Let me start off to say the restaurant described is a place I would recommend. In fact, it's the only Japanese restaurant I would go to in Napa & Sonoma Valley. No stars received, but is recommended by Michelin.

Here is part of the review I have a problem with. Not so much the recommendation but the logic behind it.

"The well-thought menu offers high-quality sushi and a whole lot more. The kitchen crew's skill comes to light in creative choices such as poke nachos with wasabi aioli, tobiko, and green onions; and the unique ahi Sunkist maki roll with ahi tuna, cilantro, avocado, and orange, and topped with peanuts and sweet eel sauce..."

While they did mention high-quality sushi, which is good and what you want from a Japanese restaurant. It's sounding like the restaurant is recommended for two items that's not quite Japanese. "Poke Nachos" is probably not that offensive, I can see Morimoto doing something like this as a playful dish. I am sure some trendy izakaya joints would probably have a similar creation on their menu as well.

Now, "Sunkist Maki Roll" on the other hand is about as offensive as it gets. If I have to explain why, then you shouldn't be reading this since you won't understand what I am typing here.

If you are European, the Michelin guide may be helpful with dining in the US. The Michelin guide would be the last source I use when making dining decisions in the US.

quote:

Originally posted by DoubleD:
If you are European, the Michelin guide may be helpful with dining in the US. The Michelin guide would be the last source I use when making dining decisions in the US.

agreed

quote:

Now, "Sunkist Maki Roll" on the other hand is about as offensive as it gets. If I have to explain why, then you shouldn't be reading this since you won't understand what I am typing here.

I guess I shouldn't be reading this, because I have no clue why that would be offensive.

quote:

Originally posted by Rothko:

quote:

Now, "Sunkist Maki Roll" on the other hand is about as offensive as it gets. If I have to explain why, then you shouldn't be reading this since you won't understand what I am typing here.

I guess I shouldn't be reading this, because I have no clue why that would be offensive.

Me, either. Did they mean "Starkist"?
Sorry, Charlie...

Maki means Roll, so "Maki Roll" means Roll Roll. It's like "The La Trattoria", "with au jus" or "Automatic ATM Machine".

Either that or Powell has something against Cadbury Schweppes.
I'm pretty sure I could have come up with something far more offensive.

Or maybe he objects to the comma before "and" - I certainly would.

Guess I shouldn't be reading this either...

The Fanta roll ... doesn't have the same ring.

I don't get it either. But, if Powell is offended, then I'm not about to argue with him that it isn't offensive to him. And, I don't need an explanation.

Dave Tong BBP:
Reporter on today's news said that two guys had been arrested for "conspiring together". Of course. You can't conspire by yourself. I heard the other day someone say "Bisect in two". Can you bisect something in 3 or 4?
IW

fourth trimester

quote:

Originally posted by irwin:
I heard the other day someone say "Bisect in two". Can you bisect something in 3 or 4?

Well, you could tri...

quote:

Originally posted by snipes:
fourth trimester

when its a 2 year program completely feasible, i.e., im in my 6th, and last, trimester

i have an idea why Powell has issue with the menu item but i wont elucidate

I thought it might be that he feels the combination of flavors in the roll might obscure the fresh flavor of the fish.

quote:

Originally posted by Board-O:
I thought it might be that he feels the combination of flavors in the roll might obscure the fresh flavor of the fish.

Does it have an orange section in it, or what? I'd probably have an issue with it, too.

At the risk of starting a fire-storm.....

Sunkist Maki Roll is NOT Japanese, it may sound and read like a Japanese sushi roll when in reality it's something created for gaijin.

True Japanese cuisine focus on simplicity and this "sushi" creation is not.

Good reading on what's being down to make sure Japanese food doesn't go the route of Chinese food.

Powell, all countries do this.
Ever had yoshoku cuisine? Yoshoku dishes are Japanese interpretations of Western ones.

quote:

Originally posted by Powell Yang:
it's something created for gaijin.

And what is wrong with us gaijin, Powell?

quote:

Originally posted by mneeley490:
Powell, all countries do this.
Ever had yoshoku cuisine? Yoshoku dishes are Japanese interpretations of Western ones.

Yeah, I don't go anywhere close to that. I also understand that every country does this, which doesn't necessary make it right and shouldn't be commanded as an achievement.

quote:

Originally posted by Powell Yang:
At the risk of starting a fire-storm.....

Sunkist Maki Roll is NOT Japanese, it may sound and read like a Japanese sushi roll when in reality it's something created for gaijin.

True Japanese cuisine focus on simplicity and this "sushi" creation is not.

Good reading on what's being down to make sure Japanese food doesn't go the route of Chinese food.

Of course it was created for gaijin. Why? Because the restaurant is in a gaijin country and needs to pay its bills form gaijin money. I get what you're saying, but I'm betting it was also a gaijin writing the review. So what do we think is most likely to appeal as "worthy of note" in her review?

Dave Tong: if I had a dollar for every time I hear "ahi tuna."

quote:

Originally posted by irwin:
Dave Tong BBP:
Reporter on today's news said that two guys had been arrested for "conspiring together". Of course. You can't conspire by yourself. I heard the other day someone say "Bisect in two". Can you bisect something in 3 or 4?
IW

... i suppose one could bisect something twice, ending with quarters.