I Get Served More at The Sushi Bar

A mindset will bring the extras.

I have a spot in Austin that is my favorite for sushi. It is called Korea House.

Making my girlfriend happy with some sushi and jokes!

Yeah I know, Korea is not traditionally put in the ranks of Japan in terms of sushi culture, but this is Austin — we are weird.

I am a loyal patron at Korea House because of the head sushi master, Ji.

Ji greets every visitor to the restaurant with this smile.

The atmosphere at this long-time establishment is incredible. Like most of the patrons, I occasionally take part in traditional bulgogi, and personally enjoy learning a tad of Korean (이 맛이 좋은), but when I get sushi, I GET SOME SUSHI.

Serious Sushi

We all have our “spot” that we represent and defend in every foodie conversations, but I wanted to make a point that you can be mindful of.

We go to these places to be served. Served sushi, enchiladas, smoothies, BBQ, cocktails, salads, tea, and maybe some absinth if you are lucky.

But I have realized through all of my experiences sitting in front of Ji that he serves more than the pieces of sushi.

Ji:

• Stops what he is doing to wave and vocalize appreciation to every single patron/group that enters into the restaurant as the bell sounds.
• He keeps minimal but meaningful conversations with his guests sitting at the sushi bar — asking few (but the best) questions regarding your life.
• He gifts a small tasting of his favorite fish to the patrons who have returned to Korea House.
• Doesn’t take a personal vacation as long as the restaurant is open — only closed ~3-4 days out of the year.
• He manages his sushi assistant with respect and intensity — there are no mistakes in Ji’s presence.
• He doesn’t rush and monitors that every single serving has the same amount of gorgeous design, because his reputation is tied to all of them the same.

So although I am thankful for both Ji and the fish for filling me with delicious nutrients, I am mainly thankful for the extras.

The extra reminders of:

• Acknowledging appreciation to those who give you their time
• Speaking after you have thought through your potential words
• How giving gifts is a gift to yourself
• Finding a passion and dedicating yourself to that body of work
• Going for impact and quality by holding yourself and others accountable
• Knowing there is no repeat — each moment is as delicate

Next time you grab a bite/drink, make sure you walk away with some extras by being mindful of those that serve you. If you truly observe them, you will see beyond the food, and I hope you show them honest gratitude.

I hope to see you all at Korea House one day and also hope you recommend my thoughts to others.