Let's talk Sushi!

When I decided to write a blog on sushi I did some research. I thought I had a good idea about the terminology of Sushi and Shashimi. I don't claim to be an expert but I had no idea just how complicated the different forms were. There are some websites that document the fascinating history of sushi but that is a different blog. To keep from embarrassing myself I'll stick with what is called "Western Sushi".
Not everyone likes sushi. For many years I wanted nothing to do with it but with help and encouragement from my lovely wife I have been reformed. With most people it seems to be a love it or hate it relationship. It is such a unique taste and feel, nothing like any other food I have ever had. The taste is light and clean and leaves little or no heavy after feeling.
I've tried many different types of sushi and Shashimi and I have my favorites. Luckily most of them are my wife's favorites too. I know that all different sushi restaurants have their own specialty rolls but I think you can find these in most any good restaurant. I won't go into great detail just basic descriptions and I'll just name a few of my favorites.

My favorite is Hamachi Shashimi. That is a slice of Yellowtail on an oblong ball of rice. I can't fully describe the taste and mouth-feel of it. Suffice to say I always save one for last. It is my dessert.

A close second, though I don't often order it, is White Tuna. It is smooth and creamy and it kind of melts in your mouth.

Sake or Salmon is another favorite flavor of Shashimi.

Rolls are a whole other story since each sushi house has their favorite or seasonal rolls.
The basics are the California Roll. Not my favorite but is good and made with avocado, crab (cooked) and cucumber. It is usually wrapped with nori (seaweed paper) and covered with rice. This is a good roll to start with when trying sushi for the first time as it is cooked and not as scary to the beginner.

The Rainbow Roll is one of my favorites. It is basically a California Roll that is topped with one piece each of Hamachi, Sweet Ebi (cooked shrimp), Salmon and Tuna or Avocado. It is a beautiful roll with a wonderful mixture of flavors and texture.

My wife likes Spider Rolls. It is fried soft-shell crab with cucumber, diakon, avocado and spicy mayonnaise. Some times the Spider Roll is rolled in roe. If it is done well it can be delicious if not it can get a little heavy.

A Spicy Tuna Roll is a treat. It comes filled with Tuna (duh), and often green onion with a spicy mayonnaise. I like a little heat with my food and this fits the bill. It is a little change of pace from the creamy mild taste of other sushi. Some restaurants offer a Spicy Hamachi Roll that is just as good.

As I said, I love the taste and texture of sushi but there is one more fascinating aspect of sushi. Presentation. In true traditional Japanese form sushi is best served in elegant, minimalistic style. Often a simple wooden platform is the serving platter with the Sushi and Shashimi artfully arranged.

Sometimes a large white plate is used if the sushi is served with sauce. But the most impressive presentation was a chef's assortment of pieces that was brought to the table in a stylistic boat. The "boat" was about 30" long and placed down the length of the table.
The presentation of sushi is a true art form when executed by an experienced chef.

I hope this whets your appetite for some of this wonderfully different food. Tomorrow I will give my reviews of the sushi restaurants in the area that we have tried. Some are OK and some are definitely worth the trip. If you have never tried sushi, be a little adventurous. Step out of your boundaries and try a California roll. It might surprise you and you might surprise yourself.