A family that eats sushi together ....

Recently, my older brother discovered a love for sushi. The tasty Japanese rolls (we have yet to graduate to more adventurous choices) caught his attention when a friend brought Philadelphia rolls to a bonfire in our back yard. The cream cheese sounded less scary than the raw salmon, I guess.

Fast forward a few weeks when I took my dad to Wasabi for his first taste of sushi. Granted, he did get one with meat in it (Wasabi has both a beef and a chicken hand roll), but he also tried the gateway Philadelphia roll.

Last night, my brother chose Wasabi as our destination for his birthday dinner and it was mom's turn to try sushi for the first time. Though she made a few faces at first and refused to put an entire roll in her mouth at one time (it is considered rude in Japan to take bites, I've read, and also you miss all the flavors!), but she ate both her shrimp tempura roll and, you guess it, Philadelphia roll. She liked it, too.

Me? I branched out and tried the Wasabi Lobster roll. Though it proved to be far more food than I thought, it was delicious and has enticed me to move on to more exotic choices.

Reflecting on my family's new fascination with the stuff, I realize how trendy sushi has become with Japanese restaurants popping up all over and not just in Buffalo.

Are you up for raw fish? If so, what am I missing and just have to order?

-- Kristen Rajczak

Comments

[billybob]

mmmnn, yellowfin tuna, and sea urchin....

[Jessica]

Sushi is great. And very healthy. Not all that cheap (except for Wegmans, however it lacks quality) but in my opinion its worth it.

Wasabi is great but I'm a huge fan of Fuji Grill on Maple Road. They never disappoint.

Also don't forget about good basics like edammae and miso soup.

My favorite rolls are spicy tuna and smoked salmon.