Sushi, pumpkin miso and movement on the menu

Are you one of those diners who sneaks a look at other people’s plates before finalizing your order? At Yuka Sushi it all looks good. I also like to observe that there’s a variety of diners, too. Just a short time ago sushi was still considered an unusual thing. The umami got us. Who can resist the sweet, sour and savory of it all. Did you know that traditional Japanese “sushi” refers to the sour of the vinegared rice, and is not a reference to the fish which may or may not be part of your roll?

Now we’re all maneuvering seaweed rolls of shrimp, eel, crab, avocado, etc. into pools of soy and dots of wasabi with our chopsticks. And we like it. Sushi was unusual around here when I went to high school in the ‘80s. If there’s a reason that it got to be 2025 without your trying it, this Port Arthur restaurant has your thrill seeking handy.

Everybody talks about dining at Yuka Sushi for their birthday special and I sure hope I remember to do so next time around. I recently grabbed lunch there with some friends and enjoyed all the flavors, the colors and textures… and the company.

Pumpkin Watch: Fermenting is trending and fits right into pumpkin season. Read up here:

“Ferment: Simple Recipes from My Multicultural Kitchen” has author Keni Morimoto transporting us into tradition and having us try new ideas. Pumpkin Miso may not be “true,” as it has no soybeans. But it acts like miso, with intense flavor. He avoids seasonal Halloween pumpkins in favor of those with less water content, or cuts them into smaller pieces before roasting. If you start now, you can ferment for 6 months to a year. Start tasting after 6 months.

Get UNbusy - Put your feet up. On the wall. Keep that yoga mat spread out as a visual reminder. Stop! "Move, Rest, Recover: Your Practical Guide to Balancing Mind and Body" is Erin Taylor's workbook, for you to write in. If FOMO, Fear of Missing Out, is keeping you busy in ways it should not, work out how to do the resting part. Here are some of many tips throughout the book: 

*  Acknowledge when you feel the onset of tiredness, fatigue, sleepiness...

*  Notice any resistance you feel acknowledging or responding to fatigue.

* Pause

* Place one hand on your heart or anywhere on  your body that feels intuitive or comforting. 

* Close your eyes and take a deep breath

* Say to yourself, gently, "stop." 

* Stay here for a moment, breathing deeply, acknowledging how you're feeling - and in doing so , momentarily calming your systems. 

Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie into fusion, trending and traditional flavors. Share your finds with her via panews@panews.com