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Friday Fun Thread for July 26, 2024

Be advised: this thread is not for serious in-depth discussion of weighty topics (we have a link for that), this thread is not for anything Culture War related. This thread is for Fun. You got jokes? Share 'em. You got silly questions? Ask 'em.

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There are several issues with isolating this complaint, mostly because "sushi" is so broad a category as to be almost useless. Seasonal or non-seasonal ingredients? Gunkan or nigiri?

Compounding this issue as with most raw food there is a world of difference between mediocre sushi and great sushi. I've seen the sad jokes masquerading as sushi sitting out in supermarket aisles, and if that's people's exposure to it I can easily see them write it off as a hipster food like poke or avocado toast - not worth the price and advocated for by people who hate meat and potatoes.

But on the other hand I've rarely seen anyone ever turn their nose up at well prepared otoro or even chutoro nigiri, and never in person. It's buttery, rich, and balanced well against vinegared rice. And many sushi chefs (with fairly good reason, imo), noting the high demand and the seasonality of the product, consider tuna an overrated sushi ingredient that doesn't show off the skill of the chef!

Like pizza, I've discovered that due to the simplicity involved, that any flaws or issues with the product are obvious. Every last detail is important, from the ratio of rice to topping to seasoning of every element to the knifework and preparation.

To be fair, the best sushi I've ever had in my entire life was not a primarily raw component but some pickled/cured mackerel/shime-saba from a place I won't publicize for fear of anyone finding out. I'd rather not spill the beans because of an unfortunate tendency the internet has to ruin everything it loves.