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September 3, 2015 • mccsokinawa.com
okinawalivingweekly Sushi 101
Labor Day Pool Bash
Clockwise from the top: MCCS Stock Photo, tan4ikk/bigstock.com
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ushi etiquette can differ from other types of cuisine, and many aspects can be quite obscure— from always placing the chopsticks directly on hashioki (chopsticks holders) and refraining from creating a “wasabi broth” (made of three parts wasabi and one part soy sauce). Following are a few common questions: Is using your hands to eat sushi an etiquette violation? Although using one’s hands to bring each delightful morsel to one’s lips is acceptable, real veterans use chopsticks. Also, when serving another, always use the back end of the chopsticks to place the sushi on the other’s plate. Do not pass food from chopstick to chopstick—a social faux pas. Every time I dip my sushi into the soy sauce, the rice falls apart. Is there a way to remedy this problem? The proper way to dip nigiri-zushi is by placing the fish-side down. It is considered bad manners to dip the rice side. I never seem to have enough ginger left after only a few sushi. How do I order more?
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The vinegary ginger slices called gari that accompanies sushi is for cleansing the palate in between orders. Although some pile the ginger on top of their sushi, this is tantamount to brushing one’s teeth and eating at the same time—not a good thing. How do I find out what kind of fish are “in season?” Always ask the chef—they are the fish experts. Asking the sushi chef is not only a sign of respect, it can also positively affect the dining experience as well. However, never hand the chef money to pay the bill—this is considered disrespectful towards other customers. Do any sushi restaurants offer knives and forks instead of chopsticks? Most definitely not—most reputable sushi chefs would probably feel insulted if they were asked for a knife. This carries with it the implication that the sushi is tough and the sushi chef is incompetent. For more information on local customs and culture, visit mccsokinawa.com/marineandfamilyprograms.
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ou’ve worked hard all year. You deserve a day off from all of your laboring. Who can blame you? Labor Day is a day dedicated to you, the hard worker, so make it worthwhile. Why not spend the last remaining days of summer doing something outdoors? Lounging counts. Soak in the sun with MCCS at the Camp Schwab Labor Day Pool Bash. Spend the day poolside on September 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. Not only will there be FREE food, drinks and music, but you’ll also be able to test your skills with a floating obstacle course (complete the course for a chance to win prizes). This event is open to all DoD ID card holders over 16. For more information, call 625-2023 or visit mccsokinawa.com/aquatics.
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