The Sushi Thread

[snyprrr]

I love sushi.

And you?

[flyingdutchman]

Depends on which kind.  There are some I just can't eat.

[ChamberNut]

Pretty much love everything I've ever tried so far.  My wife and I LOVE sushi!

The only 'bad' experience I had was with some 'sea urchin'.  Major gag reflex!! 

My favorites though are 'fatty tuna', spicy bakudan rolls, Philadelphia rolls, spider rolls, soft shell crab, and any kind of tempura as an appetizer.

[MishaK]

I LOVE Sushi. Just can't get any good one here in Chicago. But seriously, we need to take a break on the Sushi craze. You just can't have tuna, striped bass, Atlantic salmon and a few others at all right now, due to overfishing/hazardous environmental effects of farm raising. This should be helpful:

http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/cr_seafoodwatch/sfw_sushi_restaurant.aspx

[SonicMan46]

Well, I've been eating sushi for yrs!  But I agree w/ Ray that uni (i.e. sea urchin) is one of my least faves.   

But, I must say that there is a tremendous variation in the quality of sushi - we've cut down on our exposure (do have a number of local places, but only one that we frequent and not that often); however, if we are visiting a MAJOR city, e.g. New York, San Fran, or similar, then we do seek out a sushi place 

[MishaK]

Well, I've been eating sushi for yrs!  But I agree w/ Ray that uni (i.e. sea urchin) is one of my least faves.   

Uni has to be superbly fresh, then it is mindbogglingly amazing. I know some places in NY and on the West Coast where you can get superb Uni for less than an arm and a leg, if you're interested. But if it's not fresh it is positively gross. If it smells like stale harbor water, stay away from it.

[Hollywood]

I love sushi and if I could afford it I would eat it everyday.

[Herman]

I hate sushi. This nibble fad for the upwardly mobile is going to exterminate one of the most wonderful creatures on the planet, the tuna, and it's going to happen real soon.

I used to love grilled tuna, and I have just stopped. It's easy to think one or two persons stopping isn't going to change a lot if folks in Japan will continue, but I just don't want to share responsibility for killing these marvellous creatures.

And, yes, I eat meat and fish all the time.

[flyingdutchman]

Eating raw tuna in Japan is hardly a fad, it is a staple.  Every where else it may be a fad, but not in Japan.

[MishaK]

Eating raw tuna in Japan is hardly a fad, it is a staple.  Every where else it may be a fad, but not in Japan.

Not true. The nigiri sushi and sashimi trend is a distinct postwar phenomenon. There was a wonderful article in the NYT a while ago about how that fad was just a marketing thing. I will try to dig it up later. Raw fish in traditional Japanese cuisine did not nearly enjoy the same cachet it does today. That said, sushi is still mighty tasty when well prepared and fresh, but the idea that Japanese culinary culture is founded on it is nonsense. They could easily cut down on their consumption without harming their heritage one bit.

[snyprrr]

I love sushi and if I could afford it I would eat it everyday.

Where do you people get those great smileys??? Is there a website?

[ChamberNut]

O Mensch, I could definitely see that you may have a point indeed.

Here in Winnipeg, for example.  The last 5 years, the boom in Sushi Restaurants has been unfathomably astronomical!  5 years ago, I could probably count on one hand or a bit more the sushi restaurants in the entire city.  Now, there are at least 5-10 within walking distance on 2 streets from our house! 

[snyprrr]

Well, when my grandchildren are paying for my luxurious life today, I guess they won't be eating sushi, either! Sorry kids, but...

[ChamberNut]

Well, when my grandchildren are paying for my luxurious life today, I guess they won't be eating sushi, either! Sorry kids, but...

Hey, maybe they won't be able to indulge in the 'fatty tuna, but maybe they can still have monk fish or some other disgusting looking fish.   

[SonicMan46]

Hey, maybe they won't be able to indulge in the 'fatty tuna, but maybe they can still have monk fish or some other disgusting looking fish.   

Ray - now you can't mention the 'ugly' monkfish w/o showing a photo!    Not sure if this fish is served 'raw' as sushi (if so, I've never had it?) - but cooked w/ a nice sauce, the taste is like lobster, i.e. quite good; for those 'unfamiliar' w/ this fish (or 'monster'), only the tail is consumed (at least by me) - 

[ChamberNut]

Ray - now you can't mention the 'ugly' monkfish w/o showing a photo!    Not sure if this fish is served 'raw' as sushi (if so, I've never had it?) - but cooked w/ a nice sauce, the taste is like lobster, i.e. quite good; for those 'unfamiliar' w/ this fish (or 'monster'), only the tail is consumed (at least by me) - 

Ahhh!!!    That's quite the waste if only the tail is eaten.    I think this monkfish is trying to say "Can I haz cheezburgur?"   

One of my favorite sushi fish is 'unagi' river eel.  YUM!

[SonicMan46]

One of my favorite sushi fish is 'unagi' river eel.  YUM!

YES!  Fresh water eel is a fave of ours, too!   

Also, some of my best 'eel' eating has been on several trips to Belgium (not sure we have forum members from that country?) - but 'eels in green sauce' w/ Belgian frittes is to DIE FOR!   

[Harpo]

But, I must say that there is a tremendous variation in the quality of sushi

I agree. Sushi in North Carolina is a real gamble: heaven knows where it comes from, plus it's not popular in the South, so it sits around too long in the case.  I've never had sea urchin--looks like (and apparently tastes like) baby poo. Hamachi (yellowtail) has been my favorite for a long time, but eel is right up there.

[snyprrr]

I have developed a taste for mackeral.

I found flouder bland.

Monk fish...

[Tapkaara]

Being vegetarian, I can only eat vegetable sushi, but I do love it. Goes nicely with some sake or cold Japanese beer! (Sapporo is my favorite of these.)