Name: Ishi
Profession: Fisherman
Location: Ryu Sushi, Tsujiki Fish Market, Tokyo, Japan
Reason for Meeting: Stumbled into a restaurant off of the beaten path
Story: Upon entering the restaurant, Ishi peered over from his usual spot at the sushi counter and looked back at us as typical Americans. I am sure he had many preconceived notions as to who we were and what we were about, but I can gladly say that we proved him wrong.
After finishing a 7-course sushi lunch while directly next to this ‘sushi wizard’ of sorts — I learned more about sushi customs than I ever knew before. He told me the intricacies behind every fish that I was served, and what the different types signified. I learned that sushi (raw fish atop rice) wasn’t considered all that special in Japan, but sashimi (slices of raw fish by themselves – without rice) was considered to be the highest of delicacies, if done right.
Sake is a typical drink that is paired with sushi, however, it is a drink that should be drank in a specific way while enjoying the meal at hand, which I was completely unaware of. You are supposed to have a small amount of sake, just an ounce or two in size, only after you eat a piece of sushi, or sashimi. If you drink any other way, you may look as if you are abusing the alcohol at hand, and not enjoying the food quite as much.
Parting Words of Wisdom: Enjoy, but always respect.
