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/