One of the Best Restaurants in Roseville Offers Key Sushi-making Tips

When it comes to bite-sized delicacies, few dishes can get anywhere near the popularity of sushi. Between 2000 and 2005, U.S. consumption of these tasty morsels increased by 40%, and sushi restaurants now represent a $2 billion industry.

If you’re one of the many people who can’t get their fill of sushi, why not make your own rolls at home? Mikuni Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar, one of the best restaurants in Roseville, offers a few crucial tips to nascent sushi masters like you:

“Rice” to the Occasion

If sushi were a painting, rice would be its canvas. As such, Gourmet.com reminds newbie sushi makers to pay special attention to buying and preparing rice:

The single most important element of sushi-making is the cooking of the rice. It’s so important, in fact, that future sushi chefs in Japan spend the first two of their seven years of formal training learning to master this step. For the best shot at success, be sure to buy the right stuff: Japanese medium-grain sushi rice. A few of my favorite brands are Kokuho Rose and Nishiki, but you can also opt for Koshihikari Premium or Tamanishiki, all of which can be found in large supermarkets, specialty stores, or online. Whichever you choose, remember that the type of rice is more important than the brand: Do not attempt to make sushi with anything but sushi rice. Other types contain lower levels of amylose (the sugar found in rice grains) and will not achieve the required sticky texture.

Avoid Sticky Fingers

Sushi rice needs to be sticky in order to hold its signature shape. Unfortunately, the rice grains will also stick to your hands as you attempt to roll sushi, a challenge all sushi neophytes face. To prevent this problem, keep your hands moist at all times by keeping a bowl of water on hand. Whenever things get too sticky, just dab your hands into the water so you can handle the rice without trouble.

Don’t Overstuff!

Of course, the real stars of sushi rolls are the ingredients tucked inside. As delicious as the filling may be, though, resist the urge to stuff too much of it into your rolls (this applies to the rice as well). If you do, you won’t be able to roll the sushi all the way through; and if you somehow manage to, it will simply burst open, being overstuffed.

If you want to learn more pro-tips on sushi making, you can also take private sushiology classes care of leading restaurants in Roseville, CA like Mikuni Sushi. Through these courses, you can become a sushi master in your own right!

 

(Source: EIGHT GREAT TIPS FOR HOMEMADE SUSHI ROLLS, Gourmet.com, March 21, 2012)

Sushi Robot Toys: Have Sushi Restaurants in Elk Grove Met Their Match?

You’ve seen robots that transform into cars. You’ve seen toys that transform into robots. But have you seen robots that transform into food?

Sushi Transformers

In 2013, Takara Tomy’s Osushi Sentai Sharidaa, a toy line consisting of robots that can be disguised as sushi, was shown at the International Tokyo Toy Show. Now, almost a year after it was presented, news has come out that the creative toys will finally be released. Kotaku Australia provides more info:

 

Tuna. Shrimp. And salmon. These aren’t pieces of fish but rather transforming robots. Meet Osushi Sentai Sharidaa. They are robots that transform into sushi. Holy mackerel!

Osushi is the polite way to refer to “sushi,” “sentai” means “squad”, while “sharidaa” is a pun. “Shari” is the rice used to make sushi; adding the “daa” is a pun on “it is” (“da”) and makes it sound like kind of like “ranger” (“renjaa”) in Japanese. You know, like Power Rangers.

Takara Tomy, which has been key in creating the Transformers toys, will release the sushi robots this July in Japan, pricing them at 850 yen each. IT Media reports that Takara Tomy hopes to eventually releasing these abroad.

 

Quirky as the toys may be, they aren’t likely to fulfill your appetite when you’re craving actual sushi. For that, you’ll need to visit stylish sushi restaurants in Elk Grove, California like Mikuni Sushi. There you will find a wide variety of sushi, sashimi, nigiri, and many other delicious delights. That’s not all—you’ll also find other popular Japanese dishes such as tempura, udon, katsu, and teriyaki, to bring your Japanese cuisine experience full circle.

Sushi with a Twist

The best sushi bars like Mikuni add a creative twist to traditional sushi by combining the inherent textures and flavors of the freshest fish with innovative techniques and the tastiest sauces. True sushi aficionados can have their fill during ‘happy hour’ and ‘reverse happy hour’ events offered at such restaurants.

Do the sushi toys pique your interest? Feel free to order them from abroad or wait until they reach American stores. If you’re craving the real thing, though, you know where to look; simply head down to one of the best sushi restaurants in Elk Grove, CA.

 

(Source: Transforming Robot Toys Are Sushi In Disguise, Kotaku Australia, Jun. 10, 2014)

Restaurants in Sacramento: A Celebration of Japanese Food and Culture

Japanese food and culture are frequently celebrated in California, and nowhere is this fact more apparent than at the summertime festivals held throughout the state. USA Today, for instance, discusses the highly anticipated events like the Nihonmachi Street Fair in San Francisco (August 2, 2014) and the Nisei Week Japanese Festival in Los Angeles (August 9-10 and 16, 2014). Sacramento residents and visitors also take part in the annual Japanese Food and Cultural Bazaar held every August.

Aside from taking part in these festivities, Japanese food lovers can also grab a bite at Zagat-rated restaurants in Sacramento—like Mikuni Sushi—that offer traditional dishes from the Land of the Rising Sun, as well as Western-inspired variations. This is also a good opportunity to enjoy other mouthwatering Japanese culinary gems like sashimi (raw fish) and onigiri (rice balls wrapped in seaweed).

Teriyaki, in particular, is quite notable because of its special sauce, which has had various incarnations and iterations since it was first introduced in the West. The main ingredients are sugar, ginger, sake, and soy sauce, although various recipes have since given their own twist to this standard formula. Traditionally, teriyaki dishes consist of fish marinated in sauce that is either broiled or grilled to perfection. In the West, the term loosely applies to anything marinated in teriyaki sauce, be it hamburger steaks, squid, or even lamb, though it is most commonly used with grilled chicken.

During Nisei Week, festivalgoers had many opportunities to enjoy these dishes with friends. The first day lasted from 9AM to 7PM, with a parade taking place the day after. Fortunately, those who missed the opportunity to dine out at these festivals can still get their Japanese food fix at top Sacramento restaurants like Mikuni Sushi that host their own summertime events, like the 20^thAnnual Mikuni Summer Golf Classic in August 2015.

Regardless of how one plans to celebrate the summer, it is always a good thing to keep up a festive spirit. Japanese food lovers should also keep in mind that sushi not the only type of Japanese cuisine worth checking out!

(Source: Summer suppers: Festive street fairs to find, USA Today, July 11, 2014)

Sushi at the Best Restaurants in Sacramento: A Sublime Experience

June 18, 2014 was a day known to many as International Sushi Day. Originally a trending topic on Twitter, the occasion provided sushi fans all over the world with a good excuse to chow down on their favorite treat. International Business Times writer Maria Vultaggio also took the day as an opportunity to educate people about sushi, which isn’t exactly an original Japanese recipe as most people think:

Sushi has apparently been around since the second century A.D. It started as a way to preserve fish in China and eventually made its way to Japan. The fish was placed in rice and allowed to ferment and then the rice was thrown away. Nowadays, the rice is usually one of the most important parts of the role [sic] and the fresher the fish the better. This method of eating raw fish and rice started in the early 17th century. The rice was seasoned with rice wine vinegar, which allowed for the sushi to be eaten right away, instead of consumers having to wait months for it to be prepared.

Vultaggio further adds that sushi was traditionally served as a finger food that did not require the use of chopsticks. These tidbits of information are often lost among aspiring chefs and foodies, which is precisely why an establishment like Mikuni Sushi, one of the best restaurants in Sacramento, CA hosts public and private ‘Sushiology’ classes in various places throughout the state. For people who wish to organize Japanese-themed parties and events, such a service should prove rather useful, as preparing sushi rolls correctly is definitely a learned talent.

For instance, most sushi aficionados might think that the key to a sushi roll’s taste lies in the choice of raw fish, meat, and/or vegetables (collectively known as neta). However, the flavored rice (known as shari) commands greater importance as its sensitivity to moisture and temperature variations can affect the taste of the whole roll. When preparing sushi rice, therefore, all traces of starch must be removed so the rice doesn’t taste dry in the mouth. Sushi rice should also not be refrigerated, because doing so will destroy its naturally fine texture.

While artful presentation enhances the overall dining experience, sushi is still best served with the essentials like mats, rice paddles, and bowls of miso soup, which should be consumed after eating sushi. Japanese restaurants in Midtown Sacramento, such as Mikuni Sushi, can be counted on to know these appropriate methods, which makes them the perfect caterers for anybody who wishes to celebrate sushi long after International Sushi Day has passed.

(Source: International Sushi Day 2014: Fun Facts And How To Eat It, International Business Times, June 18, 2014)

Roseville, CA Restaurants: What Types of Drink Goes Well with Sushi?

Many folks who frequent elite Roseville restaurants know that sushi and beer—especially Japanese beer—are like a match made in heaven. However, did you know that wine and sushi are also delicious together? Be it a palate-cleansing sparkler from France or a coastal white wine from Italy, the right wine choice can make for a truly special sushi meal. Here are some awesome pairings for your sushi, courtesy of Fiona Beckett’s Matching Food & Wine:

Koshu and other crisp whites. If you haven’t come across koshu you will soon. It’s a crisp clean white wine that’s made in Japan from the koshu grape.

Low dosage champagne and other dry sparkling wines such as drier styles of prosecco and Crémant d’Alsace. Delicious.

Dry riesling – very dry – so think Alsace, Austria and southern Germany rather than the Mosel or more fruity rieslings from Australia or New Zealand.

Oaked Portuguese white – can’t explain exactly why but it works especially with the more full-on flavours of modern sushi (especially if it involves sesame).

Young red burgundy – now this may come as a surprise. It was recommended to me by a Japanese sommelier. I still prefer a white or sparkling wine with sushi but if you prefer a red this is the type to go for.

Tips for choosing the perfect match

According to taste connoisseurs, robust-flavored wines pair well with sushi rolls. However, it’s best to avoid wine that’s too sweet, because you don’t want it to overpower the fish’s flavor. Meanwhile, wine that’s too sharp can suppress the flavor of white fish like sea bass and snapper; you’re better off combining the wine with fattier, more flavorful fish like salmon and trout, as they better complement one another.

Sake and sushi

In her post, Ms. Beckett also includes one unusual sushi match: Sake. She admits that the two are not traditionally consumed together, even in Japan, and that’s because sushi and sake share an essential ingredient—rice. If not carefully chosen, combining the two can result in a “rice showdown,” instead of a complementary dining experience. The author does offer one important tip to make the two work together: Drink your sake chilled instead of room temperature.

Not sure what you like best? The input of chefs in the Roseville, CA restaurants you visit, such as Mikuni Sushi, can be very helpful. Generally, they’ll start you off with something easy and then move you up to something more exotic. The trick is to not be afraid of trying everything at least once. Eventually, you’ll find the perfect beverage to match your favorite sushi dish.

(Source: EIGHT GREAT DRINK PAIRINGS FOR SUSHI, Matching Food & Wine, Mar. 11, 2014)

Elk Grove, CA Restaurants: Where Did the Term ‘Happy Hour’ come from?

For years, Sacramento locals have gone to Elk Grove, CA restaurants at the end of a day’s work to de-stress and enjoy time with friends while sipping on drinks offered through a special dubbed “happy hour.” Where did the term really come from, though? Chances are good that you know what it means, but do you know what it refers to? If not, perhaps a little insight into how celebrating this particular time of day came to be a commonality will allow you to enjoy it even more. If nothing else, it will give you a nice conversation starter the next time you and your friends go out.

Happy Hour history

According to Wikipedia, the term “happy hour” has existed for centuries. One of its most notable and earliest uses was in William Shakespeare’s King Henry V, wherein the main character says “Therefore, my lords, omit no happy hour that may give furtherance to our expedition . . . .” Regarding its history, the information website deduces that the phrase “happy hour” being used in the context by which we now know it probably originated in the 1920s in the United States Navy, when sailors scheduled a period of entertainment activities to vent off stress accumulated during long periods at sea.

 

 

In a Seattle Magazine article, cocktail experts present another take on how the term possibly came to be:

It was earlier, in the 1920s, thanks to the failed experiment called Prohibition, when brave citizens gathered for pre-dining hours specifically focused on consuming then-illegal cocktails at a speakeasy or home bar. Eventually, the ideas merged, and people began using the phrase frequently to refer to a jolly time had when drinking with friends during the late-afternoon and early-evening hours. But I believe the notion of ebullient tippling with pals and gals before dinner dates back even farther. For example, in Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Part II, enthusiastic imbiber Falstaff says, “Come, I will go drink with you, but I cannot tarry dinner.”

Reverse happy hour

The typical time period for happy hour is anywhere between 4pm and 7pm. However, in recent years, many food establishments have created a “reverse happy hour” designed to accommodate people whose after-work hours happen late in the night instead of the early evening.

Happy hour’s true meaning

Whatever time of day it may be held, be it reverse or not, the ‘happy hour’ that people know today only means one thing: Enjoying food and drinks at a discount! What’s more, popular Elk Grove restaurants like Mikuni Sushi offer both Happy Hour and Reverse Happy Hour, giving you even more reason to enjoy this special time of day that so many people have come to love and look forward to.

 

(Source: The True Meaning of “Happy Hour”, Seattle Magazine)

Sushi Restaurants in Roseville: Why they’re Safer than Homemade Sushi

In today’s society, making sushi is about as easy for a homemaker as it is for a master chef. Yes, master chefs have trained for years to perfect their craft, but all you need to get things rolling at home are the ingredients, tools, and instructions you can glean from the Internet or cooking shows. With a bit of practice, you can go from a creating mediocre sushi to a truly inspired dish in no time at all.

However…

Be forewarned. Depending on where you purchase your fish, making homemade sushi can be dangerous. Fish-borne parasites and bacteria can be extremely harmful to people when ingested, and the bad news is homemade sushi opens you up to these risks. An article by culinary consultant Marc Matsumoto on the PBS blog, discusses how purchasing your fish from all the wrong places can be hazardous to your health.

Just because it’s fresh doesn’t mean it’s safe to eat raw. Some fish, such as salmon, contain parasites that will make you sick unless they’ve been destroyed. Another potential problem is cross-contamination. This happens when “sushi-grade” fish gets cut on the same cutting board or using the same knife or handled with the same gloves as non-sushi-grade fish. If your fishmonger is storing unwrapped sushi-grade fish in the same refrigerated case as non-sushi-grade fish, this should be a big red flag.

Ultimately, what it comes down to is how much you trust your fishmonger to understand the best practices for handling fish meant to be consumed raw, and how much they trust their suppliers to hold the same standards.

Here lies the downside of preparing sushi on your own. To ensure that you are consuming the safest product possible, your best option is to find restaurants in Roseville, such as Mikuni Sushi, that can guarantee the safety of the sushi dishes they prepare.

How do the best sushi restaurants ensure the safety of their fish?

The FDA has a regulation that states that fish must be frozen first and held at a temperature of -35 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 7 days in order to destroy any potential parasites. The best sushi restaurants in Roseville, CA rigidly adhere to the FDA’s regulations, which is the reason you can be sure that the sushi they serve you is perfectly safe—and scrumptious.

(Source: The Myth of Sushi-Grade, Feb. 11, 2014)

Authentic Japanese Roseville Restaurants: A Haven for Appreciation

The world is full of things that ought to be enjoyed, appreciated and cherished all across the globe. One of the biggest and most exciting industries for such experiences is the culinary world. Japanese cuisine, for example, has made it to the upper echelon of culinary excellence, after being hailed by none other than UNESCO. Despite the lofty distinction, Yoshihiro Murata, one of Japan’s most respected chefs, expressed concern as can be seen in this article by Reuters.

Japanese food is now widely available around the world, and “washoku” – traditional cooking – was declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO last year. But Murata fears that even though sushi has become universal, appreciation for Japanese food is declining in its homeland.

“Japanese cuisine is becoming extinct”, Murata said, seated in a quiet tatami mat room in his Kikunoi restaurant in Tokyo’s Akasaka business district.

“The fact that it has become a ‘cultural heritage’ means it is fading so it needs to be protected.”

With everything becoming global, Japanese food has reached the hottest spots in the west, like Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Diners are able to fully experience cultural heritage of Japanese cuisine in its purest form. One excellent way of enjoying authentic Japanese food and bringing honor to the exquisite tastes it brings is by patronizing Roseville restaurants serving real Japanese cuisine.

Great food is more than just edible and nourishing. It entails attention to how the food is prepared, the fresh ingredients that are used, and the rich tradition behind the dish. Sushi, for example, can easily be bought even in supermarkets and even convenience stores, but high-grade sushi can only be found in topnotch restaurants like Mikuni Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar.

Opting to dine in authentic Japanese restaurants, especially those that are led by authentic master sushi chefs, will bring more than satisfaction to the palate. In authentic Japanese restaurants, you can expect the dishes to be served and presented in an exceptional manner, one that will certainly appeal to all of your senses. You will also get to enjoy the freshness of the dishes in an atmosphere that brings you closer to Japan.

Though the fears of chef Murata may be valid, people from around the world can still keep the love and appreciation for Japanese cuisine and its rich tradition alive through quality Japanese restaurants in Roseville, CA.

 

(Source: “Michelin-starred Japanese chef fears loss of simple, traditional food,” Reuters, May 13, 2014)

Dishes in Japanese Restaurants in Sacramento That Pack a Health Punch

Over the years, scientific studies have been able to identify the healthiest food items, and the ones that could be detrimental to overall health. Sadly, many of the most mouth-watering or interesting food items (think of bacon) fall under the latter category. On the other hand, food items that don’t exactly spark appetites—like broccoli—are labeled as extremely healthy.

Luckily, things are not always as black-and-white as popular opinion dictates. There are a variety of interesting and flavorful foods that pack a legitimate punch in the health department. This is especially true for dishes in Japanese restaurants in Sacramento like Mikuni Sushi. The next time you feel the urge to eat Japanese cuisine and to eat healthy, here are a few suggestions on what to order:

Eel

At first glance, eel (a.k.a. unagi) may not be a very appetizing sight. People adventurous enough to try it, though, know that eel provides a unique and succulent flavor, which is why it has become a favorite among Japanese food enthusiasts. According to an article from AskMen.com, eel is one of the healthiest food options around:

As fish, they’re a fantastic source of mega-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. They also contain a good amount calcium, magnesium, potassium, selenium, manganese, zinc and iron. For the carb-conscious, eel does not contain any sugar, is low in sodium and high in phosphorus.

Sea Urchin

Sea urchin (a.k.a. uni) is another dish that doesn’t look very appetizing; that is, until you try it for yourself. It is rich in protein, so much so that it actually makes a good substitute for meat or legumes. Sea urchin also contains Vitamins A and C. The best part of sea urchin? It only carries 34 calories per ounce, making it a great option for those on a diet.

Flying Fish Roe

Flying fish roe (a.k.a. tobiko) is the tiny orange dots that cover California rolls. Most people often see it as an accessory ingredient, but did you know that you can order sushi that has the roe as the primary ingredient?

Since the roe is delicate, it is placed on a special type of roll called a gunkan that looks like a battleship. You can also choose to have a quail egg added to it. Flying fish roe is rich in Vitamins A, D, K2, as well as DHA fatty acids, zinc, and iodine.

One last healthy piece of advice for ordering Japanese dishes in popular Sacramento restaurants: pass up the mayonnaise. Although a generous serving of mayo can complete the taste of sushi, it can easily add unnecessary fat and calories.

Happy eating!

 

(Source: Junk Foods That Are Actually Healthy; AskMen.com)

Why Some Japanese Restaurants in Elk Grove, CA Have a Loyal Following

In a survey conducted by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) back in December 2013, six countries rated Japanese as their most preferred foreign cuisine. Japanese food garnered a popularity rating of 34 percent, followed by Italian (15.6 percent) and Chinese (14.0 percent). “Healthiness” was cited as the main reason for Japanese cuisine’s popularity in these countries.

The survey can be taken as a follow-up to another JETRO survey conducted in 2012, in which participants from the U.S. ranked Japanese as the third most popular foreign cuisine in the country. However, it’s not just the supposed health benefits that make Japanese cuisine so well loved but the fact that maki, negiri, tempura, and other foods simply taste so good. Much like how it is with Chinese and Italian restaurants in the U.S., great-tasting food is the biggest reason why Japanese restaurants in Elk Grove, CA like Mikuni Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar have such a loyal following.

Sushi, in particular, is known for its taste, simplicity, and beauty. The dish is essentially a combination of shari, or cooked rice laced with vinegar, and neta, like raw meat, seafood, and vegetables. Over the years, Japanese chefs have come up with numerous combinations of these simple ingredients to produce dozens of sushi varieties.

Ikura gukan is a type of sushi that uses salmon roe as its main ingredient, while tako nigiri consists of thin slices of octopus meat. Ebi nigiri, on the other hand, is quite unique because it is made with cooked shrimp. California rolls, which consist of avocado, cucumber, and crab meat, are a type of sushi that the Japanese adopted from the U.S. Aside from the mouthwatering flavor combinations, most sushi varieties are packed with nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids that promote good health.

Although sushi is a trademark of Japanese cuisine, there are other great-tasting and healthy items diners should explore when dining at Japanese-themed Elk Grove, CA restaurants. Some establishments like Mikuni Sushi, for instance, serve tempura varieties made with vegetables, chicken, mushrooms, and asparagus instead of the usual shrimp or seafood. In fact, a travel industry study in 2012 identified tempura as the second-most popular food in Japanese cuisine, recommended by about 57 percent of the world’s tourists and most popular hotels.

In essence, one can never go wrong with Japanese food to satiate a hungry stomach. Those unconvinced about the results of the JETRO surveys need only visit a Japanese restaurant like Mikuni Sushi to see why sushi, tempura, and other Japanese dishes never fail to tickle the palates of people all over the world.

 

(Source: Japanese dishes rank top as most popular foreign cuisine in six-city survey of emerging markets, Japan Products, May 29, 2014)