H I G A S H I K U R U M E: 'Sushi expo' offers exotic cuisine

Saturday, April 25, 2009

'Sushi expo' offers exotic cuisine

Sunday 26th April, 05:17 AM JST

SHIZUOKA —

Sushi chefs from around the world provided creative dishes with even pineapples and tacos among their favorite items as a ‘‘sushi expo’’ opened Saturday in Shizuoka. In an exhibition to show how sushi has become global, the opening-day program featured a competition attended by chefs from the United States, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Mexico and Russia.

‘‘Japanese food has grown popular among young women in our country,’’ said 32-year-old Czech chef Marek Hora, who served sushi with tuna dipped in Czech-brewed black beer, called ‘‘Prague-nigiri.’’ And his idea gained instant support from at least one ‘‘customer’’ from the host city on the Pacific Ocean, which boasts some famous mother ports for various sushi items. ‘‘It’s a little bit different from what I usually eat, but it tastes good and refreshing,’’ said the 67-year-old man, who attended the two-day event sponsored by a local commerce and industry association.