kept the craze in check noting it's good, but not quite worth all the hype and ridiculous cost. Known as the Tochiaika strawberries, they were developed over the course of seven years of crossbreeding. And, why are they so prized? Well, apparently, when sliced just right they have a heart shaped profile. They're only in season for a few months. And, from the reactions of folks trying them, they're sweeter and juicier than any other berry. And, there are specific instructions for eating this viral $19 strawberry. You must let it breathe like a fine wine at room temp for 30 minutes and make sure if you must handle with your bare hands you eat it within 3-4 hours. And, they aren't currently available online, although there are plans for it. So, you have to be in Beverly Hills, Pasadena or Santa Monica to snag them. And, I got to thinking...is there anything I'm willing to or have paid outrageous amounts for and thought it was ultimately worth it? What's My Version Of The Viral $19 Strawberry? In recent times, one thing come to mind. And, even though it's not on the scale of a viral $19 strawberry, my indulgence was a good amount for me...and so worth it. One of our favorite places in Charlotte to go for unbelievable craft cocktails is Runaway Whiskey and Wine. The drinks are amazing, the atmosphere is stellar and the food is delicious! When we go with friends, we usually get a couple of apps to share at the table. But then, each couple is usually needing just a tad bit more to eat along with our drinks. And, they have a Waygu Burger and Frites on the menu that I believe runs about $27. It has a Jack and Cheddar blend, bacon onion jam, onion straws, pickles, house sauce and french fries. It's a bit steep...but it's amazing. And, it's plenty for two people to split. So, the cost is really not bad when you do the math. I highly recommend. That's the closest I'll get to a viral $19 strawberry. https://youtu.be/pFdD1jieM4Q?si=5LaK3Sdd3IWogiy-