There is a new Japanese Chef in town and he has everyone talking about Sushi! I always enjoy writing about People on our Map that join us from far away places. This reminds me of how special and culturally diverse Belize is. We are lucky to be able to learn skills from around the globe right here at home.

Our fishermen have been learning new techniques from Toshiya Tsujimoto since he arrived in San Pedro. He has shared with quite a few how to prepare fish in order to serve it sushi style. His friendly disposition has already earned him friends all over the country, but it’s his passion for food that caught my attention.

I for one am looking forward to Toshiya’s newest venture, JYOTO Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar at Mahogany Bay Village, scheduled to open in January 2017.

I leave you with a short clip as a teaser of what is to come! Congratulations to our new friend Toshiya Tsujimoto on finding his new home in Belize and bringing us a taste of Japanese culture and healing.

Lobster Sashimi by Toshiya Tsujimoto

A teaser of what is to come when Belize's newest Sushi restaurant opens in January 2017! Our very own Spiny Lobster is the star at a tasting experience ...

Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the Ambergris Today

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Taste tasting Chef Toshiya’s JYOTO creations

If you’re like me, then I bet you are anticipating the grand opening of JYOTO Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar in San Pedro Town. JYOTO promises to be one of a kind, offering authentic Japanese cuisine (after all sushi was invented in Japan) on Ambergris Caye. Manning the kitchen will be Toshiya Tsujimoto, who has traveled the world perfecting his sushi-making skills.

I recently had the honor sampling Chef Toshiya’s during a private sushi dinner party, and words cannot fully explain the flavors this Japanese native is bringing to Belize! Toshiya practically dances in the kitchen, fully concentrated in dishing out spectacular plates. We kicked off the night with Balihoo fish (a bait fish found across Belize’s waters), steamed edamame and fried sweet potatoes. Next was a Spiny lobster sashimi topped with caviar. The meal continued with a Japanese styled BBQ chicken: Tsukune chicken ball served with a poached egg yolk for dipping. A local snapper POKI salad atop a crispy slice of pork belly followed.

From conch to skip jack, lobster to snapper and even vegetable rolls, all authentically prepared in the Japanese style with locally sourced ingredients, we ate to our hearts’ content. Dessert was a fabulous Japanese Tiramisu.

These and more Japanese dishes are at his new restaurant inside Mahogany Bay Village. JYOTO is scheduled to open mid-January 2017, but for those of you that are like me and simply can’t wait, Chef Toshiya does catering services for private sushi parties!

Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the San Pedro Sun

Looking forward to it.....And so close to home we can be there in less than 5 minutes.... Oh can hardly wait......