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Norman Cook may grab the headlines for his involvement in Oki-nami, but it is the other co-owner, chef Mike Dodd, who puts the food on the table. The name may not be what you expect but he is, to borrow another chef's catchphrase, 'pukka', and ran the ever popular original Oki-nami in Hove before relocating to New Road next to the Theatre Royal.
The class I attended in April took place in the airy upstairs bar on a beautiful Sunday lunchtime, and kicks off with the deceptively tricky task of rolling a ball of rice in one hand, before moving onto making inari, nigiri, maki rolls and California rolls, or 'loads of sushi' as I tend to call it. The desire to eat as you go is tempered only by the need to retain the evidence to take home, although you do get to whip up some maki (seaweed cornets filled with rice and bits) to keep your sugar levels from dropping too low. Myself and several others also thought a pint or two of Kirin was in order, just to wash it down you understand. I guess the only slight disappointment is that you don't get let loose on loins of tuna, but then again you don't head for the M23 on your first driving lesson.
But isn't Mike worried about creating an army of sushi makers who
then don't need to visit his restaurant? Not really - Mike points out
that nearly everyone can knock up a half-decent bowl of pasta, but that
Italian restaurants still manage to survive. Also sushi takes a little
longer than chicken kiev and chips, so its the kind of thing people
might make to entertain & impress rather than a quick dinner after
a long day at the office.
Time consuming it may be, but the whole experience was far from frustrating or stressful, indeed it's a great deal of fun with Mike making a very genial host as well as teacher. Keep a camera handy if you give it a go - your biggest problem won't be making it, it will be convincing others you haven't paid for a take out.
A four hour course at Oki-nami costs £75. For more information go to www.okinami.com