BCIO Common Activity Omoiyari Bites: BRIDGING Cultures, One Rice Dish at a Time
Bridge Club Oakland thought that Lewanna’s (JA 2019) idea to
make the well-known California Roll was perfect for the “Omoiyari Bites:
BRIDGING Cultures, One Rice Dish at a Time” activity since it was named after
our home state of California. Rice was introduced to California during the
California Gold Rush in the 1850-60s by the Chinese immigrants and now California
is the second largest rice growing state in the US. The California Roll is a Japanese American
fusion dish using Japanese sushi techniques and American ingredients and its
origin can be traced to the 1960s in California. The California Roll was invented
to use the ingredients familiar to the American palate while still maintaining
the essence of traditional sushi. Avocado has a buttery texture and a rich flavor
so it is used as a substitute for the fatty toro commonly used in sushi.
Although we had all enjoyed eating the California Roll, none
of us had ever made it ourselves.