Seriously?

Like all New Yorkers of a certain age, I love sushi. But recently, I’ve become a little suspicious that I’ve been eating it the wrong way.

And yes, it seems that there actually is a wrong way.

Well, lo and behold, I came upon this article in the Toronto Star (by way of Slashfood), which proves that, in fact, I do not know the right way to eat sushi. And chances are, you don’t either.

I highly encourage you to check out this wrist-slapping etiquette piece, which uses a nifty diagram and an even niftier video of Chef Keiichi Masuda (of Mikado restaurant) to explain the right way to consume those oh-so-tasty nigiri. Here’s a quick summary:

1. Use your hands! At least, for the traditional-fish on-rice nigiri pieces. Chopsticks are still okay for rolls (maki).
2. The fish goes down! When dipping it into the soy sauce. Dipping the other way ruins the flavor of the rice.
3. The fish stays down! Introducing the fish to your tongue first keeps the flavors in the right order.

I’m certainly going to take this advice to heart. What about you?