Sushi Class

 Along with being part of the Navy Chaplain Spouse Group, I was also able to do a few activities with the Navy Officer Spouses group. One of their outings was to take a sushi class!

 Upon our arrival at Tokyo Dai-ichi Hotel Okinawa Grand Mer Resort, we were greeted by this great wall of shisas!

 We are capped, aproned, and gloved awaiting the appearance of Head Chef Irei.

 He spoke no English, but with miming and the aid of a translator, we understood the directions.

The first step in making a sushi roll is to make the sushi rice. It is a mix of rice and vinegar and a bit of saki. But, you don't stir it! You 'cut' the ingredients together with a spatula.

 When the rice is ready, place a piece of plastic wrap onto the bamboo place mat, lay on a piece of seaweed (shiny side DOWN.... did you know seaweed sheets had different sides?? Me, neither, but, sure 'nough!).

Once you've determined the shiny side and placed it down on the plastic wrap, add a layer of rice.

 Then, add your ingredients. We had some small leafy greens, crab, salmon, and avocado.

 Once placed, roll it up wrapped in the plastic; then, roll it up in the place mat and gently pull it snug. Unroll, unwrap, and move to the cutting board. The trick to cutting the sushi roll is a sharp knife and quick cuts, starting by cutting it in half, then each half in half.

 Aaannnddd---- voila!!

 After assembling our sushi rolls, we were guided to a table for lunch with a wonderful view!!

 After topping off my sushi roll with wasabi-mayo and a bit of caviar, we were brought the rest of our lunch: shrimp and vegetable tempura (notice the slice of purple sweet potato!), dipping sauces, and Okinawa Soba (the noodle soup) which is best with the red pickled ginger and a few dashes of the hot oil!

 At the end of our visit, Head Chef Irei presented each of us with his business card.

I did my best to receive it with the respect due him.

(I had my friend Deidre take this picture, mainly to get a pic of his shoes and socks!!)

They also sent us home with the recipe for the sushi rice and I picked up a couple of rolling mats at the Y100 store, so I really hope to make some at home!!