Uh... help?

[Betheny]

So I've been roped into going to a business dinner tomorrow with three of our largest clients, two of them from Japan and one of them from Madrid. Apparently, we are going to a sushi bar.

WTF? I don't know what to order, or anything. Help! I know some of you folks are familiar with Japanese customs and things of that nature, so do you have any pointers? I've never eaten sushi either, and I don't want to seem like a retard when I'm trying to order. :(

[Drew2]

Mmmm sushi.

I don't know any of the names of them, but most of it is good.

Unagi, Tobeko w/ Quail eggs, california handrolls no wasabi, sake (not the drink;))
and um... these baby octopus in sesame seeds but I don't know what the Japanese name is for them.

[Betheny]

oh god... I don't want anything with guts in it...

[Edaarin]

Rainbow rolls are very good.

California rolls if you don't want fish.

Tuna with cream cheese is good too.

Then I'd suggest california handrolls and shumai (dumplings.)

[Eiderfleur]

I guess sushi depends on how much you like seafood and how willing you are to experiment......


Safest bet if you arent a huge fan is go fo California roll... its crab, rice, cucumber, and i think avocado wrapped in seaweed.

Its nice and simple for someone who has never tried sushi before, other than that from what I recall of sushi bars I've been to in CA most of it is self explanatory, I really like mixing a little wasabi paste with soy sauce, I dont like the pickled ginger, because Ginger is evil!

Also, have a look at what others are ordering and see if you fancy that, I doubt they will look down on you for never having tried sushi.

[Tsa`ah]

Steak, rare.

[KymberlynX]

If you like fish then you'll LOVE sushi...

The best raw stuff to get (that won't taste bad...I promise) is tuna (maguro), yellowtail (hamachi) or salmon (sake). You can get them on a ball of rice or roll style...on a ball of rice is way better. It's way better than the cooked stuff because they use the best parts of the fish and it's super fresh (if you go to a good sushi place)

If you don't like fish or the thought of eating anything raw then opt for the california rolls (which have that fake crab and sometimes real crab), tempura rolls (tempura is shrimp fried in batter if you didn't already know that) they have tomago sushi, which is like a sweet egg on rice. Eel (unagi or anago) is cooked and coated with a sweet type sauce. They have soft shell crab rolls. Phill rolls..which is a california roll with cream cheese on it. And if your really super daring go for the sea urchin (uni) which looks disgusting but the meat is actually super sweet and melts in your mouth.

I hope that helps


<----- LOVES sushi and misses it soooooooo much :cry:

[KymberlynX]

Oh...also the shrimp sushi is usually cooked as well as the octopus and squid ones. Then they have the plain old cucumber ones if none of the other stuff appeals to you at all.

Oh yeah....don't eat a big wad of the green stuff...it's horseradish and it's HOT. :P

[Betheny]

I don't mind raw fish, I'm just afraid of getting something horribly nasty. I like tuna, I've had raw tuna before. It was good.

[KymberlynX]

Originally posted by Maimara
I don't mind raw fish, I'm just afraid of getting something horribly nasty. I like tuna, I've had raw tuna before. It was good.

Okay...You might like salmon and yellowtail too. If you can get the sushi chef to cut you a lemon super paper thin, put that on top of the salmon sushi, rind and all, and pop the whole thing in your mouth...it's awesome. If they can't cut it thin, then squeeze lemon over it.

Also, if you like spicy, then put a little of the green stuff (wasabi) in the dish with the soy sauce and mix it up it will add a little kick to your sushi when you dip it in.

And most rolls come in hand roll style...looks like a waffle cone...and you can order salmon, tuna, yellowtail, california roll...it's all good.

If you like mackeral, raw mackeral tastes just like the cooked one.

One last thing....TAKE ME WITH YOU!!!

[Edited on 10-25-2004 by KymberlynX]

[KymberlynX]

Deleted cuz I meant to edit not quote :duh:

[Edited on 10-25-2004 by KymberlynX]

[KymberlynX]

Man I have issues this morning :lol:

[Edited on 10-25-2004 by KymberlynX]

[Kadumi]

order something with dog in it. oh wai......

[Betheny]

Come with... it's free, too. I think we're going up to Baltimore's inner harbor. Not a hundred percent sure though. All I know is one of the clients requested I be there and Tina asked me to wear something nice. But, I'm also barred from wearing fishnets, LOL.

[KymberlynX]

Originally posted by Maimara
Come with... it's free, too. I think we're going up to Baltimore's inner harbor. Not a hundred percent sure though. All I know is one of the clients requested I be there and Tina asked me to wear something nice. But, I'm also barred from wearing fishnets, LOL.

Man...I wish I could but not only do I live thousands of miles away, I also can't eat sushi for a while. :(

Feel free to U2U me if you have any specific questions about sushi or japanese food. I'll be glad to help.

<---- is Japanese :smilegrin:

[Trinitis]

you want a big hint?


What ever you do, when your finished DON'T SET YOUR CHOP-STICKS ACROSS THE TOP OF THE PLATE/BOWL.

You will not only offend the people your there with, you will piss off the cook.

Edit to add : I learned this the hard way. :(

[Edited on 10-25-2004 by LordAdredrin]

[KymberlynX]

Originally posted by LordAdredrin
you want a big hint?


What ever you do, when your finished DON'T SET YOUR CHOP-STICKS ACROSS THE TOP OF THE PLATE/BOWL.

You will not only offend the people your there with, you will piss off the cook.

Edit to add : I learned this the hard way. :(

[Edited on 10-25-2004 by LordAdredrin]

Also...don't shove your chopsticks into the rice or try to pass someone something with your chopsticks...it's bad luck.

If you've never used them before it's quite easy...hold one stick in your hand like a pencil except you will be using your middle finger to hold it in place and it should rest in the space at the base of your thumb. Then use your index finger and tip of your thumb to hold the other stick in place and use that to pivot and pick up food. Make sure the ends are even or you will have a hard time picking anything up. Hold them about 3/4 to the top of the sticks.

[xtc]

Have you read the Book of Five Rings?.....lol j/k

But seriously since two of the clients are Japanese this guide to Japanese table etiquette may help.

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2005.html

[Edited on 10-25-2004 by xtc]

[Trinitis]

Originally posted by xtc
Have you read the Book of Five Rings?.....lol j/k

But seriously since two of the clients are Japanese this guide to Japanese table etiquette may help.

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2005.html

[Edited on 10-25-2004 by xtc]

Nice website, but I did not see anything about the chopsticks across the bowl/plate.

I never knew about this when I commited the "crime". Man the cook was really pissed, yelling stuff in Japanese. The waitress calmed him down and explained what I did to me, to which I spent several moments saying sorry and explaining to the cook I really did enjoy the food. :(

[xtc]

I didn't know about the chop sticks acroos the plate either. I will keep it in mind.

[Trinitis]

From what I could understand/remember, leaving your sticks across a bowl/plate is a not-so nice sign to the cook that you thought the food was horrible.

Its also insulting to any guests with you, because your being rude.

[Sean]

Originally posted by KymberlynX
If you like fish then you'll LOVE sushi...


I don't find this to be true at all. I like fish cooked but sushi, especially the texture of it, does not appeal to me in any way shape or form.

[longshot]

When I was in Boston this weekend, I had Japanese...

Her name was Keiko:yes:

Maimara,

There's a million chopstick rules... I'll tell you the big ones.

If you are given a bowl of rice, you can lay the sticks across the bowl, but shove the sticks into the rice when you aren't using them. This is done for dead people.

Don't spear your food with chopsticks.

Don't pass chopstick to chopstick... and if you do pass, use the back ends...

Don't "hover" with your chopsticks. Don't be like, "ooh, this one looks nice", and then hover over another piece, and another, etc...

I still haven't eaten sushi since I've been back from Japan.

California rolls are not real sushi... they were inveted by fruitcakes in California.

[Betheny]

Longshot!! I was hoping you'd be around.

Is there any kind of other etiquette I need to be worried about, clothing-wise or conversation wise?

[Amaron]

I have never had Sushi just the idea bothers me...


I hope you relax enough to have fun!


J

Ps BOO on no fishnets... grin

[Edited on 10-25-2004 by Amaron]

[Betheny]

yeah, last time I wore them to work i had LOTS of visitors at my cube. LOL. We don't want that kind of attention from clients, there will be several American clients too. Young ones. We don't need that.

Then again, if it helps sell, who gives a damn. I'm above shame!

[hectomaner]

Originally posted by Tsa`ah
Steak, rare.

i concur. please direct me to the back where i may kill my dinner first, then cook and eat it :)

[xtc]

Originally posted by Maimara
Longshot!! I was hoping you'd be around.

Is there any kind of other etiquette I need to be worried about, clothing-wise or conversation wise?

KymberlynX is Japanese she posted that you could U2u her with any question.

[longshot]

To the rescue!

How Japanese are these guys?

They probably know English, but it's not going to be that good.

Watch out for translation issues...

If they are talking about rules, and breaking rules, they might use the word "follow", or "doesn't follow". This is a translation issue with the verb for rules.

Also, if they say, "You should do...." it's not meant to sound as strongly as it does. It's another translation issue that comes from grammatical structure when sugguesting something.

Be prepared for handshakes that are too long, and very limp wristed. They aren't gay. Well, I can't say that for sure, but the handshake is no way to tell. It's just not part of everyday culture there, so the qualities of a good handshake remain a mystery to most of the island.

OH! This is a biggie for you... despite a recent rise in popularity among the youth, tatoos still have a very bad meaning. I know you have tats, so if you can, wear something that covers them. Until a few years ago, only yakuza had tatoos. A lot of gyms and spas will not let you in if you have them... that's how serious it is. So, cover 'em up if you can.

Other than that, smile a lot, and laugh at all the bad jokes you can.

I'm off to class.

Good luck!

[Trinitis]

Beth cover her tats? Oh dear..here comes WW3 :P

[Betheny]

Originally posted by LordAdredrin
Beth cover her tats? Oh dear..here comes WW3 :P

LOL

Hey I've done it before... I'm not above acting like a corporate whore. For a few hours and free food, why not? I can always go home strip naked and admire my ink. :)

Thank you guys for the great advice. I'm really super nervous about it, I don'ot want to fuck up and ruin anything.

[Trinitis]

Beth, while I'm thinking about it, I know you have piercings..I just don't know where they are all located. Might wanna talk to longshot about that too. I dono if Nose/eyebrow/lip/etc rings are frowned on still in Japan

[Betheny]

Originally posted by LordAdredrin
Beth, while I'm thinking about it, I know you have piercings..I just don't know where they are all located. Might wanna talk to longshot about that too. I dono if Nose/eyebrow/lip/etc rings

I don't have anything visible, anymore. And there's no way anyone's getting close enough to see what piercings I have. Heh.

[Trinitis]

aight, then your all good :heart:

[KymberlynX]

Originally posted by Tijay

Originally posted by KymberlynX
If you like fish then you'll LOVE sushi...


I don't find this to be true at all. I like fish cooked but sushi, especially the texture of it, does not appeal to me in any way shape or form.

This is true Tijay...the texture might turn off some people. It's just the best cut of fish so I don't know how people can NOT love it. :rolleyes:

[Trinitis]

Uhh..I don't like fish cooked, so fat chance in me liking it raw ;)

[KymberlynX]

Originally posted by xtc

Originally posted by Maimara
Longshot!! I was hoping you'd be around.

Is there any kind of other etiquette I need to be worried about, clothing-wise or conversation wise?

KymberlynX is Japanese she posted that you could U2u her with any question.

Yeah, but I've never been to Japan and even I didn't know about the chopstick across your plate thingy so maybe Longshot is the best bet for giving Beth advice. :P

[Betheny]

I don't want them to call me a stupid American pig behind my back!!

[Trinitis]

Stupid american pig dog! Go eat your stupid McDonnalds!

[KymberlynX]

Originally posted by LordAdredrin
Uhh..I don't like fish cooked, so fat chance in me liking it raw ;)

My ex husband hated fish and I almost talked him into trying raw tuna. It's really BETTER than the cooked stuff IMO. Especially when it comes straight off the fish. :drool:

[Myshel]

Shashimi (sp) is raw.
They give you little warm washcloths to wipe your hands, afterwards just put them back into the basket.
Its ok to hold your rice bowl, if you are served one up to your mouth and shovel it in.
Its ok to forgo chopsticks and use your fingers to eat if you like.
Edaname is a great appetizer, just open them and eat the pods.

[Tsa`ah]

For the sake of both Kym and Weedie, do not order the black toe.

[Betheny]

Originally posted by LordAdredrin
Stupid american pig dog! Go eat your stupid McDonnalds!

BLOW ME

[Wezas]

All this sushi talk is making me sick. I don't like seafood - let alone raw seafood.

I've been to a japenese steakhouse before. Definately have some sake (the drink)

[Betheny]

is it rude to refuse alcohol if they offer it?

I don't drink... I think I'm allergic to alcohol.

[Trinitis]

Originally posted by Maimara

Originally posted by LordAdredrin
Stupid american pig dog! Go eat your stupid McDonnalds!

BLOW ME

k

[Wezas]

Originally posted by Maimara
is it rude to refuse alcohol if they offer it?

I don't drink... I think I'm allergic to alcohol.

sux 2 B U

[Betheny]

garotte yourself!!!!!!!11111111111111

jk. :flames:

[Wezas]

Originally posted by Maimara
garotte yourself!!!!!!!11111111111111


http://www.marshallart.com/fun/Hanging.jpeg

[theotherjohn]

Contact the restaurant ahead of time and say you are a vegan and wish to have a plate made just for you ahead of time.

Later on you can go to sushi bars and experiment with your friends

[Jorddyn]

Originally posted by Maimara
is it rude to refuse alcohol if they offer it?

I don't drink... I think I'm allergic to alcohol.

It is rude to drink to the point of stupor.

It is rude to not drink and scold those who do.

It isn't rude at all to refuse a drink.

Jorddyn, never turns down alcohol :cheers:

[Betheny]

They are talking about going out bar hopping afterward... Ugh. I hope I'm not expected to go with. My boss told me I can go if I want but they aren't going to...

[Wezas]

Originally posted by Maimara
They are talking about going out bar hopping afterward... Ugh. I hope I'm not expected to go with. My boss told me I can go if I want but they aren't going to...

After some sake you'll be all for barhopping.

and bar dancing
and table dancing
and lap dancing
and......

[Betheny]

I take it you want to come with.

[Wezas]

Originally posted by Maimara
I take it you want to come with.

If you don't mind....

[Betheny]

Sure thing.

Except you won't because you are a sissy. I could probably spit on your house from mine and you cower.

[Tsunami]

Originally posted by Maimara
Come with... it's free, too. I think we're going up to Baltimore's inner harbor. Not a hundred percent sure though. All I know is one of the clients requested I be there and Tina asked me to wear something nice. But, I'm also barred from wearing fishnets, LOL.

They didn't say anything about low-cut blouses or mini skirts did they?....they won't CARE what you order or how you eat it ;)

[Wezas]

Originally posted by Maimara
I could probably spit on your house from mine and you cower.

Hey now, there's quite a difference between cowering and staying the fuck away.

:yes:

[Betheny]

Originally posted by Wezas

Originally posted by Maimara
I could probably spit on your house from mine and you cower.

Hey now, there's quite a difference between cowering and staying the fuck away.

:yes:

You are a cowerer.

[Betheny]

I ATE RAW SALMON.

IT WAS GOOD.

I can't look at this squid anymore though.

Figured I better try it... before I order a meal of it... so I got a sampler.

[Wezas]

Originally posted by Maimara
I ATE RAW SALMON.


That is so fucking gross.

It probably had eggs and shit (literally) in it.

[KymberlynX]

Originally posted by Maimara
I ATE RAW SALMON.

IT WAS GOOD.



Did you have it with lemon?

And...I'm sooooo jealous :cry:

[KymberlynX]

Also...what other type of stuff was in your sampler?

[4a6c1]

Sushi and clients. lolz. heres my advice

Food advice:

California roles are the best for that situation. They are good for first time sushi-goers and dont shock your taste buds if you havent had them.

Avoid squid and shellfish (slippery and chewy as hell)unless you anticipate laughter at your expense a good thing. :)

Anything with crab is good for the clothing because it dosnt stink you up too bad. The fish will do that sometimes, depending on the place.

Avoid the green garnish, you will know what I mean when you see it. Making 'ouch' faces is BAD with clients. :lol:

Culture:

Avoid chopsticks unless you can handle the humor it will draw if you are a first time user.

Avoid the day seat booths (the pillows on the ground next to a table), they make your butt go numb and again, 'ouch' faces are bad.

Good luck and try not to say creepy/weird things at odd moments. :D

[Betheny]

yeah, the creepy wierd thing is what scares me.

I'll just shut up a lot... I tend to bust out with weird shit.

[4a6c1]

Originally posted by Maimara
yeah, the creepy wierd thing is what scares me.

I'll just shut up a lot... I tend to bust out with weird shit.

I do that too. To balance me being weird, I make sure the meeting place is in the weird part of town, that way when something odd is said they attribute it to American culture. (this works for International clients. try it)

[CalaDheNar]

mmm Sushi... If they've got spider rolls, you should try them. Its soft shell crab fried wrapped in rice (some veggie too?). Its all cooked and what goes better then some greasy fried up food.

There are quite a number of rolls and wraps that are cooked if your not into eatted raw fish, because I sure as hell am not.

Oh, and sushi bars usually sell more than just sushi, alot of them are "sushi and grille" where you can plop down a nice fat slab of cooked meat.

EDITED: OH SHIT!! Dont confuse the green mushy stuff with AVOCADO. ITS NOT AVOCADO!! Yeah I made that mistake smearing it all over the first roll I had. I suggest not touching it at all, and very VERY small minute amounts if so.


[Edited on 10-25-2004 by CalaDheNar]

[Betheny]

Those spider rolls sound AWESOME.

[Latrinsorm]

Order Nachos. That's what I always do at a ____ and grill.

On second thought, go with the advice of people who know what they're talking about. :yes:

[KymberlynX]

Originally posted by CalaDheNar
EDITED: OH SHIT!! Dont confuse the green mushy stuff with AVOCADO. ITS NOT AVOCADO!! Yeah I made that mistake smearing it all over the first roll I had. I suggest not touching it at all, and very VERY small minute amounts if so.


Yeah...unless you really want to clean out your sinuses for the next millineum, use the green mushy stuff sparingly. :smilegrin:

Spider rolls are awesome and so are the fried shrimp (tempura) ones. :drool:

Man I still wish I could go with you.

[Betheny]

I tried the salmon without the lemon, and then with, and you're right... something about the lemon just makes it... oomf. It makes the texture a little more acceptable. I wasn't too crazy about the rice they used with the salmon, it seemed... sweet, but the stuff they used with the tuna was pretty good. I tried some california rolls too, those were okay, I liked the taste of the seaweed and rice, but it wasn't nearly as good as the salmon was.

well, I didn't like the fish at first but I tried it again after I pondered for a while. It wasn't bad at all.

[CalaDheNar]

I really want to try the raw ones, but I'm scurrrrred. I actually go a sushi bar at least once a month, and I'm all ready to try to chomp down some raw fish I get there and...... I keep thinking about those god damn spider rolls and just end up getting an order of those and some california's. Americanized sushi for sure, but its good. Especially since I like rice with almost anything.

Just in case you dont know you take a tiny dab of the green stuff, and mix it in the little bowls (they always have these) with the soy sauce so that it complete disolves, put the pink thingies on top of the roll (these are ginger slices) dip the sushi in the soy concotion and it all mixes really well

[KymberlynX]

Originally posted by CalaDheNar
I really want to try the raw ones, but I'm scurrrrred. I actually go a sushi bar at least once a month, and I'm all ready to try to chomp down some raw fish I get there and...... I keep thinking about those god damn spider rolls and just end up getting an order of those and some california's. Americanized sushi for sure, but its good. Especially since I like rice with almost anything.

Just in case you dont know you take a tiny dab of the green stuff, and mix it in the little bowls (they always have these) with the soy sauce so that it complete disolves, put the pink thingies on top of the roll (these are ginger slices) dip the sushi in the soy concotion and it all mixes really well

Don't be scurred...it's really really good if you can get past the texture. It's actually the best part of the fish and it's usually not as fishy as the cooked stuff.

If you like California rolls try this: put the pink stuff (ginger) in the soy sauce/wasabi mix and put it on top of the california roll and pop the whole thing in your mouth. It's making me drool just writing about it :drool: I think I need to go eat me some Japanese food tomorrow. California roll is one of the sushi's I actually CAN have.

[longshot]

Originally posted by Tsa`ah
For the sake of both Kym and Weedie, do not order the black toe.

What a great line that was...

Maimara, I'm glad it all worked out.

:grin:

[Weedmage Princess]

I just gagged all over again, Tsa'ah. Thanks :grr:

Glad it went well for you Maimara. I hope one day I can get over my pansy issues regarding sushi. I have this major fear of getting very ill from it.

[Tsa`ah]

Knowing the phobia of feet shared between you and Kym, and having watched "Lost in Translation" for the third time ... I found it rather fitting for the subject.

[KymberlynX]

Just curious...how did your dinner go?

[Betheny]

Very well.

So well, in fact, our Japanese friends have invited me to join them tonight as well. :)

I'll have more details later, hopefully -- assuming I get home before 11 o'clock tonight (I'm so dead tired right now), and assuming they don't drag me out drinking with them (they tried to last night -- I don't drink but I can amuse them... ha ha. Apparently they think I am very amusing).

[Amaron]

LOl sounds like you are having a great time.

J

[Betheny]

It's cancelled, I actually get to go home and clean and rest.

Man, I am tired.