I’ve been disappointed many times at various restaurants, but I really think it’s the worst to be disappointed when going out for sushi. One always expects something good and perhaps different when going out, but sushi is such a unique experience that when you get bad sushi, it hurts (Please! Not in the face!). If your lamb isn’t cooked right, or your potatoes are just plain weird, it’s one thing, but if your hamachi is funky, it will make you want to push your plate away and perhaps even divest yourself of your latest meal.
I mention this because, years ago, there was a little sushi place not far from where I lived that used to be my stand-by. I went weekly if not more frequently, even for just a nibble sometimes. But over time, something happened. It started to go downhill. There wasn’t a management change and the same itamae prepared food behind the counter. Perhaps he was getting senile, but one day I got bad hamachi. Really bad… It made me ill. I’m not a complainer so I didn’t, but it took me a while to go back. Over time, I had other bad experiences there with items just ‘not right’ and eventually I simply stopped going. Perhaps I should have said something at some point, but I never did. About a year or so later, it was closed, and I don’t think I need to guess why.
I love sushi, and I don’t ask for perfection in technique, but when a food prides itself on its freshness and preparation, there is a level of quality that I cannot overlook. When I go out for sushi, I need it to be good. If it’s not, I may as well have gone for fast food. And I don’t mean fish ‘n chips.
Warren
The Sushi Guy.
I have always been fascinated by the creation and culture of different foods, particularly sushi and sashimi in the modern era of Japanese cuisine. I am a classically trained chef and sushi connoisseur, also having operated a food service company and enjoy investigating and experimenting with food around the world.
I never got ill from sushi up until now. I may be more immuned than you are because I grew up with that thing…
The quality of sushi, neta and preparation is one thing. Another thing I cannot stand is itamae and waitress’ attitude. It turns me off when they talk bad things about their customers or they don’t even say “irasshaimase” loudly. There was one time when I went to this sushi place where itatame was so unprofessional and they were asked to say “irasshaimase” more loudly. Itamae and the workers’ attitude adds “taste” to sushi itself as well.
I agree, and especially for westerners, it adds to the experience.
Warren
The Sushi guy.
Warren-san,
I got to eat very fresh uni today. I went to a Japanese restaurant called Taiko in Irvine, California.
I ordered two uni hoping that it was going to be fresh. Fresh uni is usually firm and plump. The moment I saw the uni on top of sushi rice, I smiled. I could see the shape of uni eggs and a good amount of chunk of uni was on it. A pleasurable moment was when I put it into my mouth. It was so good that I ordered one more. The price wasn’t too bad either. If you have a chance to come to Orange County, CA, let me know! I will take you there to eat good fresh sushi. Yes, Taiko is actually quite famous for fresh sushi. Other diners are just OK, but when it comes to fresh sushi, Taiko is it when it comes to price and its quality. The place is always crowded and you’re lucky if can get sushi counter seat.
Anyway, I’m one happy sushi eater tonight. I took a picture of it, but it was so dark that my camera on my cell. phone couldn’t really take good picture of it, but I will try to send it to you later.
I couldn’t find your email, so I blogged about the sushi I ate and included the picture there.
Hayato-san,
Thanks for the link, it’s always great to find something that good, eh? And i’ll definitely let you kow if I get out there, it sounds like fun. I love trying places in other cities so you can show me around 🙂 Keep me up on your experiences, I love hearing about other sushi otaku out there!
Warren