SHIZUOKA (Kyodo) Sushi chefs from around the world provided creative dishes with even pineapples and tacos among their favorite items as a "sushi expo" opened Saturday in Shizuoka.
In an exhibition to show how sushi has become global, the opening-day program featured a competition attended by chefs from the United States, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Mexico and Russia.
"Japanese food has grown popular among young women in our country," said 32-year-old Czech chef Marek Hora, who served "nigiri" sishi (hand-pressed vinegar rice with topping) with tuna dipped in Czech-brewed black beer, called Prague-nigiri. And his idea gained instant support from at least one "customer" from the host city on the Pacific Ocean, which boasts some famous mother ports for various sushi ingredients.
"It's a little bit different from what I usually eat, but it tastes good and refreshing," said the 67-year-old man, who attended the two-day event sponsored by a local commerce and industry association.
