My mother was a bit paranoid when I was growing up, so when she heard
stories on the news of hole-in-the-wall sushi joints shut down for
health code violations, she was convinced that if I ever went out for
dinner with my friends at a Japanese place, I would likely sicken and
die.
So, due to parental restrictions, I did not sample sushi until my first year in college--but it was certainly love at first California roll.
So, due to parental restrictions, I did not sample sushi until my first year in college--but it was certainly love at first California roll.
Now Japanese cuisine ranks as a favorite of mine, but I can still see
why some are daunted by the prospect of the sushi/Japanese food
experience. That is why I would like to debrief you on what you can
expect from the typical Japanese-themed restaurant.
Almost every Japanese restaurant will serve a wide variety of sushi either at a bar or at your table. The sushi menu does not need extensive explanation, at least as far as each roll goes, because most menus give you a brief explanation or you can always ask your server if you are unsure.
However, you should be aware that although many restaurants share the same names for certain rolls (e.g. Godzilla roll is a common name across the board), you cannot assume that they are exactly the same--except for the California roll, which is a great starter for someone who has never tried sushi. It consists of rice, avocado, crab meat, and cucumber, usually sprinkled with sesame seeds.
Sushi rolls are generally served with both ginger and wasabi, both of which are spicy. Ginger does for the palate what coffee beans do for the olfactory glands when you are smelling perfume samples. Plus, it just tastes good. Wasabi is a green, spicy cream that some people enjoy spread atop their sushi.
Sushi--and Japanese food in general--is meant to be eaten with chopsticks, which are provided for you. At middle-ranged restaurants, they are disposable, wooden pieces, but at upscale eateries, they are made of heavy plastic or even metal. If you need a fork, don't be afraid to ask your server for one, but in my opinion, working with chopsticks is a bit more fun.
While many Japanese diners focus solely on sushi, most of them offer several types of noodles, topped with meat, eggs, or vegetables (or all of the above). My favorite neighborhood restaurant doubles as a Korean barbeque. If you aren't sure of what you might like, browse the internet and take a look at menus to get a better idea.
Don't forget about dessert! Many Japanese-inspired restaurants will feature ice cream in flavors you aren't likely to find at your local grocery store. Honey, green tea, pear, and ginger are just a few that I can think of. Yum! I think it's time for dinner…
Almost every Japanese restaurant will serve a wide variety of sushi either at a bar or at your table. The sushi menu does not need extensive explanation, at least as far as each roll goes, because most menus give you a brief explanation or you can always ask your server if you are unsure.
However, you should be aware that although many restaurants share the same names for certain rolls (e.g. Godzilla roll is a common name across the board), you cannot assume that they are exactly the same--except for the California roll, which is a great starter for someone who has never tried sushi. It consists of rice, avocado, crab meat, and cucumber, usually sprinkled with sesame seeds.
Sushi rolls are generally served with both ginger and wasabi, both of which are spicy. Ginger does for the palate what coffee beans do for the olfactory glands when you are smelling perfume samples. Plus, it just tastes good. Wasabi is a green, spicy cream that some people enjoy spread atop their sushi.
Sushi--and Japanese food in general--is meant to be eaten with chopsticks, which are provided for you. At middle-ranged restaurants, they are disposable, wooden pieces, but at upscale eateries, they are made of heavy plastic or even metal. If you need a fork, don't be afraid to ask your server for one, but in my opinion, working with chopsticks is a bit more fun.
While many Japanese diners focus solely on sushi, most of them offer several types of noodles, topped with meat, eggs, or vegetables (or all of the above). My favorite neighborhood restaurant doubles as a Korean barbeque. If you aren't sure of what you might like, browse the internet and take a look at menus to get a better idea.
Don't forget about dessert! Many Japanese-inspired restaurants will feature ice cream in flavors you aren't likely to find at your local grocery store. Honey, green tea, pear, and ginger are just a few that I can think of. Yum! I think it's time for dinner…
