Growing up in France’s middle of nowhere, the only sushi I came across as a child were the poorly executed teeny-tiny ones on the buffet tables at the local Chinese (!!) restaurants. Needledd to say, I was not a fan.
But then I moved to Paris, discovered Sushi Shop and everything changed.
I still remember the day I first treated myself to a selection of the brand’s made-to-order, playful creations.
It was a real treat – Sushi Shop isn’t the cheapest on the high street when it comes to take-away sushi. But what you get is also not your run-of-the-mill selection.
Think maki roll topped with Dorito’s (aptly named the ‘Rock n Roll’), spring roll-sushi hybrids (a whole delightful selection of them!) or even foie gras rolls (yes, you read that right and yes, it works)!
For a few years now, the brand has been pushing the boundary of sushi-making even further through partnerships with creative brands (remember this beauty?) and eminent chefs, such as Cyril Lignac (the French Jamie Oliver), Joël Robuchon or Thierry Marx.
But in 2018, they’ve truly outdone themselves and asked Anne Sophie Pic, the only French woman to hold three Michelin stars, to create a collection.
And what a collection!
Blending classic Japanese techniques and unexpected ingredients, the Sushi Shop x Anne Sophie Pic creations are full of delicacy and poetry.
Each of the four exclusive recipes is a nod to Chef Pic’s culinary identity.
The California roll (goat cheese, matcha, bergamot and genmaicha) is the translation of Pic’s own signature dish, the famous ‘Berlingot’.
The yellowtail and sage pesto sushi is a triumph of freshness.
The woodland maki might seem confusing if you take a look at the ingredients.
Mushroom 3 ways, rose, geranium, yuzu… There’s a lot going on but it all results in a beautiful work of art. And having had more than my fare share, I can confirm it’s another winner.
Vegetarians, rejoice (and get your hands on it stat)!
But my favourite was the Signature tuna roll.
Featuring tuna coated with green cardamom honey, celeriac remoulade, green apple, sobach, chicory and dill, it’s unlike anything I’ve ever tried before. A beautiful example of what ‘fusion’ can truly achieve.
Sooooooooy good!
The Sushi Shop x Anne Sophie Pic creations are available in all Sushi Shop stores from January 6th 2018.
More London restaurants to try
Sunday roast at The Quality Chop House
I tried the Sushi Shop x Anne Sophie Pic as a guest of the brand and their PR agency.
Cake and Whisky 