Behind the Sushi Bar with Morimoto
Lessons I’m reflecting on as Sushi Master Season 2 approaches
Dear Sensei,
I didn’t think it was possible to ever feel as nervous and excited as I did on my first day of sushi school. But it turns out, I was wrong.
My hands were shaking that day as I stepped onto the soundstage, heart pounding so hard I was sure the microphone taped inside my apron would pick it up. The cold mic pack pressed against my back, but I was sweating so much I hardly noticed. And in my pocket, the set of emergency pills (prescribed to me after being hospitalized for a hypertensive emergency just a few weeks before!) felt like loose bricks, clanking together with every step.
It was surreal standing just feet away from Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, the sushi chef I had long admired and most wanted to meet.
I looked around the room at the other seven contestants, none of them Black or Jewish like me. And the enormity of this moment hit me. I knew this experience was going to change everything. And it did—just not in any of the ways I expected.
to be continued…
Behind the Sushi Bar with Morimoto
I’ve been hanging on to this secret for a while, but now I can officially share that I’m going to be on Season 2 of Morimoto’s Sushi Master! The show premieres April 25th on The Roku Channel.
This month, I’ll be reflecting on moments that reshaped how I view myself as a chef:
Finding My Identity on a Plate: What I learned about bringing my full self—Black, Jewish, and Southern—to the table.
The Lessons Behind the Scenes: What I discovered in the quiet moments between takes about friendship, resilience, and unexpected joys. (I’ll even share a few behind-the-scenes photos!)
Redefining My Culinary Passions: How stepping onto that stage reignited my love for creating food that reflects my values and vision.
Recap: What It’s Really Like to Make Sushi at Home
Recently, Nicole of the Culinary Maven Tuesday Night Dinner Club, tried out some of my techniques and recipes for making inside-out sushi rolls. She then wrote about what it’s really like to make sushi at home. Her reflections were so fun to read, and I loved seeing how she brought her own flair to the process.
You can check out her full piece here:
Feeling inspired to try making sushi yourself?
If you’re ready to roll, I’m running an incredible special on my Plant-Based Sushi Rolls Masterclass. (It’s just $29!) This video class is on demand, any time learning and covers everything you need from perfecting sushi rice to mastering rolling techniques that will wow your friends.
Sushi Q & A
I’m beyond excited to share lessons and takeaways from my time on Morimoto’s Sushi Master. Stay tuned for more in the coming weeks!
Meanwhile, I’d love to hear about your sushi adventures.
Is there something you’ve always wanted to know about sushi? Have you ever tried making sushi at home? What’s something you’ve struggled with or want to get better at?
Send me your questions. I’d love to feature them (and my answers) in an upcoming newsletter!
Get out! This is amazing. Can't wait to watch!
This is so exciting!! Congrats!! 🎉