In a society where so many people are constantly searching for the newest, quickest way to lose weight, a new and increasingly popular alternative to the traditional diets of many Americans has invaded downtown Madison. Sushi, which to the chefs who prepare it is more than just a meal, but an art form, has grown to become the latest trend in healthy eating, as it is extremely low in fat.
To many first-timers, eating sushi can be very intimidating. The idea of eating raw fish is one that does not naturally appeal to many, especially here in the United States. Yet there is much more to sushi than eating raw fish with chopsticks. In fact, some of the best sushi rolls, as they are called, only contain vegetables, while others use fried \tempura"" fish.
All fans of Asian cuisine will surely find the delicious salads and soups offered in sushi restaurants as satisfying. In fact, the best way to learn what you like at a sushi restaurant can involve ordering these salads and soups as fall-back items. For example, try miso soup, a fish broth with fresh vegetables that is a favorite among many, and salads such as cucumbers in a vinegar dressing, a traditional Japanese side salad of mixed greens and ginger dressing, seaweed salad and squid salad.
For those willing to branch out and try some sushi, the spicy tuna roll, salmon roll, sweet shrimp and fatty tuna roll are some of the best and most popular, especially among new sushi eaters.
Sushi, when translated from Japanese, means ""flavored rice,"" and is some type of raw fish over rice. However, there are many variations on this which are found at all sushi bars. One such variation, the sushi roll, is extremely popular. These are wrapped in a special seaweed wrap containing sticky rice and whatever filling one wants. There is also sashimi, which is just the fish by itself.
Fresh ginger and wasabi, an extremely spicy green horseradish-like paste, accompany all forms of sushi. Another common presentation of sushi, the circular sushi rolls, is always served on a square or rectangular plate in order to uphold the Japanese traditional concept of 'yin-yang'. The idea is that by combining opposites, balance will be upheld.
Here in Madison, three sushi restaurants can be found within just a few blocks of each other along State Street. These are Takara, Wasabi and Tokyo Express.
Takara, 315 State St., offers more than just sushi, as along with its sushi bar are several Hibachi grills. These grills serve as the dining table as well; the customers watch their food being cooked in front of them as they sit at their table. They choose between shrimp, chicken, lobster and tenderloin.
If this full meal is not what one is looking for, there are regular tables where one can enjoy sushi and many other Japanese dishes. The sushi at Takara is very good, as are the full meals one enjoys at the Hibachi tables.
Wasabi, 449 State St., is an excellent Japanese restaurant that offers some of the best sushi in the downtown Madison area, as well as traditional Japanese noodle dishes, soups and salads. Wasabi is an excellent place to go for first-time sushi eaters because of its simplified ordering system. Customers place their own orders and have complete control to specify exactly what type of sushi they want.
Finally, Tokyo Express, 617 State St., offers heaping plates of teriyaki along with sushi which you can get ""to go.""
Wasabi and Takara are of the highest quality, and it is easy to tell that they use the freshest ingredients in their cooking. Either place would be excellent to have a first sushi meal.
One final reason many hold back from eating sushi on a more regular basis is the price. This may be especially true for students.
Nonetheless, sushi is definitely worth the expense, especially as a rare treat. The combination of its health benefits (sushi is low in fat and many of the fish used in sushi contain oils which help prevent heart disease), and its refreshing taste make it a must-have in everyone's diet.
