Page 11 - Boca Exposure - May '24

Boca Exposure, Page 11

Dining Out: An Excellent Translation Of The Word ‘Omakase’

By Alan Serinsky of Bocaire Food For Thought: My first memories of eating sushi write he’s in Japan eating his way through the country and
Country Club. Hungry Al’s love date back three decades ago. If my recollection is correct at some of the most famous Omakase establishments.
for food started very young. there was not even one sushi restaurant in Boca (hard to For those who have never heard of the word Omakase,
Never satisfied with his Mom’s believe). I actually drove to Coral Springs where the only it literally means: “leave it up to you.” That translates to
dishes, he started to cook his sushi restaurant existed, and most of the way I complained giving a very experienced sushi chef (itamae) to use his full
way through her “Betty Crocker why I thought eating raw fish didn’t sound appetizing. I discretion on what to serve. This multiple course meal is
Cookbook.” During the years was such a novice I thought a California Roll was a surfing served to fewer than a dozen patrons at the countertop. Each
to follow he spent many hours term. I confess that, after struggling through the meal, I was plate is an individual serving of high-quality fish utilizing
working in restaurants, both as never going to eat sushi again. Boy, was I wrong! artistic and theatrical techniques.
server and cook, attending cooking classes and traveling the That was then … and this is now. It seems every corner First Impressions: To locate this buried treasure of
world in an effort to expand his palette. As a professional writer, in Palm Beach County now has a sushi restaurant and the Japanese cuisine you’ll have to use your map skills for
Hungry Al offers his perspective on current food trends and difference between them is hard to decipher. When it comes it is in a hidden alley. Actually, it’s in the old location
guides you through your local restaurant options. to dining on sushi, most of us have become complacent in of Alley Cat in the east section of the downtown “Pink
our own individual experiences and taste. It seems everyone Mall” off Federal Highway. The interior is where all the
Sushi by Boū Boca Raton states that their sushi restaurant is the best. magic happens. Dining is mostly at the sushi bar, which
409 S.E. Milner Blvd. For me, when it comes to sushi quality I always defer is a beautifully lit art deco style counter. The sushi chefs
Boca Raton, FL 33432 to my son-in-law Hungry S, who claims he’s a “Shogun” are front and center and allow you to watch every aspect
(954) 440-5270 when it comes to this cuisine. And I would not want to test of this food art in person. They are easily approachable
sushibybou.com his opinion because I know I would lose. Actually, as I and happy to assist in any questions about sushi or its
preparation. Hungry S carried on a conversation like a
Enhancing Community Wellness: The Pioneering professor of sushi, and I was simply lost in translation.

The Experience: I recommend that if you ever desire
to participate in this method of dining (and you should), I
Collaboration Between Hunyuan Life Wellness would come with a strong appetite. Usually, an Omakase
menu can include anywhere from 12 to 25 courses and
Spa and The Florence Fuller Center can take about two or three hours to complete. Hungry
S bragged to me he had a 50-course Omakase in Japan.
Next, he’ll be taking up sumo wrestling!
Introduction At Sushi Boū there’s a great specialized cocktail menu
In the heart of Boca Raton, a transformative initiative is taking you must try. I couldn’t resist the Shiso Southsider ($18).
root—one that promises to uplift, rejuvenate, and enhance the
well-being of the community's most dedicated members. At It was a mix of Suntory Haku vodka, lime juice and a
the intersection of healthcare and humanitarian aid, wellness floating shiso leaf. Also, there’s an extensive list of sake
is becoming an essential part of the nonprofit landscape. to choose from; go for the Born Gold Muroka Junmai
Organizations and volunteers who dedicate countless hours to Daiginjo.
helping the needy are discovering that caring for their own well- So, for the next two hours we completely sat back and
being enhances their ability to care for others. This emerging
philosophy is guiding a new collaboration aimed at fostering watched two master sushi chefs perform their artistry with
health and wellness through innovative, accessible means. the knives that slice like butter and fish dishes that seemed
The Importance of Wellness in Community Support to fly off the hook in a well-paced nonstop performance that
Nonprofit organizations and their volunteers are crucial to would win any skilled itamae an Iron Chef trophy.
community support services, tirelessly working under often The Omakase Courses: With 12 courses and a dessert it
stressful conditions and with scarce resources. The substantial would be overwhelming to explain each dish we consumed.
physical and emotional toll on these dedicated workers
underscores the necessity of wellness programs—not merely So, in an eye toward brevity, allow me to give you the
as a benefit, but as an imperative. Integrating wellness into highlights. Here’s what followed:

their routines not only allows them to maintain sustained Dr Yaron Seidman and Lisa Talley Hamachi –A Yellowtail/Amberjack sushi-grade fish noted
energy but also improves their overall health, enhancing their for its high fat content;
capacity to serve effectively. This focus on wellness, now being Quantum Foundation: Catalyzing Health and Akamai–Lean tuna found on the back side that contains
championed through the collaboration between Hunyuan Life Wellness Initiatives
Wellness Spa and The Florence Fuller Center, will extend crucial Supporting this vital initiative is the Quantum Foundation, less fat than Toro;
holistic wellness opportunities to the parents and children a key funder whose vision and mission are to improve the Botanebi–Spotted Prawn found in deep seas–offers a
served by the Fuller Center, opportunities that would otherwise health of the communities within Palm Beach County through sweet and luxurious flavor;
be out of their reach. This initiative promises to cultivate a strategic investments in health-related initiatives. With assets Ikura–Salmon Roe soaked in a marinade of soy sauce or
healthier, more vibrant community by caring comprehensively of approximately $160 million, the Quantum Foundation is now salt and wrapped in seaweed;
for its caretakers and young beneficiaries alike. in its third decade of community investment, having awarded Bincho–Albacore has a mild savory taste–not to be
Collaborative Ventures: Hunyuan Life Wellness $175 million to hundreds of local nonprofit grantees. Their confused with common tuna salad;
Spa Meets The Florence Fuller Center funding philosophy ensures that every dollar granted stays
Fueled by a generous grant from the Quantum Foundation, within the county, maximizing the benefit to local communities Maguro–Chopped Pacific Bluefin Tuna is lean, has
the recent partnership between Hunyuan Life Wellness Spa and supporting projects like the collaboration between striking red color;
and The Florence Fuller Center in Boca Raton exemplifies Hunyuan Life Wellness Spa and The Florence Fuller Center. Hotate–Scallop usually farm-raised are of high quality,
the increasing acknowledgment of wellness as an essential This grant from Quantum Foundation not only underscores clean and sweet;
element of effective community service. This collaboration is their commitment to community health but also enables Gindara–Miso Cod is rich and buttery, but firm to the bite;
set to launch a variety of initiatives aimed at enhancing the the implementation of the wellness rooms and educational
health and wellness of the children, parents, volunteers, and programs that are central to this partnership. Toro–Tuna from the fatty part of the belly is often
families engaged with the Fuller Center. Through this joint A Synergistic Collaboration: Wellness Rooms and considered the most expensive cut;
effort, both organizations demonstrate their commitment to Lectures Sake–Salmon that is best from the chinook salmon and
nurturing the community from the ground up, ensuring that The cornerstone of the collaboration between Hunyuan Life the tastiest;
those who give so much can continue to do so with renewed Wellness Spa and The Fuller Center is the development of Wagyu Uni–High-quality beef sliced over sushi rice,
energy and health. dedicated wellness rooms at the Fuller Center's facilities. These torched to produce a lightly charred flavor;
Dr. Yaron Seidman: A Vanguard of Wellness rooms will be equipped with the unique wellness technologies
At the helm of this initiative is Dr. Yaron Seidman, a seasoned pioneered by Dr. Seidman, providing a space where volunteers Unagi Eel–A tender Japanese grilled freshwater eel that
acupuncture specialist with over 35 years of experience. As the and staff can engage in self-care through guided wellness is brushed with unagi sauce and rice.
owner of the Hunyuan Life Wellness Spa and the author of eight practices. Additionally, Dr. Seidman will conduct wellness From The Dessert Tray: Our very attentive waiter highly
influential books on wellness, Dr. Seidman's approach combines lectures and workshops, aiming to embed a culture of health recommended we finish our fish feast with a refreshing cold
traditional Chinese medicine with modern innovations to offer and wellness within the fabric of the center's everyday sweet dessert called Mochi. Not familiar with this after-
unique healing experiences. His commitment to developing operations.
holistic wellness technologies has positioned him as a leader Conclusion: A Model for Future Endeavors dinner delight I was happily surprised by a Japanese-style
in the field, dedicated to enhancing the health of community This pioneering collaboration between Hunyuan Life Wellness ice cream. Mochi is a small round confection consisting of
workers and volunteers through accessible, effective methods. Spa and The Florence Fuller Center sets a new standard for a soft, pounded sticky rice dumpling that surrounds an ice
Hunyuan Life Wellness Spa: A Sanctuary of Healing community health initiatives. By integrating advanced wellness cream filling. Along with the traditional flavors of vanilla,
The Hunyuan Life Wellness Spa is not just a facility; it's a retreat technologies within a nonprofit setting, they are charting a chocolate and strawberry you’ll find it in other flavors like
that offers a range of services designed to restore and maintain path forward that other organizations might follow. More we did, such as; Kona coffee, plum wine and green tea. Don’t
optimal health. Under Dr. Seidman's guidance, the spa has importantly, this partnership underscores a crucial recognition:
developed several unique wellness technologies that are both that caring for the caregivers is not just an act of kindness but a “mocki” until you try it!
innovative and rooted in traditional healing practices. These necessity that benefits the entire community. As this initiative Check Please: Obviously, this is not your weekly
include specialized acupuncture techniques, herbal remedies, unfolds, it promises not only to enhance the lives of those sushi outing. But for a special occasion, a special treat, or
and energy-balancing therapies that together create a directly involved but also to inspire a wave of similar efforts when you wish to upgrade your sushi palate without a trip
comprehensive wellness regimen tailored to individual needs. across the nation, each aimed at uplifting those who dedicate to Japan, I recommend this fantastic experience at Sushi
The Fuller Center: Commitment to Community and their lives to helping others. Boū. As you know, everything good comes with a price.
Leadership But compared to the last Omakase I shared with Hungry
The Florence Fuller Center has been a beacon of hope and For more information about the wellness programs and
support in Boca Raton for over 50 years. Led by CEO Ellyn initiatives offered by Hunyuan Life Wellness Spa, visit www. S to the tune of $680, this one was very reasonable. The
Okrent, the center provides educational and developmental hunyuan.org or contact them at 561-400-6743. bill for two of us without the premium sake and special
services to over 900 children and 600 families annually across a cocktail totaled $150, including tip and taxes.
wide geographic area. Okrent's leadership is characterized by a Fortunately, Hungry Al never complains about cost when
relentless pursuit of excellence and a deep commitment to the it comes to quality of company or food. Spending three
well-being of both the families served and the volunteers who
support them. Her forward-thinking approach in partnering wonderful hours with my son-in-law, enjoying what he loves
with Hunyuan Life Wellness Spa is a reflection of her dedication is enough to make me feel like an emperor. How can I not
to holistic community development. give Sushi Boū of
Boca five golden
pieces of sashimi?