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Confessions of the Sushi Addict

Sushi is becoming one of the most popular foods in America.  People enjoy sushi due to its light nature, fresh taste and various health benefits. But how do you know when your casual craving for sushi crosses the line to a full-fledged sushi addiction? This list includes a few telltale signs to help you identify the sushi addict in your life (or perhaps self-diagnose).  

1. It’s the first and only thing you suggest when your friends want to eat out.

Where should we…? You shout your favorite sushi spot so fast they can’t even finish their sentence. Your friends have now begun excluding you from the group decision since they already know your answer.

2. You have a dog named Ginger.

You eat, sleep and live sushi. Every aspect of your life exemplifies your true devotion to your favorite food, including your pet Daschund, Ginger.

3. You spend every hard earned dollar on sushi (but know it’s worth it).

You put your love for sushi before anything else, including paying rent or your bills. Your wallet may be hurting, but at least your taste buds are happy.

4. Sushi is your second language.

You know all the proper Japanese names for sushi (not to mention you’re kind of a snob about it). You don’t order octopus, you order tako and Bluefin Tuna is actually toro - don’t even get you started on sashimi vs. nigiri.

5. You’re scary good at using chopsticks.

No roll too big or rice too small for you to pick up with your mad chopstick skills (I mean, you have had a lot of practice). However, sometimes you get so excited you opt for digging right in with your hands, afterall, that is how sushi is meant to be eaten.

6. You are basically immune to the heat of wasabi.

You’ve consumed so much of this spicy, green substance in your day, that it doesn’t even phase you anymore. You have now resulted to using specialty, imported hot sauces to kick up the heat (which you also carry with you everywhere, you know, just in case).

7. You’ve even attempted to make your own sushi at home, but decided it best to leave it to the pros.

You thought if anyone could make their own sushi, it would be you.  You bought a whole bunch of ingredients from Whole Foods, spent over an hour making one spicy tuna roll and then gave up and ate all of the ingredients separately.

8. You become irrationally irritated when someone says they don’t like sushi.

It pains you to hear someone order the teriyaki beef at the sushi bar and you take it personally when someone admits to having never even tried sushi before.

9. After eating sushi, you immediately begin thinking about the next time you get to eat sushi again.

While normal people daydream of their next vacation or their significant other, you only fantasize about the next time you are able to indulge in another crunch roll (or seven).

If majority of the above apply to you, you’re most likely seriously addicted to sushi. The first step in overcoming it is acknowledgement. However, we have a bit of a problem ourselves and will most likely continue to enable you a little while longer.

For all you sushi addicts that haven’t been to CO, visit www.eatatco.com to see what we have to offer (don’t worry, we won’t judge).

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6 Facts You Didn’t Know About Rice

Happy National Rice Month everyone! Get ready to celebrate the farmers that cultivate our rice, the chefs that prepare our rice, plus our favorite rice dishes like Com Chien, Korean Rice Bowl, Sushi and everything else rice related!

1. The United States is the second largest export of rice with 3 million tons a year, coming after Thailand who exports 5 million tons a year. 

Half of everyone on the planet eats at least some form of rice. Although, when considering that three of the world’s most populous countries (China, India, and Indonesia) predominantly eat rice, it’s not surprising. (Pictured: Com Chien)

2. Rice can be made into paper. 

Rice has many wonderful uses, and one is that it can be made into a chewy, delicious, totally edible paper. It actually comes dry and then is dipped into warm water so that it becomes malleable enough to roll. We use rice paper to make our delicious Mango Summer Rolls, pictured above. 

3. Rice was first discovered in China. 

Rice is believed to have been first found in the Pearl River Valley Region, while others argue that it was found in the Yangtze River Valley. Both regions are located in China. From there, rice was introduced to Southeast Asia and eventually to Europe through Western Asia. (Pictured: Spicy Tuna Crunch Roll, not available at Charleston location)

4. There is a Rice God. 

In Indonesia, the Javanese, Sundanese, and Balinese people have a traditional rice goddess named Dewi Sri. In Thailand, a similar rice deity is known as Phosop. (Pictured: Inari Tofu with Ginger and Scallion, not available at Charleston location)

5. Rice plays a significant role in culture. 

In China, the word for rice is the same word for food. In Japanese sushi, the focus is not on the fish but on the rice. (Pictured: Volcano Roll, not available at Charleston location)

6. Americans eat about 20 pounds of rice per person each year. 

While Asians eat about 300 pounds per person each year, Americans eat twice as much rice today than they did a century ago. Rice is high in complex carbs containing almost no fat and is cholesterol free. (Pictured: Korean Rice Bowl)

So there you go, some food for thought for the next time you devour your favorite CO Rice Dish.

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4 Ways to Learn to Love the Spice Life

Impress your friends with the amount of spice you can put into your bowl.

1. Gradually Eat More Spicy Food  The ability to eat spicy food is learned, not a genetic one. Although it does help to constantly be surrounded by spicy dishes. Give yourself space to get accustomed when eating hot.

 Trying eating the food slowly, savoring every bite. It’s probably more delicious that way anyhow, and it will make you appreciate the meal even more. 

2. Pick A Spice and Stick With It

Do you like it sweet and spicy? Smoky and spicy? Tangy and spicy? There’s plenty of ways to mix up your heat. Sriracha will give you a sweet and tangy kind of heat while Singaporean Hot Sauce has a bright heat and delicate sweetness. Korean pepper paste will give you a sweet and slightly smoky taste.

Other popular non-sauce related foods in Vietnamese dishes are the Jalapeño and Thai Chili pepper. Jalapeños are milder in heat, but still give enough kick for beginners. Though, be weary of the Thai Chili Pepper if you see it. They’re small and pack the biggest punch that can keep you crying throughout your whole meal. 

3. EAT CARBS

Yes, we said it. EAT CARBS. Carbs will be your best friend (next to milk maybe) when it comes to eating spicy. Eating foods like rice, noodles, or bread will help you soak up the molten lava that is your stomach. It also helps get every bit of heat that might be left in your mouth as you’re eating, so you won’t constantly be panting. 

4. Stay motivated. Eating spicy is actually healthy for you.

If you need more motivation, rest assured knowing that it is also healthy for you to eat spicy. Vitamins A and C found in spicy foods actually strengthen your heart muscles, while increasing overall blood flow throughout your body. Spicy food has also been known to lower blood pressure and reduce bad cholesterol. Studies have even show that the main compound in chilies, capsaicin, has the ability to burn BONUS calories as you chow-down. So basically, your stomach gets a nice workout as you get to enjoy a delicious meal.

 So go on food lovers! Begin your exciting, sweaty journey to eating the best food there is. Spicy food!

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5 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Sushi

In honor of International Sushi Day, we’ve put together 5 fun facts that you probably didn’t know about this favorite delicacy –

1. Sushi began as fast food

Sushi originally caught on as a quick snack to eat while enjoying a theatre performance in Japan.  Since sushi is a vital source of protein and nutrients, it quickly became the go to “take out” meal.  Only in the past century has it become upscale and the work of art it is now.

2. The word ‘sushi’ does not actually mean ‘raw fish’

The idea that sushi consists of only raw ingredients is just not true! Contrary to the popular misconception, sushi does not mean “raw,” “su shi” actually means vinegar/seasoned rice. Modern sushi, including our sushi, comes with many cooked additions including crab, salmon, shrimp, tuna and even beef.  Also, vegetarian sushi is popular and is made without adding any fish or meat whatsoever!

3. Sushi chefs are trained for years and use special techniques

An itamae is a chef in a Japanese kitchen. In Japan, an itamae of sushi requires years of on-the-job training and apprenticeship.  Typically after nearly 5 years of training with a sushi master, an apprentice is given his first important task – preparing the rice. The creation of sushi is an art.  Skilled chefs use special techniques such as dipping their hands in cold water, which has been laced with vinegar. This helps keep the fish cool and free of any germs. Sushi itamae always work swiftly and efficiently in order to provide their customers with an extremely fresh and tasty roll that they will never forget.

 4. Sushi is finger food

Despite the lure of mastering the use of chopsticks, sushi is actually supposed to be eaten with your hands. That’s right, sushi is a finger food, and no judgmental looks will be given for chowing down on your favorite roll with your fingers. Using chopsticks with some types of sushi or sashimi may not only be inappropriate, but also difficult (even for us pros). Remember, sushi was originally enjoyed “on the go.” Next time you enjoy sushi with us, we challenge you to test your boundaries, and use your (clean) hands!

5. Rice on the outside of rolls is an American invention

The inside out sushi roll, also known as Uramaki, is unique due to the fact that the rice is on the outside and the nori is on the inside, wrapping the filling.  This style of sushi, while preferred by many, is a non-traditional technique that was invented in California during the 1970’s. While invented and popularized in America, the inside out roll is a commonly ordered staple in today’s sushi culture.

Now that you have learned more about sushi, treat yourself to as many rolls as you can handle… and then maybe have just one more for good luck.  After all, International Sushi Day is but once a year, make it count. Also, don’t forget to snap a photo and tag it with #internationalsushiday!

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Summer Sips: 7 Best Cocktails for Summer

Sure, there are those who believe any cocktail is refreshing and suitable for summer. And they have a point. But we have to argue that some combinations of ingredients do quench the thirst better than others. With the combination of fruit, bubbles and fresh garnishes, you’ll be refreshed in no time.

We’ve compiled a list of our seven favorite summer cocktails that are sure to help you beat the heat. There’s something for everyone: bitter, sweet, salty, sour, on the rocks, shaken, stirred or even spicy!

1.    Margarita

A fiesta in a glass, the margarita, is a timeless crowd favorite.  We can all agree that the classic margarita is an easy drinker and the perfect cocktail to enjoy on a hot, summer day.  Spice things up this season with our jalapeno guava margarita, made with jalapeno infused tequila, sweet guava nectar and lime.  Our variation takes this traditional cocktail recipe to the next level by adding hints of heat from the tequila and a unique tang from the guava and lime juices.

2.    Martini

The original dry martini is made with gin and vermouth, garnished with an olive.  In our opinion, this drink is too harsh for a summer afternoon cocktail; but one thing’s for sure- this is one cocktail that everyone puts their own twist on.  Our lemongrass ginger martini, made with gin, ginger syrup, lemon and cucumber is a simple, refreshing concoction that is a perfect match for the summer heat.

3.    Mojito

This refreshing Cuban cocktail, typically made with white rum, sugar, muddled mint leaves and soda water is a popular summer drink due to the lively mint and fresh lime flavors.  We make this cool concoction even more refreshing by substituting the white rum with effen cucumber vodka to make our cucumber mojito.  The crisp cucumber flavor builds the fresh taste in a subtle way and does not take away from the overall flavor of the cocktail.

4.    Mint Julep

While the Kentucky Derby is over, the traditional mint julep is still a staple summer cocktail. Featuring fresh mint and crushed ice, the julep is a cool, refreshing day drinking option.  We put an Asian spin on this classic derby drink with our one of a kind ginger julep.  Made with bourbon, lemon, Serrano ginger syrup and mint, the ginger julep is a must try this summer.

5.    Sangria

Fresh fruit is finally in season.  Why not incorporate it into a cocktail? Sangria can be made with any combination of wine and fruit.  Everyone has his or her own take on what makes the best summer sangria.  Our mangosteen red sangria possesses a unique taste because it incorporates brandy. Made with red wine, mangosteen, orange liqueur, brandy and lemon, our sangria is a must drink cocktail this summer.

6.    Champagne

Sparkling wine and champagne are great. It is light, tasty and has just enough bubbles to be surprisingly revitalizing.  Have it by the glass for a classy summer evening or take things up a notch with champagne cocktails.  Our orange blossom, made with cathead honeysuckle vodka, orange liqueur, bitters and champagne does just that.  Fruity, light and invigorating, our orange blossom cocktail is the perfect “bubbly” drink for summer sipping.

7.    Singapore Sling

There are about as many variations on the Singapore Sling as there are cocktail books, but there is one thing we can all agree on- it’s delicious.  Light and fruity, the Singapore Sling is sure to help you beat the heat.  Our CO version (the best version) of this cocktail is made with gin, benedictine, pineapple, grenadine, and bitters, garnished beautifully with an orange slice and a cherry.

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Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, a margarita tour at The Market Common

We just received a great review from Weekly Surge in Myrtle Beach for our Jalapeño Guava Margarita.  Below is the article:

With Cinco de Mayo approaching, I’ve been thinking about the margarita a bit.

More specifically, about wandering around The Market Common and having one at each restaurant. And while it’s not warm or sunny enough yet for me to trick myself into thinking I’m in Mexico, with the help of a handful of bartenders I might be able to drink myself there over the next several hours.

I’ve made the game-time decision to visit the bars in alphabetical order, and the lineup looks like this – CO Sushi, King Street Grille, Nacho Hippo, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, and Travinia Italian Kitchen.

That leaves out Gordon Biersch and Tupelo Honey, but I can only be asked to accurately describe five of these things before the citrus completely acidifies my insides. And also, consuming more than five of them in one evening would probably end up tampering with any critical thoughts I might be having.

For those wondering about my safety and that of others on the road, I should share that I’ve arranged for my lovely and accommodating girlfriend to deliver me to and from The Market Common. And while she’s not the world’s No. 1 driver, she is definitely sober.

The front doors of CO Sushi are wide open, as are the retractable garage-style windows that open up to the outdoor patio area in front of the movie theater. Wind slides through the chic, red and black-themed dining room, and as “Hold On, I’m Comin’” plays at a volume that seems like it has probably been scientifically proven to enhance business, I order the Jalapeno Guava Margarita ($8.50).

In what seems like less than a minute after ordering, the bartender places before me a light-colored cocktail garnished with slices of ripe lime and jalapeno. It has the look of a watered-down version of the type of drink you’d get elsewhere, and tastes like anything but.

Whoever drew up the recipe for this beauty knows a thing or two about balance, as CO’s Jalapeno Guava perfectly juggles the acidity and sweetness requisite in a good blend, with the addition of a noticeable, but not-overpowering amount of heat.

The key, according to the bartender, is the fresh, organic ingredients that they combine with 24-hour jalapeno-infused Agavales Blanco Tequila.

CO Sushi margarita rating – Great

Click here to read the full article.

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CO Officially Opens in Savannah

For those of you who I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting just yet, my name is Greg (I’m the guy in the center) and I am the owner of CO. Chef T (he’s the guy on the left), Josh, the Director of Operations, (the guy on the right) and I are very excited to be here in historic downtown Savannah at 10 Whitaker Street.

We’re even more excited to be extending the CO family to Savannah. We will be officially opening our doors today at 5:00 p.m. to welcome our first ever dinner crowd. We’ve put a tremendous amount of work into creating a restaurant and a menu that we think you’re really going to love.  We’ll be featuring an extensive sushi menu from our Myrtle Beach location alongside our Vietnamese staples that are wildly popular at our Charleston location.

We hope that you will join us in the near future for some pho-nomial food and cocktails. Cheers!

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Healthy Eating: 5 Reasons Why You Should be Eating More Vietnamese Food

Not only is our food delicious, but also it is really healthy.  Vietnamese food, by nature, is low in fat and contains high levels of vitamins and minerals.  It has also been proven to boost your immune system, aid in weight loss and give you energy.

In the spirit of healthy eating and the Cooper River Bridge Run, we have put together 5 reasons why everyone should be eating more Vietnamese food.

1.    To boost your immune system Receiving your recommended daily intake of Vitamins is crucial when preventing illness and improving your overall immune system.  

Our green papaya salad is made with raw green papaya, which is amazingly rich with vitamins, enzymes and phytonutrients.  It contains minerals including potassium and magnesium, as well as vitamins A, C, E and B, all of which aids in strengthening the body’s natural immune system.

2.    For healthy hair and nails Iron and lean protein is essential for nail growth and maintaining strong, healthy hair.  Various Vietnamese dishes contain high amounts of both of these essential minerals.  

Both our bun bo hue and com chien dishes are packed with tons of lean protein and plenty of vegetables, which are key when trying to strengthen nails and hair.

3.    To lose weight Obviously if your goal is to lose weight, cutting calories and consuming less fat is one of the first dietary changes you should make.  Due to the fact that most of our food is flavored with all natural herbs and spices (instead of oil or dairy), you will find that they are typically lower in fat and calories.

Generally large bowls of pho only have between 300 and 600 calories and less than 3g of fat per serving.  This means that you could eat our beef pho or pho ga almost every day for lunch and dinner as a part of a calorie controlled, low-fat diet.

4.    To keep you looking young We all know that antioxidants delay the aging process.  Vitamin E fights one of the major causes of premature aging and Vitamin A is essential for healing scrapes and scars.  

Vietnamese salads and soups are full of Vitamins E and A (thanks to all the fresh herbs, spices and vegetables).  That means by enjoying our Vietnamese chicken salad, you are keeping wrinkles at bay!

5.    To fight fatigue Forget your afternoon pick-me-up cup of coffee, because you can snack your way to a higher energy level.  Edamame is high in energizing nutrients, particularly B vitamins, copper and phosphorous.

Edamame is also naturally low in calories, contains no cholesterol and is an excellent source of protein, iron and calcium, giving you the boost you need.  This makes our edamame spring rolls the perfect pick-me-up snack.

Vietnamese food is the perfect option for a healthy meal, without sacrificing the taste. With a wide, healthy selection of vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options we offer something for everyone.

*The materials contained on this blog are provided for general information purposesonly and do not constitute legal, medical, or other professional advice on anysubject matter.

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It's CO Sushi's 1st Anniversary, Come Celebrate With Us!

It hard to believe that it's already been one year since we opened our doors in Myrtle Beach.  It has been an amazing first year getting to know all of you and we wouldn't be where we are today without your support.  So as a thank you to all our loyal patrons, we are offering you a deal that just makes "cents".

To celebrate, on March 24th at 9:00 a.m., both COs in Charleston and Myrtle Beach will be tweeting a photo of our Beef Pho Mandu (one of our favorites!) and asking you, our fans and followers, to retweet the post.  Every time that it is retweeted per individual store, we will be dropping a penny from the item's already low happy hour price of $4.00.  The contest will last until noon and however many retweets our original post receives is how many cents we will drop from the price (for example, if we get 100 retweets, we would drop $1.00 from the price).  We challenge you to share with your friends and encourage everyone you know to retweet our post so that we can all enjoy Beef Pho Mandu for a special low price or even for free during happy hour (4-7 p.m.) on the 24th.

As you all know, our Beef Pho Mandu is something original and unique to our restaurant. This dish combines all the flavors of beef pho in a dumpling.  It is the ideal bite-sized item for those who want to enjoy the flavor of beef pho, but don't necessarily want to eat a whole bowl of pho.  It is the perfect item to enjoy in celebration of our one-year anniversary.

To join the challenge, follow us on Twitter: @eatatco @COsushiMB

NOTE: Each Twitter account will have separate totals and will not be combined.  Price per location will reflect the specific amount of retweets for that store’s Twitter account.

**Limit one per person during happy hour on Tuesday March 24, 2015...dine-in only.