Guest Contributor: Josh Kerr

On Monday the Austin American Statesman threw a food blogger party at Whole Foods headquarters downtown where they put on a three ring circus with great food, wine tasting and celebrity chef demonstrations.

To see pictures from this event:

We were treated to food, wine and several demo sessions by famous chefs Jesse Griffiths of Dai Due and Tylson Cole of Uchi.  It was a lot of fun and we got to mingle with other food bloggers not only from Austin but those in town for SXSW from cities like NY and Chicago.

The highlight of the party for me was when Tyson Cole put on his demo.  He gave us some advice for ordering Sushi and I thought I’d pass on some of that advice.  Here is how you order without looking like a fool.

1. Always sit at the sushi bar.  You want to be near the chef so that you can not only discuss the latest flavors from the sea, but also watch the wonderful art of preparing it.
2. You should only order sushi in small quantities.  Never order it all at once or you are guaranteed to not get the fresh higher quality fish.
3. As the chef for his recommendations and take him up on it.  The best meals I’ve ever had at Uchi were Omakase which essentially means “chef’s choice.”
4. Sushi should not be dipped into sauces or covered in wasabe.   It is meant to be eaten exactly as the chef prepares it.
5. Sushi does not mean fish.  It means “bite size” or “finger food” on rice.

Potatoes and Kale Galette with Smoked Tomato Aioli.

Maggie, Tyson Cole from Uchi and Addie Broyles from the Austin American Statesman.

Maggie tasting some Texas and European wines in the blind taste challenge.

Savory Cheesecake Tarts with Sweet Onions.

Tyson Cole puts on a demo in front of a captivated crowd of foodies.

Fried Rice Ball.

Chef Griffiths shows us how to clean and stuff a fish.

Crispy Quail with Fresh Black Eyed Peas & Bacon.