Putting Rice First

Everybody knows about Japan’s relationship with rice. This grain is a significant staple throughout much of Asia, and indeed much of the world. Our Bellevue Japanese restaurant is no exception, with rice playing a prominent role in our dinners, our sushi, and of course our sake. But just how important is rice to Japanese dining?

Japan’s treatment of rice marks what is probably the biggest key difference between Eastern and Western culinary philosophy. For most Westerners, the main course of the meal is generally the protein. We put our meat front and center and surround it with a supporting cast of grains and vegetables. In Asia, however, this paradigm is flipped. The main part of the meal is always either a grain or a starch, usually rice, with meat serving to augment the main course along with the vegetables. This attitude could very well account for some of the superior health benefits of Asian-style dining, which you can experience for yourself at Flo Restaurant in Bellevue!

Omakase Sashimi

Custom platter created just for you by our Chef

Feeling adventurous? Come by Flo Japanese Restaurant in Bellevue for some omakase sashimi. Just set a budget, and our head sushi chef will put together a special sashimi meal just for you!

The term “omakase” roughly translates to “It’s up to you”. When you order an omakase meal, you’re giving the chef license to make you whatever he feels like. If you’re not particularly picky, this is a great way to get the best possible sashimi spread. Not only is the chef likely to prepare some of his own personal specialties, but he’s also picking from the best and freshest fish currently available. So come on down for some omakase! You’ll be glad that you did.

How Rice Vinegar is Made

Plain White Rice vs. Sushi Rice

The rice that we use in the sushi at our Bellevue Japanese restaurant is not just normal steamed rice. If you’re familiar with sushi, you may have noticed that sushi rice has a subtle taste and texture to it that goes beyond plain white rice.

So, what is it that turns normal rice into sushi rice?

The answer is sushi vinegar. This is a special variety of vinegar made by mixing rice vinegar with other ingredients. The specific recipe will vary from place to place, but the rice vinegar is fairly universal; the taste of white vinegar is too strong, and would overpower the subtle tastes that you find in sushi. In general, sushi vinegar consists of the rice vinegar, salt, and a sweetening agent like sugar, sake, or occasionally nori.

Anago: the Saltwater Eel

Anago – Sea Eel

When it comes to eels in sushi, many Western diners are most familiar with the freshwater unagi. Somewhat less common among other sushi restaurants is the saltwater variety of eel, known to the Japanese as anago.

Difference Between Freshwater and Saltwater Eel

Anago is distinctive from its freshwater cousin in its texture and taste. Many people find it to be pleasingly soft and sweet, with a somewhat less oily quality. While the unagi is generally grilled before being used in sushi, anago will usually be simmered. You can find this exciting taste sensation at our Bellevue Japanese restaurant, so come on down to Flo Bellevue to try some anago today!

Knowing Your Sake

Sake at Flo Bellevue

At our Bellevue Japanese restaurant, we offer an extensive list of different kinds of sake to go with your sushi dining experience. If you’re not familiar with sake, you might be confused by the different categories you find.

What is ginjo and daiginjo sake?

Ginjo and daiginjo both represent premium varieties of sake. These are produced by polishing the rice grains further before fermenting them into the wine. Ginjo is made with rice that has had 40% of its mass polished away, while daiginjo has been polished down to 50% or less of its original size. This creates a lighter, more delicate, and more complex taste in the finished product. Consider trying one of these fine options as a complement to your next sushi meal at Flo Bellevue.