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This is how a Japanese sushi chef sensei tests you!

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California sushi Academy10 years and four months ago I was trained to become a sushi chef & sake sommelier at the California Sushi Academy. Toshi my Japanese sushi chef sensei (with 35 years of experience) is very Japanese in his approach.

Every 14 days we were tested.  Our skills were tested, how fast we were, how sharp our knives was how clean our chefs uniforms were, how clean our workstation was and the presentation of the sushi pieces we should make. Then Toshi made a list which he hung on the wall so we could see what number we were on the list.

In the picture Toshi is examining how sharp my sushi knife is.

I can just add that I was number two in the final test.

Read more about Sushi chef & sake sommelier Zoë Escher

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Zoë has lectured and held sushi courses for A. P. Moller – Maersk, Hugo Boss Nordic, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Velux, Gorrissen Federspiel, Beierholm revision, Elbek & Vejrup and many more.

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Is there a difference in sushi rice?

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SushirisYes, there may be large differences in sushi rice.

Most people would probably think that the quality is not as crucial.
Like so much else the quality of the sushi rice has just as much impact on how tasty your rice will.
There is a big difference how much rice should be washed, how much water to use and how long they should be cooked. The cheaper rice you use the harder it make good sushi rice.

It is worth spending a little extra money on buying rice of good quality.

Please read more about the course Sushi for beginners

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Zoë has lectured and held sushi courses for A. P. Moller – Maersk, Hugo Boss Nordic, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Velux, Gorrissen Federspiel, Beierholm revision, Elbek & Vejrup and many more.

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Are there sushi restaurants with a vegetarian menu?

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Vegetarian sushiVegetarian sushi is a much underrated dish in Europe.
Vegetarian sushi what is prepared with care have a fantastic taste and flavors.
In Denmark the selection is quite small and there is not really a menu for vegetarians.

There may be several reasons for that.

It’s much more complicated to make sushi with vegetables than sushi with fish.
The vegetables need to be prepared using different techniques so they do not lose their crispness, but will enhance their flavors.
The presentation of vegetarian sushi is at least as important. Making vegetarian sushi takes about twice as long to make as it may be the reason that it takes up so little on the menu.

Read more about Sushi Chef & Sake Sommelier Zoë Escher

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Zoë has lectured and held sushi courses for A. P. Moller – Maersk, Hugo Boss Nordic, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Velux, Gorrissen Federspiel, Beierholm revision, Elbek & Vejrup and many more.

Gem

In what way does a Japanese sushi restaurant differ?

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GinzaThe most exclusive sushi restaurants in Tokyo are very different compared to European sushi restaurants.

The size of a Japanese sushi restaurant can vary widely but often the restaurants are very small. There are no more than 6 – 15 seats in the restaurant and there are several reasons for that.

In the capital Tokyo living there 20 million. Since there are many people in a very small geographic area many Japanese families live in small apartment or houses and they are expensive.
Besides the many people there must also be room for many restaurants and shops.

On most streets have at least one restaurant so in addition to fierce competition between the restaurants.

Japanese do not compromise on the quality of food and service. Tokyo is the city of the world with the highest quality and service. They do everything they can to provide the best possible service.
The fierce competition for food combined with a high restaurant service ensures their survival. In Japan there are many restaurants that live by the motto, rather small but good.

Read more about sushi course for beginners

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Zoë has lectured and held sushi courses for A. P. Moller – Maersk, Hugo Boss Nordic, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Velux, Gorrissen Federspiel, Beierholm revision, Elbek & Vejrup and many more.

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Where is the best place to buy raw materials for vegetarian sushi?

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Vegetarian sushiAs always it is very important to use as fresh vegetables as possible.

When you make vegetarian sushi you must remember that the vegetables are the star and that they are the focal point of the entire menu.
The ideal is to buy organic fresh vegetables either from a farmers market or at a greengrocer.

At a farmers market is often more greengrocer who compete for essentially the same goods. So the quality and variety is greater. By shopping a farmers market you will find that the raw materials in season are cheaper and of better quality than those vegetables that can be bought in a supermarket.

However, there is a raw materials as well be worthwhile to buy a week before it is used like avocado.

Read more about Sushi Chef & Sake Sommelier Zoë Escher

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Zoë has lectured and held sushi courses for A. P. Moller – Maersk, Hugo Boss Nordic, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Velux, Gorrissen Federspiel, Accenture audit Elbek & Vejrup and many more.

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How many dishes does Japanese eat?

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GyozaWhether talking about breakfast, lunch or dinner eat Japanese several dishes at every meal.

It is not big and heavy dishes as you know in Europe, but rather small, light and healthy dishes. A Japanese dish can have the same size as a Spanish tapas dish.

A common theme and what is a ‘must’ in the Japanese diet pyramid is the classic miso soup which is made of fish stock dashi.
In addition, eat Japanese fish at least once a day, it can be fish prepared in different ways either as fried, grilled or raw.
Basically the Japanese eat somewhere between 3 – 12 small dishes.

The Japanese cuisine is very large which offers many unique gastronomic experiences. You may want to read more about the course Traditional Japanese cooking class for beginners

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Zoë has lectured and held sushi courses for A. P. Moller – Maersk, Hugo Boss Nordic, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Velux, Gorrissen Federspiel, Beierholm revision, Elbek & Vejrup and many more.

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Gem

How do I fillet a fish?

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Zoë EsccherThat is a question I get on my courses.

Unfortunately, there is no one single way to do it.
When you fillet a fish for sushi you must be even more careful than what you normally see at a fishmonger. The reason for this is that if a fish is filleted sloppy you can actually taste it when you use it later for Nigiri.

There is a big difference in how a fish is filleted, depending on if it is a flatfish, white fish, salmon, tuna or very small fish. The skin of a fish does also have an impact on how to filet a fish.

If you do not know to fillet a fish you can always ask the fishmonger if he will do all the hard work first. It is important to remember only to purchase fish suitable for sushi.

Please read more about Nigiri sushi course for beginners

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Zoë has lectured and held sushi courses for A. P. Moller – Maersk, Hugo Boss Nordic, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Velux, Gorrissen Federspiel, Beierholm revision, Elbek & Vejrup and many more.

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Are there more opportunities in the vegetarian cuisine?

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Vegetar sushiYes there are undoubtedly several gastronomic possibilities in the vegetarian kitchen.

As you know a tomato is not just a tomato. There are several hundred different tomato varieties and each with their own unique flavor and nuances.

Since everything is eaten raw when it comes to sushi the sushi chef’s skills is really tested, as it requires a longer preparation and clarification of the individual vegetables.

Vegetarian Sushi must be at least as beautiful in presentation, delicate and tasty as sushi with fish.

Read more about Sushi Chef & Sake Sommelier Zoë Escher

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Zoë has lectured and held sushi courses for A. P. Moller – Maersk, Hugo Boss Nordic, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Velux, Gorrissen Federspiel, Beierholm revision, Elbek & Vejrup and many more.

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What is considered classic dishes in Tokyo?

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RamenThere are many in Europe who thinks that sushi is the main dish In Japan.
Sushi is a popular dining but it represents less than 20% of the Japanese cuisine.

The Japanese cuisine is very diverse and offers many styles and unique dishes.
You will be able to experience the Japanese interpretation of Chinese cuisine and other countries in the Eastern part of the world. The European cuisine has also affected some areas of the Japanese cuisine.

The Japanese do enjoy pork, beef, fish, soy and vegetables in different forms. Health food that contribute to a healthy and nutritious diet.

Read more about the course Traditional Japanese cooking class for beginners

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Zoë has lectured and held sushi courses for A. P. Moller – Maersk, Hugo Boss Nordic, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Velux, Gorrissen Federspiel, Beierholm revision, Elbek & Vejrup and many more.

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What seafood is best for sushi?

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FiskehandlerIn Denmark there are many types of fish og shellfish which are not used for sushi.

In Japan you can find a large selection of shrimps. The shrimps has a size, taste and character that you can only find in Japan.

In Japan you can get several different types of squid which are used in sushi restaurants. Sea urchins are extremely popular in Japanese sushi restaurants and they have delightful taste.

Every country has their own unique shellfish which is suitable for sushi.  On Nigiri sushi course for beginners I talk more about what you should be aware of when you make nigiri with shellfish.

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Zoë has lectured and held sushi courses for A. P. Moller – Maersk, Hugo Boss Nordic, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Velux, Gorrissen Federspiel, Beierholm revision, Elbek & Vejrup and many more.

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