Over Columbus Day, we headed to see Jeff’s brother and his fiance in California. California–at least Southern California–is such a strange place to me…let’s just say I can’t think of something I relate to less than the whole “surfer vibe.” And constant skimpy clothing that covers pretty much nothing. Too much chill for Type A people. Not to mention it’s hot year round! I know, I know…this is the whole point of moving to California. But I’m like the dog…I start to melt when it is over 80 degrees. The whining gets real, people. Just ask Dear Husband.
Though I don’t think I could live there, it’s a fantastic place to visit. We had a great time, and running a mile or so to the beach every morning to run down and back on the boardwalk. And eat…we ate…A LOT. So, I’d love someone to explain why we don’t have “California-style” sushi in DC. Not California rolls, but California style sushi. Let me explain….
DC sushi is delicious (albeit expensive, like everything in DC). But it is for sushi-purists. It typically consists of fish, rice, and cucumber/avocado. That’s it. Sure, you can get pretty much any type of fish you’d like. Perhaps you can mix it up and add some spice. Some places will even serve you tempura rolls (gasp). But in general, the rolls are simple and small. They are meant to fit in your mouth in a single bite.
Now, let’s introduce California sushi. The rolls have names like the “OMG”, the “Red Dragon”, the “Oh Honey”, and the “Spider”. They are creative. They are delicious. And they are HUGE. Like, most take at least three bites to eat. I think I ate a year’s worth of sushi and raw fish in about 2 days.
That roll on the right had no rice…the inside was fish, wrapped with salmon! The one below was topped with rice krispie type rice and baked eel. So, why can’t we get this type of sushi in DC? I do not know and I’m now on the hunt for a California-style sushi place in the metropolitan area. Ideas?!
The whole weekend was full of food, food and more food. It started on our way there when we stopped at the Amex Centurion lounge in the Houston airport. Amex lounges are the best. The food is healthy-ish and quite good, made in small batches, and it’s an open bar. Plus, they are rarely super crowded and the staff is incredibly personable and helpful. Anyway, they had this buttermilk chicken which was the best. Take it from someone who doesn’t even like fried chicken! They also had this amazing pureed squash with coconut milk and chives. Delicious.
And then we all went to an all you can eat brunch, with all you could eat king crab legs. Do I need to explain more? Nah, I think not. I tried to attack DH with a king crab claw. Obviously, what else would you do with king crab? Eat it? This is what happens when we try to take a nice picture.
Anyways, we rolled ourselves (literally) back to DC full of seafood and California sushi. With one more stop at the Amex lounge for some more buttermilk chicken. Obviously. And back to some beautiful fall weather! Fall in DC is probably my favorite time of year.
For a really long time, I thought I was eating the authentic sushi here in London when in fact all I was eating were delicious creative rolls of different varieties and fillings (which I still really like) but it was only when I went to Japan this year that I realised that’s not at all how they tend to eat the authentic stuff there and that, like you say, it is usually really simple with rice,perhaps some avocado/cucumber etc and nothing fussy or fancy but when the simple stuff is done well, it really is so tasty!
I’m definitely on a sushi kick right now! In DC, there are definitely more of the “sushi-purist” type places; I think its time to go to Japan and see how they measure up 🙂
Oh my gosh that sushi looks yummy. ?
I recently joined a sushi group and we vary in size from 4 to 8 but it’s great to go as group and try different sushi places. Of course while it’s fun to try new place we certainly have 2 favorites.
Thanks for sharing your sushi love.
That’s such a great idea! I think I need to head back to California just for some more sushi…