Sushi lovers unite at DSM: Sushibomb II

From mango and cream cheese to fried shrimp and octopus, sushi comes in all shapes, sizes and tantalizing flavor combinations. Sushi makes for a great social food whether it is for dinner, a date or a big event taking over the historic Salisbury House & Gardens. Ready those chopstick skills; it’s time for the second annual Des Moines SushiBomb.

Six sushi restaurants will join forces to bring the best of Des Moines sushi to one place on Sept. 25 from 1-5 p.m. Participating restaurants—Hoshi, Taki, Sakari, Appare Japanese Steakhouse, Happy Sushi and Samurai—will bring their best fishy and vegetarian rolls.

“Hoshi is looking forward to being involved, and we’re going to be bringing some unique rolls,” Spencer Tran, manager of Hoshi Sushi Lounge, said.

For a $40 ticket, attendees will receive 12 pieces of sushi of choice, two beers or a glass of wine (for those of age) and an Asian-inspired dessert from Melt Dessert Bar and Bakery. Admittance also includes a soft, dark grey T-shirt and a bag full of sushi coupons and swag.

Local advertising agency Lessing-Flynn decided to celebrate the staff’s love of sushi with the first event held last year at Jasper Winery. This year, the event is exploding to a new level with all kinds of improvements.

“The SushiBomb’s going to be the same basic concept as last year’s, but with a whole batch of improvements,” Lessing-Flynn project manager Emily Beckmann said.

Proceeds from tickets will go to the Salisbury House & Gardens to renovate the historic kitchen circa 1920.

“We wanted this year’s event to give back to the community,” Beckmann said. “We figured it was a food-centered event and donating to the historical kitchen made sense.”

Salisbury House volunteers will guide attendees around the historic mansion for a glimpse at ancient Japanese and Asian artifacts.

There’s an increased focus on the culture surrounding sushi. Sushi didn’t catch on in the Western world until the Californian roll—made of cream cheese, crab and avocado—gained popularity. La Tran, the main chef at Hoshi Sushi Lounge, will share his knowledge in a culture session for an additional $10.

The SushiBomb teamed up with the Iowa Asian Alliance to feature volunteers in kimonos, a traditional tea ceremony and a Japanese language class. Local musical styling will be provided by the unique duo, The Snacks.

“Everyone we’re working with is local, from the food to the flowers to the location,” Beckmann said. “It’s a celebration of both sushi and Des Moines.”

While more expensive than a usual sushi dinner, the event is well worth the admission price with all of the extras and the experience for some sushi-loving students.

“The flavor is incomparable to anything else,” junior Zac Pace said. “The freshness and variety available just makes it one of those foods you can have a brand new amazing experience with every single time.”

Tickets are selling fast and those interested are encouraged to purchase admission ahead of time at www.dsmsushibomb.com.

Sushibomb II

Date: Sunday, Sept. 25 2011

Time: 1-5 p.m.

Where: Salisbury House and Gardens, 4025 Tonawanda Dr., Des Moines, IA, 50312

Get connected!

Website: www.dsmsushibomb.com

Facebook: DSM: Sushi Bomb

Twitter: @DsmSushiBomb (Hashtag #DSMSB)

Watch highlights from last year: http://www.dsmsushibomb.com/2010/09/23/dsm-sushibomb-2010-event-highlights/