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A sushi from a long time ago

Flash back two years. I was passing by Nobu on London's Berkeley Street. Not a place, I knew, you entered without a reservation. But it wouldn't hurt to ask, and they actually had a place for one. Not a table, but a seat on the sushi bar. Just perfect, for I only really wanted to eat sushi (and watch the chefs as an added bonus). I ordered a drink, then told the elderly sushi chef I am a vegetarian, and the rest of my dinner was in his hands. Two rolls? I nodded yes, thinking we both meant the standard maki.

But he had other plans. He carefully cut a square off a red bell pepper. Then he brought out a torch and charred the little bell pepper. The effect was dramatic, but very carefully orchestrated. Then came out the little ball of rice, the now peeled grilled pepper was put on top and the whole bundle was tied up with what I knew to be some sort of seaweed but it was surely not nori. He carefully pondered on his choice of flavors, then picked one little bottle and sprinkled something on top.

The second roll was topped with two mushrooms, differently colored to a lovely effect. He also made, at my request, a california roll with asparagus tempura and avocado. But I always recall that first, dramatically made nigiri sushi fondly. This is that sushi.



I never knew what he tied the roll with so I used strips of nori. And the flavor on top, that's missing too but peppers and sushi rice made a thoroughly lovely combination.

Comments

CurryLeaf said…
Darling,You r the luckiest.Nobu,is co owned by chef Morimoto who is credited for making the worlds first Vegetarian Sushi and that too using Bell Pepper.I think you may be knowing 'Iron Chef 'Series on the FoodNetwork channel here in US.He was the 'IronChef Japanese' when the series were made in Japan and then again when remade in US following its success there.Do check up in the net to know more about the series and Morimoto -this is just what I know and could all be wrong.LOL,I sincerely wish I were there with you,my long lost sister ;)
Unknown said…
You are absolutely right! I have also heard of chef Morimoto from other friends in NY. And the sushi was truly the best I've ever eaten.
Anonymous said…
Very amusing writeup,and hey the sushi looks unusual but divine :-)
Anonymous said…
Nice post:-) those look really Pretty. I would not want to eat of such a pretty thing!
Jayashree said…
I have always been under the impression that sushi is not vegetarian. This looks so good.
delhibelle said…
What a lovely experoence..the sushi looks totally delicious!
Meera said…
I once had a vegetarian sushi at my Japanese friend's house. She made it for me adding avacado. Tasted yum!! I do eat seafood but raw seafood was not what I care for.\

You really are lucky to have tasted at chef morimoto's restaurant - must be very authentic!!
Bharti said…
Lucky girl..that looks delicious.
I usually shy away from Sushi at the regular restaurants 'cause I'm just not sure if people get the whole vegetarian thing.
notyet100 said…
tries sushi in singapore,..i guess oyyster,..or something but didnt like the taste ur looks nice,..

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