Sushi Basics

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    Serving Sushi

    Sushi Bar

    Handling Sushi

    Making Sushi

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Hosting a Great Sushi Bar

Here are a few steps you can follow to create an unforgettable sushi bar experience for your guests, no matter if you are feeding two or two-hundred guests.

Step 1.             Plan Ahead

When preparing for a function, particularly around the holidays or other busy times of the year, the most important thing to do is plan ahead.  If you plan to have the event catered, order party trays and services long in advance so that you aren’t scrambling at the end and settling for something less than what you hoped for.  Although it may sound extreme, book your event at least 6 weeks in advance for a holiday party.  Popular sushi catering companies can fill their calendars quickly and are likely to be booked through the year by thanksgiving.  By keeping frozen sushi in your freezer, you will know you are always ready, no matter what time of year.

Step 2.             Decorations

Creating an authentic atmosphere can be very time consuming, but by adding a few finishing touches you guests will appreciate the effort you put forward and by sticking to a couple key items you can do it easily.  Use a table that is low to the ground and place pillows around the table to sit on.  Give each guest a sushi plate with chopsticks, a tea cup and a sauce plate.  Inexpensive items can be found at Asian Food Grocer. Serve sushi on elegant Asian style plates and serving platters.  Caterers can often supply these and possibly additional decorations and table settings. 

Step 3.             Be Creative

Serving sushi doesn’t mean that the atmosphere must be rigid and traditional.  Try incorporating fun foods, games and themes into the sushi bar.  Japanese style candies come in many unique flavors and colors and can be bought at an Asian food store like Uwajimaya.   Games like  'sushi checkers', which replace playing pieces with sushi rolls, are simple and make winning a tasty treat. For a formal event hire the sushi chef to come to your event and roll the sushi on site, your guests will appreciate this special touch.  For an informal party, keep things simple; fancy chopsticks and Japanese styles drinks, like green tea or rice beer.  For more tips on serving sushi read our Food Pairings article.  If you are working on a budget, there's no need to foot the bill for the wine as well as the food. Make it a BYOB and ask your guests to bring wine, beer or soda.  For additional tips on hosting a party visit the Food Network’s website.

Step 4.             Accommodate Dietary Needs

By providing a variety of sushi you can be sure that your guests are getting exactly what they want.  Ask your guests about dietary needs before hand so you can make sure there is something for everyone and help prevent a potential dangerous allergic reaction.  Remember that sesame seeds, like peanuts, are a nut which your guests may need to avoid.  Sushi, although most commonly known as rolls of rice with raw fish, can be made with virtually any ingredients the guest desires.  Recently created favorites are fruit and vegetable rolls.

Step 5.             Hire Experiences Caterers

When deciding to have your event catered, be sure to do your homework.  Making great sushi is very important, but there are other things to consider. 

1)      Does the company often cater to events your size? 
2)      What options do they have within different budget ranges?  3)      Who are their notable customers?
4)      How many years have they been doing catering?

All of these questions are important and can be used to help you find the perfect sushi for your party.

Step 6.             What Does Banzai Do To Help?

First, check out Banzai’s website to get lots of information about sushi bar catering, available products and general information about sushi.  Choose from our delectable nigiri, premium rolls, party roll, and fruit roll sushi products.  All are great for banquets, sushi bars, menu appetizers, or special events.  We can help you plan for any size party or event, so check us out.

Want to learn more about sushi?  Visit Sushi University