The Search for Sushi: A Gastronomic Guide

Following his well-received 2004 guide Chinese Food Finder, Chu turns his attention to sushi, both traditional Japanese style and Western adaptations. The Southern California resident looks at the food's history and many variations, tracking its origins back centuries to Southeast Asia, and its spread to cities across the world after the expansion of the Japanese economy gave traveling Japanese businessmen reason to seek out authentic sushi in America and ""Americans returning from Japan joined in the chorus."" The more practical portions of the book cover the basics of the sushi experience, including the components of sushi (the tools, ingredients, condiments and chefs), restaurant styles (fast-food, contemporary and traditional), a guide to fish and seafood (including extensive coverage of tuna and yellowtail), a sake primer, and a useful chapter on sushi bar etiquette (""It's both rude and insulting to the chef"" not to eat your sushi in one bite). Wide-ranging but brief, this makes a fine overview for the casual sushi fan. Full color photos and illustrations throughout.