| Are you a sushi beginner? Never been out for an | | | | indeed produce some delightful dishes, they may |
| evening of Japanese seafood dining? Then get | | | | be a little too advanced for the novice palette. |
| yourself ready with the following essential | | | | 6. Go veggie if you like. Did you know that you |
| information about how to get the most out of | | | | can eat a completely satisfying sushi dinner |
| your sushi dining experience. | | | | without eating any fish? It's easy if you stick to |
| 10 things to know about dining out for sushi | | | | the vegetable rolls (such as the cucumber roll) and |
| 1. This is NOT Chinese food. Far too many people | | | | substitute veggies for seafood in other dishes. |
| walk into a fine neighborhood sushi establishment | | | | 7. It's good to ask questions. At some snootier |
| and immediately request the Chow Mein special | | | | fine dining establishments (French restaurants, |
| with a chicken egg roll. That's Chinese food, | | | | we're looking in your direction) asking questions is |
| people. Sushi is a fresh, raw and healthy delicacy | | | | frowned upon. However, at sushi bars, questions |
| from Japan. | | | | are encouraged. The best sushi chefs love to talk |
| 2. Watch out for the sake. Sake looks harmless | | | | about their craft and share insight into the |
| enough; it is served from decorative bottles in | | | | different dishes they will be serving. |
| tiny cups and glasses. But watch out for the | | | | 8. Sushi is a healthy meal. Sushi is low in fat, filled |
| alcohol kick from this strong spirit. To experience | | | | with important nutrients and packed with vital |
| a sushi restaurant in full, enjoy a glass - but in | | | | protein. If you eat out once a week, it is much |
| keep it all in moderation. | | | | better for your body than a burger joint or chain |
| 3. Start with cooked menu items. It is a common | | | | restaurant. |
| misconception that all sushi is raw. Beginners may | | | | 9. Start the kids out young. The best way to |
| want to give cooked items such as California rolls | | | | raise a child with a sophisticated palette is to |
| or unagi (eel) a try before moving on to raw | | | | introduce them to different dishes at a young |
| dishes. | | | | age. Taking them to a fun sushi restaurant is a |
| 4. Stick with what you know. Many of the types | | | | great way to start them out on a life-long love of |
| of fish you have enjoyed for years are available | | | | great seafood and Japanese cuisine. |
| at a sushi bar - simply in raw form. If you like | | | | 10. You can enjoy sushi AND keep kosher. More |
| salmon or grouper - stick with their raw | | | | and more, sushi restaurants are offering full |
| equivalent when ordering sushi for the first time. | | | | kosher options as part of their menu. That means |
| 5. Be prepared for the omakase. Omakase is | | | | individuals who wish to maintain a strict adherence |
| loosely translated as "chef's choice" and ordering it | | | | to their kosher diet can enjoy all the fun and |
| puts you in the hands of the experienced sushi | | | | good taste of a real sushi bar. |
| chef. Bear in mind, that while this option may | | | | |