As we say a fond farewell to summer, we welcome school, football, new fall crops and crisp autumnal weather! Our daily dinner at Shiro’s and takeout options provide some respite for busy schedules that still allow for delicious dinners!
New in September
Introducing Premium Option for 19-piece Sushi Course
We are proud to introduce a wonderful way to enhance your dinner. Add our new Premium option to the 19-piece Chef’s Choice for an even more umami-filled dinner. The two courses, $15 total, add a touch of Japanese fine dining with carefully selected ingredients that are prepared using creativity and our chefs’ culinary experience to complement the 19-piece sushi dinner.
Premium option is only available in the Dining Room. Limited quantities per day. Not available for takeout.
Sushi Terms
Some sushi terminologies: Murasaki, Agari, Namida
Many of our guests are sushi lovers. So you know sushi rice is called “Shari” or Vinegared ginger is called “Gari.” How about “Murasaki,” “Agari,” and “Namida”? Let’s find out!
“Murasaki” means “soy sauce.” Murasaki technically translates to “purple” in Japanese. While the color of soy sauce is almost black, it was decided long ago that the color purple has a more positive and noble impression so soy sauce became known as Murasaki.
“Agari” means “hot green tea.” The original meaning of Agari is “reaching goal,” but it is also a homonym so it has several other meanings such as “rise,” “completion,” “stop,” and so on. Traditionally, hot green tea was served at the end of a meal (the completion), or close to the end, which is how it earned its name of Agari. Nowadays, including at Shiro’s, we have more flexibility when hot green tea is served.
“Namida” means “wasabi.” “Tear” is the original meaning of Namida in Japanese. And don’t tears come when wasabi is really hot on your tongue?! Wasabi is also called “Sabi” in short form. So, we often say “Sabinuki.” “Nuki” means “not included” or “taken out,” therefore, Sabinuki means “no wasabi.” If you prefer your sushi without wasabi, simply tell your server “Sabinuki de” or “no wasabi, please.”
Sake in September
Tsuru-Ume Natsu Mikan (Heiwa “Summer Orange”)
Heiwa Brewery, Wakayama, Japan
We have offered seasonally limited sake from Heiwa Shuzo a few times in the past. It has been so well-received that we recently added on another seasonally limited sake from Heiwa Shuzo: Heiwa Summer Orange (served by the glass and bottle). A handmade-crafted fruit sake, we originally started offering it at the end of August.
Tsuru-Ume Natsumikan (Heiwa Summer Orange) uses two kinds of oranges and lemon with no artificial ingredients. Natsu-mikan (Summer orange) and Ama-natsu (Sweet summer), are both oranges that are harvested during summer. The fruits used in this sake are only from local farms in Wakayama. Wakayama, where the Heiwa brewery is located, is famous for producing fruits, oranges, and lemons.
The fruit is squeezed with the skins still on, giving the sake its signature bitterness and zesty flavor. Summer Orange is not too strong in alcohol content, 7%, and is easy to drink even for people who are not familiar with sake. It is also highly recommended for people who prefer sweet-flavored sake.
This sake complements sweet foods, which includes our Shiro’s Tiramisu, Hojicha Panna Cotta, and Mizu Shingen Mochi!
What’s Happening Around Seattle
Washington State Fair
Now that big summer events are over and the heat has started cooling down, September brings the gradual start of fall events to our area!
Pumpkin season is coming! Some early farms open pumpkin patches in the middle of September, and also offer corn mazes, hay rides, other child activities and so on! Check what things you can do at each farm and pick your favorite.
Washington State Fair (formerly known as Puyallup Fair) is the largest single attraction held annually in the state. One of the largest state fairs in the country, the 20-day-long event starts September 1 offering exciting carnival-style rides, fun exhibits, festive music concerts, and a variety of foods and drinks. Check it out
September in Japan
September is the season when typhoons often happen in Japan, earning its name “typhoon season.”
Generally, a typhoon’s name is a number in Japan instead of a person’s name like it is in the U.S. It simply follows sequential order from the beginning of the year. In Japan, typhoons occur somewhat often in Okinawa, an island in the southwest part of Japan. The traditional house in Okinawa is a one-story house, (平屋: Hiraya) surrounded by a stone wall piled with coral and limestone, and the red roof tile is made solid with plaster. Both methods are safe measures against typhoons.
Since Japanese weather affects the supply chain that Shiro’s utilizes, we closely watch Japanese weather news, especially during typhoon season, so that we can operate as usual in case a typhoon arrives!
