The Art of Japanese Cuisine

Japanese Cuisine is the culture of a nation yet an art that makes sushi just as appealing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds. Over the past decade the emergence of Japanese restaurants throughout our nation’s main cities has opened the eyes of both the general public as well as countless restaurant and food reviews. However, still many people continue to buy into the Western culture theory that our meat should always be cooked and pass up the wonderful opportunity to experience a Japanese meal full of colorful and healthy raw fish.

As I entered a local Japanese restaurant with my dad nearly 5 years ago I was very skeptical about what I was getting myself into. I was usually satisfied with a simple bacon cheese burger and fries when I went out to dinner with my family; however he convinced me it was an experience I needed to have. My dad preached to me that sushi was not only deliciously appetizing but a healthy, fresh meal that would broaden my horizons in a diverse and cultural experience. The atmosphere was lively and a gentile yet upbeat Japanese musical beat was playing in the background. As we sat down at the sushi bar the first obstacle I would face was the appealing but complicated encounter with chop sticks. As a first time sushi eater I would opt to ask the waiter for a fork. The smiling young waitress brought out two steaming hot wet wash clothes for us to cleanse our hands with before I was connected into the Japanese culture. I was lucky to have a front row seat to watch and admire the enjoyment and skills of the chefs, handling the combination of rice and raw fish. Although I was still unsure if I would appreciate the acquired taste, the final product reminded me of a modern piece of bright and vibrant artwork that was the definition of mouth-watering. The menu was literally a foreign language to me, so I left my first experience with this in the hands of my more experienced dad. In the matter of minutes the food was presented in front of us in a presentation like I have never seen before. As the experience was fascinating yet quite overwhelming, I was building up an appetite. I was ready to engage in a plate filled with a rainbow of colors, a sushi roll known as a Dragon Roll. Ironically the creativity of the chef had developed a roll that emulated the looks of an appealing dragon. I was slightly timid entering the first taste but I was truly able to appreciate and enjoy the delight of every bite and instantly I considered this to be one of my favorite types of foods. I gained a respect for these Japanese chefs who I believed created a personal plate of fine art as well as a delicious and filling meal. I came away with this experience with not only a new favorite food, but an inspiration to try new and exciting foods of different cultures around the world.