Is there a 12 step program for Sushi addicts?

OK, so a little back story for everyone:

When I was a kid, I hated fish, but I loved fishing.

I hated asian food of all types, but learned to love eating fish and chips at "The Good Earth" - much to the delight of the owners - since I was the only kid they knew that ate my decidedly non-chinese dinner with chopsticks on their insistance. "If you're not going to eat our food, you should at least eat with chopsticks." It was a challenge I delighted in mastering early on. Eventually, I grew up and came to love asian foods in general.

Fast forward a few years and it was on a late night postering run for the Pyramid with John Palypchuck that I was introduced to the delights of Sushi at Edo on Ellice.

"So, what's in this one, John."

"Eel, fish eggs, and something else tasty, just eat, it's good for you."

OK...

And so it began, but it's difficult for me to get the time to enjoy Sushi simply because Nicole's not a fan, and so the ritual of "going for sushi" is non-existant.

Until now! Keep in mind that never have I professed to be an expert in the Sushi arts - but I know what I like, and I'm enjoying the hell out of working my way through the menu at Sushi Place (Portage & Hampton) a couple of rolls at a time.

The location for me is the kicker, because it's just up the road from the brewery. The further I get into the menu, the more good stuff I find. Jane (pictured here) makes a Kimchee Roll that is unbelieveably yummy, with plenty of garlicky goodness. Why is it so good? She makes the Kimchee herself - from scratch, no prepackaged cabbage for this lady! You gotta respect craft, and IMHO this is well crafted.

So what has this got to do with beer. Well, nothing really, but who cares? I bet it would go well with a nice Weizen Heimer (coming up in April 2010) but really, I'm just happy I can have something clean, healthy, and not brown (deep fried) as an option for a quick meal.

So Cheers to Jane and Co. at Sushi Place for keeping St. James interesting, and from what I can see, running a very successful part of the neighbourhood.