Expand your culinary palate with sushi�

By Wendy O. Dixon

Sushi, the traditional Japanese delicacy that traces its roots back thousands of years, is a hot item on the menu at The Bay and Farm & Fire restaurants. Both are owned by nationally recognized restaurateur Chef Jim Shirley and located across from each other on Highway 331.�

So many flavors. So many colors. So many styles. So much to explore. That’s what Chef Jon Kendrick offers as head sushi chef at both eateries.�

A true local who never left this beautiful part of Northwest Florida, Chef Jon grew up in Niceville, Fla., attending Niceville High School.�

He’s done almost every job in a restaurant, and has a special talent for five-star sushi. “When I was younger I became interested in making sushi,” he says. “I bounced around a few sushi places and now split my time between The Bay and Farm & Fire.” �

Chef Jon and the other sushi chefs have perfected the dish and look forward to serving you soon.

Crash Course — learn the lingo to order like a sushi samurai

Here’s some Japanese terminology to get you started on your sushi feast:

Maki – rolled, cut sushi

Nori – seaweed that wraps around ingredients

Sashimi – sliced raw fish

Nigiri – sliced raw fish over rice

Shoyu – soy sauce

Masago (smelt roe) – small eggs used as topping

Wasabi – Japanese horseradish, extremely spicy (less is more)

Tempura – lightly batter-fried fish or veggies

Types of fish:

Sake (salmon)

Unagi (eel)

Ebi (fried shrimp)

Kani (crab)

Hamachi (yellowtail)

Maguro (tuna)

Masago (smelt roe)

Q&A for Chef Jon:

Chopsticks or fork?�

Hands, fork, chopsticks. Fingers are acceptable, that’s probably the best way to do it.

Best roll for beginners?

The hot mess roll. It’s a spicy krab salad, avocado, panko-breaded and deep fried, topped with spicy mayo, ell sauce, green onions and sesame seeds.

Best roll for the adventurous?

Ask for a surprise.

Learn more about Farm & Fire and The Bay at the foot of the HWY 331 Bridge on their websites:

https://www.baysouthwalton.com/

https://www.farmandfiresouthwalton.com/