Happy Valentine's Day!
Although these photos were not taken on Valentine's Day, they hold a special meaning. They remind me that love is the most crucial ingredient when making sushi. Love is the foundation of exceptional sushi, more critical than fresh fish, techniques, or knife skills.
"Love is a many splendid thing. Love lifts us where we belong. All you need is love!"
Without love, no matter how fresh the fish or how skilled you are at slicing it, your sushi will lack that special something. In fact, without love, there is no reason to eat or make sushi. In a Japanese food drama called Osen, the main character whispers, "Let it be delicious. Let it be delicious," as she grinds fresh wasabi. This scene is my favorite because it illustrates the infusion of love into her culinary creation. You can sense the tremendous love she puts into every dish she serves, making the eater happy. Love truly lifts us where we belong.
Some clients have told me, "Kaz, this is the best sushi I've ever had." While I acknowledge that my sushi tastes excellent, I must humbly admit that there are better sushi chefs or culinary instructors than me. My cooking skills are average, and my taste buds and sense of smell are not extraordinary. However, many clients have expressed their delight in my sushi. The secret lies in love being a splendid thing. When you approach sushi-making with love, you think of others. You strive to please them and give your best. You ensure that every step you take leads to their happiness. With love, everything becomes effortless, even the most challenging tasks. There is no feeling of obligation; you do what you do because you have love.
Yes, all we need is love.
That's how I approach every piece of Nigiri I make. It's what I think about with each slice of tuna. "Let it be delicious. Let it be delicious," I whisper, thinking of Osen as I pour sushi vinegar over cooked rice, expertly mixing it to create sushi rice. I invite you to experience the love that many of our past clients have encountered.
Join us for one of our public sushi classes in San Francisco and Santa Clara/San Jose.
You can also plan a sushi class for your team-building event. Better yet, let us be a part of your next celebration. I will bring an abundance of fresh fish and immense love just for you.
Remember: Love lifts us up where we belong.