These Bellingham sushi spots are on a roll
Get out your best chopsticks, order a pot of genmaicha green tea (green tea with toasted popped brown rice) and soak up the information you will need to order sushi in Bellingham.
Sushi means rice that is seasoned with vinegar, sugar and salt. It is a fooddish that has a history of more than 1,800 years and roots that stem from Japanese culture.
In Japan, to become a sushi master (Itamae), it can take up to 10 years of intense training to master the skill. Making sushi is an art on its own as sushi chefs must have extremely refined knife skills and speed.
In Bellingham, there are two great places you can watch the sushi made before your eyes.
Fujisan Sushi
‘Fujisan’ is Japanese for Mount Fuji. Quaintly nestled in Fairhaven, you can find Fujisan Sushi at 1216 Harris Ave., where it offers an extensive menu of delectable sushi rolls that pay homage to Japan.
It takes time to make sushi. It’s an art that can’t be rushed, so ordering an appetizer or tea to start is always a good thing. When you do go to place your order, if you love ginger, order a side of ginger – you won’t regret it!
Sushi might be a little bit daunting – maneuvering chopsticks, knowing what to order, how to order, and why your sushi is inside out. Don’t worry, these are common questions.
Here are some pro tips for making your sushi dining experience fun:
If you can’t use chopsticks, use your hands – it’s acceptable, but, with practice, chopsticks will be your friend.
Though sushi has been Westernized, menus will have the original Japanese names listed.
If you are new to sushi you will be looking for maki rolls – your traditional sushi rolls with a filling and rice rolled up in seaweed with a bamboo mat. If you think your sushi is inside out (with the rice on the outside) it’s a style of sushi called uramaki.
Though this is a great starting point, you can always ask your server questions.
Blue Fin Sushi
Blue Fin, located at 102 S. Samish Way, has taken traditional sushi flavors and added their own flair. They serve up everything from teriyaki to their own creative inventions that are displayed on a few pages of the menu.
One creative dish being the Bellingham roll – consisting of tempura shrimp, spicy tuna, tobiko (fish roe or eggs), cucumber, cream cheese and avocado on top.
Sake, a fermented rice beverage that can be served hot or cold, also adorns the menu. It’s enjoyed in small, ceramic cups and acts as a lovely pairing to sushi in the wintertime.
Eat your sushi at the restaurant or, if chopsticks aren’t your forte, order your sushi to go and eat your sushi rolls however you want at home.
These restaurants are on a roll so go forth and use your sushi knowledge.
And, don’t forget that while the cute little mound of green on your plate might look harmless, just use a little bit. It will clear out your sinuses and most likely make you cry. This spicy paste is wasabi and pairs perfectly with raw fish!
This story was originally published November 7, 2019 at 12:24 PM.
.jpg)