On September 27, 2025, we held our second collaboration event with Manhattan bakery & bar. Once again, Sushi-batake visited the venue to provide on-site sushi catering, offering guests seasonal nigiri. Thanks to everyone, it became another lively and memorable two-hour evening.

The real charm of sushi catering lies in the live performance of a sushi chef preparing sushi right in front of you, allowing you to enjoy seasonal ingredients at their very best. I believe this event delivered exactly that experience.

We started with three appetizers to pair with drinks:

• Simmered Swordfish (a comforting flavor that even I wanted to sneak a bite of)
• Miso-marinated Cream Cheese (a dangerously good match with sake)
• Ryukyu (a local specialty from Oita, Japan: fish marinated in a sweet soy-based sauce with sesame—another dish that makes you crave a drink!)

Then came the main course: 7 pieces of sushi, prepared to showcase both seasonality and creativity:

• Baby Cuttlefish “Shinika”
• Kombu-marinated Spring Sea Bream (Haruko-dai)
• Seared Pacific Saury (Sanma)
• Kombu-marinated Red Shrimp
• Vinegared Mackerel
• Bluefin Tuna (lean cut)
• Bluefin Tuna (medium fatty cut)

The star of the night was, without a doubt, the Shinika (baby cuttlefish). Tiny, yet incredibly tender and naturally sweet. Because of its high cost and rarity, I could only serve one piece per guest (my apologies!). Still, judging from the smiles, its flavor truly shone through.

Extra Round: A Big Hit!

In the second half, we had our customary “extra round.” Guests could make requests, enjoying the unique live atmosphere that only sushi catering can provide. The lineup this time included:

• Toro-Taku Roll (a guaranteed favorite)
• Kombu-marinated Gas Shrimp (humble name, bold flavor!)
• Marinated Swordfish (one of my personal recommendations)
• Japanese Barracuda (rich and fatty)
• Red Snow Crab (a lot of effort to prepare, but worth it)
• Salmon Roe (sparkling gems that bring out your inner child)
• Kappa Roll (simple is best—sometimes it’s exactly what you want)
• Matsukawa Flounder (perfect as the final bite)

Many guests said, “I never thought I’d get to eat something like this!” which made me smile too. Seeing everyone’s expressions while serving sushi really is the greatest reward as a sushi chef.

As I brought out additional hidden items, some returning guests laughed and said, “Come on, don’t keep it a secret—tell us from the start!” (Fair enough—you need to pace your stomach, haha). These moments are part of the fun that only sushi catering events can deliver.

Looking Ahead to the Next Sushi Catering Event

Once again, we were able to finish the event happily and successfully. Next time, I’ll be chasing seasonal fish again, adding playful touches along the way. I look forward to welcoming you all at our next event!

If you are considering sushi catering or sushi for private events in New York, please feel free to contact Sushi-batake.