For those of you who know me well understand how much I love to eat. I truly enjoy a good meal and most days are filled with a big lunch. Lots of days I will walk out of my office with some team members and the conversation will go something like this:
Merrill – where would you like to go to eat?
Others – not sure what are you in the mood for?
Merrill – anything but I would rather not eat sushi!
Ok I will stop there and NOT bore you with anymore details. I am not a fish eater but do love all shellfish. So I say bring on lobster, crab and shrimp all day long! Over the years I have tried sushi and I must admit it is ok! Yes I said it! And yes I actually believe it! Maybe 2011 is the year I make a change with regard to sushi and really try it.
So I need your help…….
- For a person who doesn’t really like fishy smells or tastes what should I try?
- What restaurants would you recommend?
- What is your favorite roll?
- What sauces (sorry if that isn’t the right term) do you put on the rolls?
- How long have you enjoyed sushi?
Thanks in advance for your help – I look forward to reading your comments.
Kimberly White says:
Hi Merrill!
I am happy to hear that you are broadening your horizons when it comes to sushi! I love it and have been eating it since I lived in Japan from 1992 – 1995. (I actually eat more of it now than when I was living in Japan.)
Do you like the taste of seaweed or do you have to get used to that as well??
Let’s assume that you have to acquire a taste for the seaweed first. I would start with California Rolls, Spider Rolls (soft shell crab rolls), shrimp tempura rolls and if you are feeling daring, I would try a dragon roll (eel) as all of the fish and seafood in these rolls are cooked.
Once you are comfortable with these, I will try tuna, salmon and yellow tail rolls and maybe a rainbow roll which contains all three of those fishes plus fluke/white fish rolled around a california roll! Yummy!!!
I would not order the spicy versions of any of fish as they chop of the meat and I find the text of th chopped up fish hard to handle. Stick with the whole pieces or even Sashimi (which is only fish, no rice or seaweed).
Other things I would avoid, at least at first are Mackerel, all of the fish eggs and Uni.
As for the sauce, soy sauce and wasabi are the way to go. Add in the wasabi slowly and taste often or all of the sudden you will have completely clean sinus’ and your eyes will be tearing up at the table. One of the exceptions to this rule is the Dragon Roll that I mentioned above as it comes with it’s own sweet sauce.
I love the ginger that served with the sushi – it’s used as a pallet cleaner.
As for places to eat sushi – there are endless options!!! Outside of Philly, actually over the bridge in NJ is Sagami – my favorite!! Then there is also August Moon in Norristown, PA. I love Ginza in Boston (Chinatown actually, just down from South Station). I’ve eaten at a bunch in Philly, NYC and LA and I will send those names over to you later!
Good luck and enjoy it.
Kim
PS my favorite rolls are the Rainbow Roll, Salmon Skin Hand Rolls (served crispy), the TNT Roll and all rolls containing Yellowtail!!! 🙂
Carter Cathey says:
Stick with tuna, salmon, and yellow-tail. They are all very clean-tasting and not fishy, in my opinion. I also like the soft-shelled crab rolls. As a shellfish guy, these should be right up your alley. The eel is also a favorite of mine. It has a drizzle on it that makes it almost like dessert. You will either love it or hate it.
I think the basics are pretty safe as a start. I like going places where you can watch the sushi being prepared. It should be very, VERY fresh. If it smells too fishy, it is probably not as fresh as it needs to be.
Avoid anything called roe or smelt. Avoid the urchin. I think the octopus is too tough.
Good Luck!!!
–Carter
Fee Sepahi says:
Hi Merrill,
After years of resisting eating Sushi for many of the raw reasons, this past year, post dating my new GF, I actually acquired the taste.
Based on the regiment Kim and Carter mentioned above, I slowly worked my way to eating the tuna’s and the eel etc. I’m not a spicy food eater so I stay away from the sinus clearing material, and usually enjoy my meal with the soy sauce and some ginger.
We have two places around my house, in Wayne. One called Tokyo Fusion which is good and the other is Margaret Kuo. http://www.margaretkuos.com/
When in Philadelphia we typically eat at Fuji Mountain, which has exceptional meals.
Bon appetite,
Fee
Ed Sugar says:
Only eat sushi in cities that are near the ocean. Only eat sushi in land locked cities if the restaurant is 4 stars or higher or that cater to an affluent clientele.
Kimberly White says:
Ed – what’s the name of that great place that you took me to on Ventura??
Ed Sugar says:
Iwata
http://www.yelp.com/biz/japanese-restaurant-iwata-sherman-oaks
Jeremy Bromberg says:
Welcome to civilized society, Merrill. I loves me sushi.
For years I ate lunch weekly at a little joint in Newton called Shogun. Simple sushi, prepared well, in a neighborhood environment.
For the past few years my family and I have eaten weekly at Oishii Too, located in Sudbury. High end, and really yummy. And by now, they treat us like family. I guess that’s what happens with patrons who take out second mortgages to eat there.
I agree with advice offered above, Merrill. Start simple – salmon, tuna, white tuna, and yellowtail. Rolls (maki) like shrimp tempura, or salmon and scallion, are also gentle entry points. Restaurants usually have “sushi special” combos which include these types of items, and are a cost-effective way to venture out more.
And when you’re back this way, give a yell and I’ll go with you.
Eric says:
I enjoy the dragon and volcano rolls which are cooked so these are good starter rolls packed with flavor. It you’re into spicy foods a spicy tuna roll is good!!!
Kelly Heatly says:
Ditto the above recommendations of the more “steaky, less fishy” fish such as tuna. I am also not a sushi fan…I don’t eat ANYTHING raw (yuck). So, if you can’t get into sushi (despite all the rave) and find yourself stuck at a sushi restaurant, simply order the safe California Roll.
Jamie Yelton says:
My Fave food, besides lobster. Welcome to Sushiland. As others have said, for novices, Yellowtail and Salmon are great. Eel is wonderful (it is broiled) and I love white tuna. Reg tuna I can take or leave – At most places you can taste that they freeze it. Mackerel is good (slightly pickled typically. Go where the turnover is great. NEVER go on Monday – as it is leftover from the weekend. Go to the sushi bar so you get into the way they cut and prepare it. If you decide not to go the sushi route, you can still find cooked Japanese foods which are excellent, yakitori ( grilledchicken), shrimp chicken and veggie tempura, salads, various teriakki. Too bad you don’t like fish – Yosenabe is a marvelous fish soup!
Rick Rossen says:
If I knew this when you were here, I would have taken you to my favorite place in Boca. Personally i like a soft shell crab roll when done right as does Tina