Sushi Etiquette

                When going out to lunch or dinner at a sushi restaurant there is some different etiquette one should be aware of prier to their dining experience.
The website http://www.sushisecrets.com/sushibar.html gives a play by play of what to expect.

Your host can either seat you at the bar or a table, but if you’re with just one or two people, the bar would be a better option.  Here you will be at a lowered bar where you can clearly see all the fresh fish. Behind that bar is the sushi chef; he (or possibly she) is there solely to take your sushi order. You will also have a waitress if you decide to order anything that is made in the kitchen such as miso soup or any entrées. When ordering your sushi you will be given a paper menu to check which roll you want from the list and hand it to the chef.

                Some restaurants give you a complimentary starter. It’s often soy beans called edamame, a miso soup or a pickled cucumber salad. Make sure you do not ask for these items unless you want to pay for them because not all places give these items out.

                Many people are not accustomed to using chopsticks but it is a great utensil to learn how to use. If not, they may offer chopsticks that are bound together and therefor easier to maneuver.  It is more polite to pick up the roll with the chopsticks and eat in one bite, but it is also acceptable to use your hands and eat in several bites since the rolls are made bigger these days.  The soy sauce and wasabi are there to be mixed together to your liking of hotness, and should be only dipped with the fish side. The ginger is there to cleanse your palate after different rolls.  When all finished the term “arigato” means thank you and is appropriate to say when leaving.  The staff will often loudly say it back, thanking you for your business.