Sushi Confidential: I am no chef

Sushi Confidential

Musicians, actors, scientists you’ve never heard of… some of the best things are overlooked.

I’ve always maintained that I’m no chef.

It’s extensive, the whole criteria of what I have been taught is a chef. Down the line I only meet one, that my teacher has called me a chef. Thus, who am I to say he is wrong?

I’m just grateful really. Found my place and I’m fortunate enough to continue the experience on my own terms.

Ohio is no where near an ocean and I work in a mom and pop joint in a suburb of Cincinnati. There are oodles of fish that I don’t know how to filet and I never got good and making tamago. My knowledge of product is vastly subpar. My knowledge of preparation is vague.

But I get to have my story. The nostalgic Kung Fu movie style teacher who does live up to the hype. At the time, his right hand man who worked with me the most. Very special bond there. It’s all very old school, or at least I like to think.

The restaurant I work at will most likely never win Michelin stars. Even the times they win Cinci whatever awards, the old man doesn’t care.

I still get to look up to these people. Decades in the game and still in pursuit of improvement. I still remember learning this technique and I said to the old man, “you must have done this a thousand times” and he replied…

“Thousands.”

Learning to make sushi is something I deeply like about myself. It’s a part of my life that few have experienced me in the act. It’s my favorite fun fact that you figure out about me later.

And my favorite thing to do during my shift is to make teeny tiny sushi, plate them delicately, then give them to a child. I don’t remember having sushi for the first time but it’d be cool if they do.

Maybe that’s why I write these entries. The idea that I get to share it even with 0.000000.1% of the world that even reads it.

Just like a mom and pop joint in a suburb in Cincinnati. Some of the best things are overlooked.

Best,
E
#ARTiculate