Wasabi.

Last night, we celebrated one of our sweet friend's 19th birthday. Liza, yes-THE Liza, turned 19 of Friday and last night we decided to go to dinner at Sushi Zushi in the Domain. Being a college student, I typically stay within a 5 mile radius of campus. This means that I am a frequent at fast, convenient, on-the-go food.
However, every once and a while, we travel outside our bubble and experience really good food.

Last night was one of those nights.

When it comes to the Sushi Zushi menu, there are two kinds of diners- the safe or the adventurous. The safe don't bother reading. They know that every sushi place has a California Roll and the matter is settled. In the same regard, the adventurous diner doesn't read the menu either. They find the "house favorites," "most popular," or in some cases "eel rolls" and they pick one at random. This diner has little to no fear and even lower expectations.

I am neither of these diners. I read the whole menu. The name of the roll, the description, the ingredients, and last night, I even polled the audience (aka text my sister to get her sushi expertise). I was not going to be boring and settle, but I was not about to take a chance. So, after careful consideration I settled on the Spicy Tuna Roll.
It was an EXCELLENT choice I might add, but that is not the point.

As the dishes arrived, despite the difference in filling or topping, each plate had the typical thinly sliced ginger and the spoonful of wasabi paste. I enjoy both of these accoutrements- especially the wasabi. My friends seemed to be stunned that I enjoyed the spiciness and even more amazed that my sinuses could handle the heat (no pun intended). As each person finished their dish, one thing remained- the wasabi. Although two of my friends-Ellen and Lauren-ventured to taste it, and couldn't get it past the tip of their tongue, I challenge you to give it a try next time. Maybe add a tad to the top of your roll or start with a dab of wasabi followed by a roll followed by the cooling ginger. I promise you, you won't regret it.
And once you begin your love affair with wasabi, you must try wasabi peas. They are the perfect snack!