Question:
Another sushi question

I have never tried sushi (good ole southern girl here) but really think I want to try it now. I am 5 weeks post op today. Do they make any of the rolls without the sticky rice? I stay away from simple carbs (rice, potatos, bread, pasta) but the other ingredients sound so good. Plus, I get a kick out of trying to use chop sticks. Any ideas on where to get sushi without rice?    — Happy I. (posted on June 17, 2003)

June 17, 2003
Hi Lisa- This yankee girl's lips have never touched sushi, and never will LOL. But what I can tell you is we go to a Chinese restaraunt where the chef prepares different types of sushi for the rest of my family while they wait, as per their preferences. If you could find a Chinese restaraunt with a sushi chef who prepares on request, you might be able to request it without the rice. Good Luck :o)
   — Mea A.

June 17, 2003
Well, Technically, it's not sushi without the rice, or so my Japanese sister-in-law tells me. But sashimi, is a different story, it is the wonderful fresh fish, all different varieties, sliced and arranged, and is what I plan to do when the rice is off the list of things to eat. Try going to a couple of different Japanese restaurants and explaining that you cannot eat the rice and ask for the other goodies from the sushi. As a native of the "Land of the Bland" (MN) I never thought I would eat sushi, but now I LOVE it. A couple of tips, 1. it should NEVER, EVER be slimy in texture (unless in a sauce, like spicy tuna), and 2. it should NEVER EVER have a strong fishy smell. If either is present refuse to eat it and send it back!!! Sue
   — Sue C.

June 17, 2003
Yes they do, you can order sashimi, which is the fresh fish only. Also they do make a roll using long slices of cucumber. Just ask your Sushi Chief they will gladly help you. I always recomend first timers sit at the sushi bar where they can help you through this fun experience. Also sushi is Japanise, so look for a Japanise resturant. This is very much a social event as well as a great light meal, enjoy!
   — Diane55

June 17, 2003
I LOVE King Salmon Sashimi! There's an Asian market in my neighborhood called 99 Ranch that sells sashimi quality king salmon (the sashimi quality involves storage on frozen salt water and other special handling ala kosheresque). Anyways, I go and pick up a pound and make it into 3 meals or so. If you are new to watsabi (japanese horseradish that spikes the back of your brain if you eat too much at one time)... I would recommend you mix a small amount in the soy sauce to taste. I like it a bit pungent and a bit sinus-clearing-brain-tingling and when I feel more adventurous then I'll put a dab on top of the sashimi before I daub it into the soy sauce and let the watsabi directly hit my palate - WHOOOOWEEEE!!! <p> Take Care, Be Well, Be Happy!
   — John T.

June 17, 2003
I thought I would throw in my two cents, as I am a southerner ( born and bred in Alabama), but have lived in NYC and Miami for the past 15 years. Sushi just means raw fish with rice, and sashimi is raw fish wihout rice. I have not had the surgery yet, but I am curious about this area also. The best places to eat sushi are the ones that make it on the spot and have a little bit of everything. Sushi chefs are HIGHLY trained and they know what they are doing, so if you walk up and say, I'd like some tuna, salmon, and cucumber with no rice, they will do it! Ask them what they have! They typically have things like avocado, sprouts, shredded carrots, kim chee, and asparagus. If you can drean it up they will usually be able to do it. Just dont go to the places that will only do specific rolls for you ( with rice). What that means is that they dont know how to do anything else but the rolls that EVERYONE orders and therefore cannot be trusted with the integrity of the fish. Basically, choose a reputable place and ask questions. Good Luck! I hope to be eating my fair share of sushi when I am post-op!
   — Tara J.

June 23, 2003
My sushi chef makes me a roll with chopped spicy tuna, japanese spicy mayo, chopped scallions, flying fish eggs, and avocado, all rolled up in a see through moistened rice paper sheet... without any rice. It is so delicious, you wont believe it. It makes a very small roll about half of a regular sized one, as the rice paper sheets are small, perfect for RNY eaters...lol. He calls it Suze's RNY Roll! I am 2 years post op and still dont eat rice or carbs and we go for sushi at least once a week. I always have one of my special rolls, plus one or two very thin slices of yellowtail or snapper sashimi. Oh yes, I love to munch on a few steamed salted edamame!
   — SusanMaria