Shin Toyoda, head sushi chef at Sushi Roku in Newport Beach, isn’t a matchmaker. Yet he knows of five couples who met while eating his sushi, twosomes who later married. I imagine that the taste and appearance of his tantalizing fare inspired strangers to chat, remarking about the refinement of flavors and the alluring texture contrasts, the colors and yes, the wow. It’s understandable how guests could fall in love at his sushi bar. Patrons, no doubt, with discerning palates. His poke (pronounced POH-kay) is an irresistible dish. The concoction has Hawaiian roots, but has become a very popular dish in Japan. It showcases jewel-like cubes of chilled raw big-eye tuna napped with a delectable Asian-themed sauce. Chef Toyoda builds on the basics, adding just-right ingredients that bring judicious spicy heat and appealing crunch, along with a worthy dose of umami. Sushi Starts: He trained in Tokyo before coming to the U.S. 30 years ago. He says that he is still training, revealing that learning never seems to be finished.

Homework: He lives in Redondo Beach and often spends his time off fishing in a sea kayak. It’s a catch-and-release pleasure, the fun is more about relaxing and having time to think, rather than filling the fridge.Roll Ups: Sushi rolls aren’t popular in Japan. He says that rice on the outside of those rolls doesn’t show the proper respect for the fish. sushi delivery dubai palmSushi hand rolls are preferred in his homeland.buy sushi grade fish washington dc Sushi Roku’s Tuna PokeYield: 2 generous servings3 1/2 cups cubed (5/8-inch) sushi-grade big-eye tuna fillet (or ahi, yellowfin tuna or bluefin tuna)1/2 cup Asian-style roasted sesame oil, plus 1 tablespoon, divided use1/4 cup tamari, see cook’s notesChili oil to tasteAbout 1/4 cup drained sansei vegetables, see cook’s notesAbout 1/4 cup ogonori (edible seaweed)1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds1/2 teaspoon wasabi paste1 tablespoon golden tobiko (flying fish eggs)Small amount of black comprar sushi online fortaleza

lava salt to tasteSmall amount of shichimi pepper to taste (also called tōgarashi)About 5 cups cooked rice (white or brown), room temperatureGarnish: tiny spherical rice crackers (bubu arare)Garnish: sliced dry nori (kizami nori)Cook’s notes: Tamari is a type of soy sauce that is richer and thicker; most often it contains little or no wheat. samurai sushi menu downey caSansai vegetables are Japanese “mountain vegetables” that are often sold pre-cooked and are typically packaged in plastic packs in liquid.sushi grade fish temperatureAll ingredients are available at Japanese markets. sushi bar orders crossword puzzle clueMitsuwa, as well as Tokyo Central Market (formerly Marukai) – both in Costa Mesa, are two Japanese supermarkets in Orange County.where to buy sashimi grade fish in singapore

1. Place fish in a nonreactive bowl (glass or ceramic); drizzle with 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Toss.2. In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup sesame oil, tamari and enough chili oil to make the mixture a little spicy but not overpowering in heat. Drizzle fish with about 3 tablespoons of mixture; Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes.3. Remove fish mixture from refrigerator. Add sansei vegetables, ogonori, sesame seeds, wasabi, tobiko, lava salt and shichimi pepper; Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.4. Divide rice between two bowls. Top with poke mixture. Sprinkle with rice crackers. Mound the kizami nori in the center of each. Source: Shin Toyoda, head sushi chef, Sushi Roku, Newport BeachRoll up your sleeves for the 8th annual Lobsterfest at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina. Live Maine lobster is flown in fresh on the morning of the event and prepared on-site alongside a buffet that includes tri-tip, corn on the cob, salads and dessert. Purchase a VIP ticket to enjoy all-you-can-eat lobster, complimentary wine, valet parking and reserved seating.

High-energy rock-n-pop band Pinch Me! performs covers from more than seven decades. Special activities for kids will be provided by Camp James. 3-8 p.m. $60 if purchased in advance, $80 at the door; Children 12 and under $20 in advance or $25 at the door. VIP tickets $150 in advance. 101 North Bayside Drive, Newport Beach. Hi-Time’s 10th Annual Charity Chili Cook-OffTaste a variety of chilies from over 30 local restaurants and businesses at the 10th annual event. Enjoy beer, wine, margaritas and specialty cocktails at the bar along with live music and raffle prizes. A panel of judges will award the best chili as well as a people’s choice vote. 250 Ogle St., Costa Mesa, 949.650.8463. Ribs, Pigs and Watermelons Summer FestivalBring your bibs and get ready to sample fare from some of the nation’s best professional barbecue teams, enjoy watermelon and rib eating contests, listen to live entertainment and see a classic car show. Friday features bluegrass and country bands;

Saturday’s festivities include a reggae festival; and Sunday offers blues and classic rock bands and a classic car show. Admission price covers the entire weekend, parking not included. F 5-10 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $5-$9. Food and drinks sold separately. Huntington State Beach, Beach Blvd. and Pacific Coast Hwy Lot 9, Huntington Beach, 714.897.3221. Spend your summer evenings on an LED light-adorned paddleboard or kayak at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. Newly launched Moe B’s Radiant Rides leads nighttime adventures on Friday and Saturday nights through Labor Day. See marine life only visible at night on this unique excursion. Enjoy cocktails and dinner at Back Bay Bistro afterwards. $30-$40/pp. 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, 949.729.3863. Grab your bridal party for a beach bachelorette party complete with featured flick Bridesmaids on one of the largest inflatable outdoor movie screens in California. Featuring theater-quality projection and sound, you will get the ultimate viewing experience on the sand.

Join other wedding parties for cocktails at a full beach bar, munchies from Mini Melts and Stetson’s Barbecue and gift bags. and note the Bride’s name to be entered into the grand prize drawing. The evening will be hosted by comedian Eric Schwartz, seen on The Tonight Show, Comics Unleashed and more. Pre-movie activities begin at 5 p.m. Showtime approximately 8 p.m. (dusk). $15/pp. VIP package $49 (includes jumbo 2-person bean bag). Huntington State Beach, lifeguard tower 14, Huntington Beach. Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony Viewing PartyJoin YNK for a Summer Olympics opening ceremony viewing party accompanied by its new South American summer menu. Transport yourself to Mexico, Peru, Cuba and Brazil by way of cocktail while watching live streaming of the ceremony. Menu highlights include the El Presidente with Bacardi 8, Carpano Antica sweet vermouth, Grand Marnier, housemade grenadine and a vanilla-soaked dehydrated orange wheel; and the Mama Juana, served as a bottled cocktail with rum, honey, red wine, tree bark and herbs.

The first 30 guests will receive a special gift bag of bottled caipirinhas. 4 p.m. 18000 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, 949.553.0100. Unsung Brewing Company Grand OpeningEnjoy beer specials, barbecue and live music at the Anaheim Packing District’s newest spot, Unsung Brewery. Housed in the newly renovated MAKE building directly adjacent to the Anaheim Packing House, Mayor Tom Tait will tap the first keg to start the festivities. 500 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, 714.224.2997. Take part in a knockout conversation with Sylvester Stallone, the creator and star of inspiring and treasured film saga, Rocky. Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the original film with a screening followed by Stallone giving an inside glimpse behind classic scenes with stories you’ve never heard before. 2 p.m. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2121. You’ve seen him on the Late Show with David Letterman and Comedy Central Presents, now laugh along with the actor, voice-over artist and stand-up comedian in person at the Pacific Amphitheatre.

Gaffigan will perform his set titled Fully Dressed. 8:15 p.m. Tickets start at $35. The Pacific Ampitheatre, 100 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.1500. Join Clara Adame of Kindred Supply Co. for as afternoon of modern calligraphy and lettering with brush pens. Learn the fundamentals of modern calligraphy, along with understanding how to use brush pens. This workshop includes two brush pens, a notebook, instructions and a font sheet. 305 E. 4th St., Santa Ana. Indulge in a little bit of deep-fried everything at the Orange County Fair. Bring the whole family and enjoy action sports (rodeo, BMX, pig racing), tribute bands in the Hangar, carnival with rides, La Grande Wheel, livestock competitions, agricultural displays, petting zoo, wine tasting and of course—fried food galore. Concerts at the Pacific Amphitheatre include artists such as Earth, Wind and Fire and Train. M-Tu Closed, Wed-F noon-midnight, Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-noon. $7-$12, under 5 free; $10 (cash only) for parking. 88 fair drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.1500.

Red O—The Weekend SocialGet your weekend started at Red O Newport Beach with DJ tunes and late-night happy hour every Friday and Saturday night. This week’s entertainment is from world champion turntableist and beat-maker, IFTW. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Happy hour 10 p.m.-midnight. Fashion Island, 143 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.718.0300. Celebrate national oyster day with Shuck Oyster Bar. The first 100 customers will receive one free oyster, the first five customers will receive a free t-shirt and the next 15 will receive a free hat. Shuck’s oysters are guaranteed fresh—just one day out of the water and delivered daily from over 60 farms. SOCO, 3313 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 949.420.0478. Orange County native Chef Daniel Shemtob (The Lime Truck) opens the third location of his street food concept in Newport Beach. Dine on items such as ahi tuna tostadas (sushi grade ahi, garlic ginger dressing, pickled veggies, avocado, lime, cilantro, iceberg and sesame seeds); blue crab grilled cheese (blue crab, cheese blend, scallions, jalapenos, sambal, grilled sourdough);

and pork belly adobo tacos (braised pork belly, pico de gallo, sambal and cilantro). Su-W 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Th-Sa 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 1332 Bison Ave., Newport Beach. Through Aug. Tap into your Southern roots with a savory new burger, shake and cocktail lineup. Hopdoddy’s August specials include southern staples like bourbon, fried onions, bacon and moonshine. The triple b burger includes a medium-rare Akaushi beef patty placed on a bed of peppery arugula, topped with melted blue jack cheese, warm bourbon bacon onion jam and fresh fried tobacco onions. August specials also includes the maple bacon waffle cone shake and bootleg Kool-Aid. 311 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.640.2337. Train with Midnight HourHailing from San Francisco, Train has been setting its mark in pop music across the globe with hits like “Meet Virginia,” “Drops of Jupiter” and “Hey, Soul Sister.” See them perform this weekend alongside Southern California natives Midnight Hour whose hit singles include “Running Away” and “Modern Love.”

All reserved seats include free admission to the OC Fair. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $50. Irvine’s Sizzlin’ Summer ConcertsBring the whole family for an outdoor concert from U2 tribute band, L.A. Vation. Enjoy food truck fare and a playground for children. Bring your own blankets and chairs. 5:30 p.m. concert begins. Mike Ward Community Park – Woodbridge, 20 Lake Road, Irvine, 949.724.6606. Step inside the Kit Kat Klub and hear one of Kander and Ebb’s most memorable scores in theater history, including “Cabaret,” “Willkommen” and “Maybe This Time.” Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the critically acclaimed production. See website for showtimes. Tickets start at $29. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. Spa Gregorie’s Girls Night OutGrab your gals for a girls night out at Spa Gregorie’s. Indulge in some serious pampering with bites from Cafe Gratitude and Nothing Bundt Cakes, refreshments from Spa Girls Cocktails, music, beauty services including a braid bar, makeup touch-ups and Botox services and a professional photographer to document all of the fun.