Sushi: I win

[SeattleUte]

One of the nastiest arguments I've had in this space is with Lebowski about sushi (it was on Cougarguard). (We had a knock down drag out one over Palestine but this one was probably worse.) The gist of the argument was whether sushi was bland and redundant enough that it didn't matter whether you bought it from a supermarket or a restaurant. Leboski went nuts when I suggested this heresy. I also expressed that the sushi fad had become tiresome, since I sampled my first sushi back in the seventies and was at that time very impressed. (Humans season, etc. for a reason, was my point.)

Well, sushi outlets are now engaging in all kinds of fatastic fusions and variations with raw fish, that have drawn people like me back on a regular basis. This started with tartar but has expanded to infinite variations of seasonings, searings rolls, etc. Another thing sushi bars are doing is adding exotic mixed drinks (something I don't like) as a sideline.

See, I was right. Sushi had to diversify to remain competitive because it was bland.

[MarkGrace]

So what place got you excited about sushi again? I may have to check it out.

[TripletDaddy]

I think what you are seeing is a land grab for people with less discerning tastes or that are epi-curious.

Americans want to eat sushi because they think it sounds cool, but ultimately they cant get over the mental hurdle, so you see it dumbed down or dressed up with all sorts of bizarre flavors and ingredients. That Happy Sumo place that sells sashimi topped with bacon or mango or whatever else....oh brother.

You are basically surfing the Americanization wave of traditional japanese cuisine, much like our friends that eat at Cafe Rio. It tastes fine to most, and so most will eat it.

[il Padrino Ute]

Congrats for deciding that you like bait again.

[SeattleUte]

http://cougarguard.com/forum/showthr...ighlight=sushi

This was the thread. Note that YOhio started the fight. He knew what he was doing.

[MarkGrace]

Americans want to eat sushi because they think it sounds cool, but ultimately they cant get over the mental hurdle, so you see it dumbed down or dressed up with all sorts of bizarre flavors and ingredients. That Happy Sumo place that sells sashimi topped with bacon or mango or whatever else....oh brother.

I don't get the mental hurdle. I also don't get the texture thing, which I hear people say all the time. It's just raw fish...wtf? Maybe it's just normal to me since raw fish (the maui onion poke at Masa & Joyce!) has been my favorite food since I was about three. Poke tossed in your bowl of poi and wash that shit down with some pog...what else can a little kid ask for? Maybe just some lomi salmon on the side.

[falafel]

Maybe its not that sushi is bland, but that there are so many sushi places that they have to differentiate themselves somehow.

Its the same reason you see so many dentists with crazy billboards offering 99 cent tooth extractions.

[Art Vandelay]

What the .... You live in one of the best sushi areas in the country, yet find it all "bland"?!?! That is almost as crazy as some nutjob (his name slips my mind) in the arena talking about BYU and Jimmer being overrated.

[SeattleUte]

So what place got you excited about sushi again? I may have to check it out.

Moshi Moshi is an archetype of the places I'm talking about.

http://www.moremoshi.com/

The poke is great there.

So is Nishino exemplary; it has a huge menu.

Red Fin is pretty good for fusion.

Even the little fast food place in my building has some yummy treats.

[SeattleUte]

I don't get the mental hurdle. I also don't get the texture thing, which I hear people say all the time. It's just raw fish...wtf? Maybe it's just normal to me since raw fish (the maui onion poke at Masa & Joyce!) has been my favorite food since I was about three. Poke tossed in your bowl of poi and wash that shit down with some pog...what else can a little kid ask for? Maybe just some lomi salmon on the side.

I agree. It's just that raw has not much there there; also, I get super tired of that sweet vinegary rice that overwhelms the fish. I'd actually rather eat a sashimi salad.

[TripletDaddy]

I don't get the mental hurdle. I also don't get the texture thing, which I hear people say all the time. It's just raw fish...wtf? Maybe it's just normal to me since raw fish (the maui onion poke at Masa & Joyce!) has been my favorite food since I was about three. Poke tossed in your bowl of poi and wash that shit down with some pog...what else can a little kid ask for? Maybe just some lomi salmon on the side.

I used to hate it. Before i tried it. then I learned to really love it, although Im still not a fan of some of it. Takes some time.

As far as poke, I will be pounding the poke in less than 3 weeks. (not THAT, sickos!) And enjoying a nice cup of POG, perhaps even saving the pogs from the POG. yum!!!

[cougjunkie]

Sushi in my opinion is disgusting. I hate all fish actually. I also do not like vegetables.

[MarkGrace]

Moshi Moshi is an archetype of the places I'm talking about.

The poke is great there.

We've been there a couple times and liked it. The poke is really good.

So is Nishino exemplary; it has a huge menu.

Never been there, but have always wanted to go. The price has always kept me away for the most part, though I know they're usually part of the 30 for $30.

Red Fin is pretty good for fusion.

My only meal there was purchased by you. I quite enjoyed it.

We're pretty much regulars at the sushi bar at Kisaku. The place isn't much to look at, but damn is their fish good.
http://www.kisaku.com/kisaku/

I would be the worst food critic. I pretty much like everything.

[Art Vandelay]

I would be the worst food critic.

You are being too hard on yourself, I'm sure you would be a much worse basketball analyst than food critic.

[MarkGrace]

Sushi in my opinion is disgusting. I hate all fish actually. I also do not like vegetables.

As far as I can tell the last few weeks, your diet basically consists exclusively of burnt beef.