Sushi - Do it yourself?

[ElisabethWhispers]

Since I live fairly close to my favorite sushi place, I've developed quite a bad habit of going by there a few times a week and eating ... sometimes more.

It's really creating a dent in my wallet.

Does anyone know of any classes or schools that will teach how to roll your own sushi? Or correctly slice sashimi? Make that type of rice, etc.?

I also wonder where one would find the freshest fish in Dallas? My guess is that Central Market would have both but when I checked for classes recently (last month), I didn't see any.

I just LOVE sushi. It really is my favorite food right now. Any advice would be appreciated.

Raw hugs,
Elisabeth

[DorkLover]

Last time I was in Central Market they had a DIY sushi kit that came with a DVD and the tools you need to make your own rolls. Right there with you, love sushi but it does make a dent in your wallet. I got carried away last week at lunch and dropped $40 instead of the usual $15.

[HoneyRose]

Elizabeth,
Don't forget the wonders of the internet! You can have little impromptu lessons on a whim.

I just searched "prepare sushi" on you tube and found 41 demonstrative videos.


I've found demonstrations for make-up application as well as chiropractic stretches. Seriously! There are several chiropractors who post little videos on you tube showing different types of problems.

[HoneyRose]

Another thought~ there are several places that have lunchtime sushi buffets!

There's an excellent one Called Osaka at 5012 W Park Blvd in Plano that has a full Japanese buffet of really good food! All kinds of sushis, tempuras, and hibachi chicken and steaks prepared right in front of you. Fixed price of about $15 for lunch; higher for dinner

They have a sister restaurant in Addison but I don't know the name.

There was another one on Greenville near Walnut Hill that was a combination Japanese and Chinese place, not as nice, but about $6 for the lunch buffet.

Maybe someone knows the name of that one...or you could Google "sushi buffet" with your area/town.

[Sudzny]

Elizabeth,

As HoneyRose mentioned, there are lots of websites that will show you the basic techniques. but as a fellow Sushi lover who dabbled in it myself, I'll warn you to be prepared for 2 things that may dampen it for you.

1) Sushi chefs are insane about their knives for a reason. The average home kitchen knife will make a mess of a delicate fish when trying to make thin slices on and cuts that a lot of Sushi preparations call for. The good Sushi Chefs sharpen their knives daily and have become masters at it. Especially when you start talking about Sashimi, they have specific knives that are only sharpened on one angle to make those cuts.

2) Even the high end supermarkets like Central Market or Whole Foods are not going to have the same quality fish that a Good Sushi Restaurant has. Seafood Wholesalers charge a premium for the best quality fish and usually reserve it for Restaurants. I'm not saying it's "old" or bad, but when you are dealing with Sashimi vs. grilling or broiling it, even a day in he case can make a difference, vs. a Good Sushi Bar that's getting fresh Sushi Grade fish from a wholesale purveyor daily.

Don't mean to rain on your parade, I hope I didn't talk you out of something you are interested in trying, just don't want you to be unpleasantly surprised like I was.

[Juan Pablo de Marco]

sushi is great if it's cooked right.

JPdM

[ElisabethWhispers]

Originally Posted by Sudzny

Elizabeth,

As HoneyRose mentioned, there are lots of websites that will show you the basic techniques. but as a fellow Sushi lover who dabbled in it myself, I'll warn you to be prepared for 2 things that may dampen it for you.

1) Sushi chefs are insane about their knives for a reason. The average home kitchen knife will make a mess of a delicate fish when trying to make thin slices on and cuts that a lot of Sushi preparations call for. The good Sushi Chefs sharpen their knives daily and have become masters at it. Especially when you start talking about Sashimi, they have specific knives that are only sharpened on one angle to make those cuts.

2) Even the high end supermarkets like Central Market or Whole Foods are not going to have the same quality fish that a Good Sushi Restaurant has. Seafood Wholesalers charge a premium for the best quality fish and usually reserve it for Restaurants. I'm not saying it's "old" or bad, but when you are dealing with Sashimi vs. grilling or broiling it, even a day in he case can make a difference, vs. a Good Sushi Bar that's getting fresh Sushi Grade fish from a wholesale purveyor daily.

Don't mean to rain on your parade, I hope I didn't talk you out of something you are interested in trying, just don't want you to be unpleasantly surprised like I was.

Honestly, you've addressed some of my concerns because it would be expensive just to PURCHASE the tools, much less the fish. Then all of the products that go with it. It's not like I entertain that much, either.

I'm going to watch some videos and see. Another friend suggested a sushi class that he found that is being offered at Central Market at the end of May. So this is something to at least consider.

You're not raining on my parade. I appreciate your input!

Thanks everyone!!!

Elisabeth

[TexTushHog]

I had a Japanese friend who learned from her mother. The friend made sushi once a year and said that wasn't enough to master it. I helped one year and it's not as easy as it looks. But like anything, I suspect that if you worked at it, you could learn. I'd check Central Market for classes. For the freshest seafood, I'd try TJ's on Preston (cross street I'm not certain about as it's way up North for me -- Royal or maybe even Forest -- way the hell up North, though, but south of 635)

[italian1]

This reminds me of the scene in "Sex and the City" where Samantha is wearing only a pair of heels and is stategically covered in sushi. Unfortunately, her lover shows up late and misses the buffet.

Cheers!!!

[michaeljohnson1970]

About a month ago, I was going to take a class on sushi making at Central Market on Coit. They had it listed on their event calender and it was only $35 or so. I wasn't able to attend though. The class started about 6:30 pm. Not sure if it's something they do monthly ?

[newdealer]

Lot's of places you can take a class but best way to learn, like anything else in life, is to practice. CM and WF fish is quality but will cost you as much as going to a sushi bar and having them prepare it. I like Asian markets to get fish and sushi gear. Great prices and quality. Alot of people balk at the idea of shopping in those markets. But where do you think most Asian restaurants in Dallas get their products?

[flexywun]

Originally Posted by HoneyRose

They have a sister restaurant in Addison but I don't know the name.

that would be Tokyo One on Beltline near Midway. oh, and i like Osaka too. now you have me hungry for some sushi.

[HoneyRose]

Thanks, Flexywun! That's it