Darn it all anyway

I forgot, quite simply forgot to bring the camera last night. You see, the big guy took me out for sushi.Dinner out on the town again ...twice in one week. I'm truly blessed. In fact other than whipping up a cake yesterday that needed some time in the fridge before it can hit tonight's table, I spent absolutely no time in the kitchen yesterday. Ya' think maybe the vacation's already started?

So where in this desert town you ask, does one go for sushi? We have two favorite places but we went to the one closest to home this time - Sushi Garden at Foothills Mall. This location, one of two Sushi Garden restaurants in Tucson, boasts a bright modern interior and fabulous service but more importantly the fish is very fresh and of very high quality. It's also busy, which means the turnover time is quick so there's a good chance everything you order will be made of the freshest ingredients. That's important when you're eating the stuff.

For those of you who are curious to know, there are several different types of sushi, namely

• "Sashimi:  Raw seafood served chilled and sliced and elegantly arranged.It's usually prepared with fish fresh from the water, refrigerated but never frozen. How to slice the fish for sashimi is one of the most rigorous skills to learn during the itamae's training. Fish cut too thick or too thin make a different impression on the taste buds, and different fish require applying different techniques.

• Nigirisushi: Nigiri means something like "hand pressed". This type of sushi is the most common type at the sushi bar: A small oval made with rice, with an expertly cut slice of fish on top, and with a dab of wasabi on it. Most types of nigirisushi are meant to be dipped in soy sauce, and must be eaten in one bite, slowly. Close your eyes and feel the different textures in your mouth while you eat every piece.
• Gunkan: Battleship sushi. This looks like a nigiri piece wrapped once in seaweed. It's called "battleship sushi" because it resembles the cylindrical sail of a submarine or battleship. Most caviar sushi (e.g. uni, tobiko, ikura, masago) are wrapped in the gunkan style.
• Makisushi: Maki means "rolled". This kind of sushi consists of fish (or crab) and vegetables rolled in a sheet of nori (roasted seaweed) and rice. Makisushi is usually served sliced into bite-size portions. In some restaurants it will be listed as norimaki (seaweed roll) in the menu. Makisushi is an excellent choice for those venturing into the sushi bar for the first time, particularly if they are squimish about eating raw fish. The taste and crackling texture of the the seaweed, the visual delight from its appearance, and the combination of salty seaweed, sweet rice, and delicate fish and vegetables soon win even the most reluctant experimenters.
• Temaki: Te = hand. Temaki describes the hand rolls, something like a Japanese nori taco, that you bite into. Many of the ingredients you'll find in makisushi also exist in temaki."

If you're one of the people that turns your nose up in disgust and won't eat "raw" fish you can always order California rolls that are made of cooked seafood and fresh vegetables. Hey if you're a wimp and that's what it takes to get you to try it, why not? You might just be converted to the real thing! I for one am gradually being won over and my very favorite item at the sushi bar is Salmon Nigiri. The texture of the salmon is just like butta'. Love it, love it, love it!

Anyway, there's several great sites on-line that will edu..ma..cate you regarding the glories of sushi so for heavens sake if you're not a fan, do a little homework but don't knock it if you haven't tried it.

 

While we neglected to take the camera with us so we could gloat over the boat full we had, I did remember to bring home the order chit which is proof we're no slouches when it comes to eating sushi. Good thing Sushi Garden has an "all you can eat" option for $19.95 a person. The big guy's already into his hour on the elliptical to burn off some calories and I'll be heading there as soon as he's finished. Worth it? You bet!

By the way - happy Father's Day to those of you who are. Personally I think these holidays were created so merchants have an excuse to promote their sales and card companies can make a bundle. I mean, shame on us if we only celebrate the people we love once every year when we should be showing our appreciation the full 365 days. I mean I don't need a "Father's Day" to appreciate the fact that when I married the big guy he came as a packaged deal.  I also acquired a sweet, wonderful, kind, gentle, funny little Dad that's at least a laugh a minute and a joy to be around and THAT I appreciate 365 days a year, 366 every four and twice on Sundays.

Comments

[Mary]

I loved your post today. It was informative and had some humor to keep it from becoming a lesson. It lead me to read some of your earlier posts as well. I love your recipes and the tone of your blog. I'll be back often to see what else you've been cooking. I hope you are having a wonderful day. Blessings...Mary

[June]

Mary - that's high praise and much appreciated. Thank you! I look forward to seeing you visit often, and believe me the admiration is mutual. I love visiting your site as well to see what you've whipped up in your kitchen.

[Nanan]

Nice post about sushi - which we love - esp. my child - she is not ready for the raw stuff yet - too young... but loves her "boston" roll which has a tempura shrimp, lettuce, avocado, and soy paper with spicy mayo and eel sauce! I love tuna!

[June]

Lea - good for you introducing your little one to the "good stuff". I'm with her on the boston roll.

[Mags]

OK, I'm going to obey you and not knock it until I've tried it, but I don't think you could pay me enough to try sushi. It just gags me thinking about it!

[June]

Hey, I know you can't eat seafood, but there's lots of rolls that are made from cooked fish and fresh veggies that I bet you'd like...especially one that has a tempura coating. You'll see ...some day when we finally meet in person, I'll buy you lunch - I'll order and you can close your eyes, hold your nose and I'll shove 'em in. LOL