Sashimi for today, or Save for the Future?

Zen 8 Head Chef, Tetsu

Editor’s Thoughts

Today, in my hometown of Calgary, Alberta, two restaurants paid $25,000 (cdn) for a massive blue fin tuna caught off the coast of Prince Edward Island. Weighing more than 544 kilograms, or 1,200 pounds, the fish was shipped into Alberta to be served at Zen 8 (Japanese restaurant) and Osteria de Medici (Italian restaurant). This is the first time in 12 years this type of fish landed in Calgary, instead of getting shipped off to Japan.

Sushi and sashimi lovers, of course, flocked to the downtown restaurants, but those for sustainability were far from dipping its savory flesh into soy sauce and wasabi. As soon as the story hit media, especially on online sources, negative comments were posted just as quickly. One comment on the CBC website, Ubermoogle says, “This is disgusting. Please consider before eating at either of these establishments that this animal is considered to be critically endangered by the IUCN Redlist.” Another comment by Agent X states, “First George Bush at Osteria, now endangered fish. One more reason to boycott.”

Bluefin tuna is a precious commodity around the world, but particularly in Japan for its delicious red flesh. However, the fish’s popularity has led to overfishing and many sustainable groups calling on consumers to avoid it. But, as a person raised with the Japanese mentality that rare things = indulgence = expensive, but must-try for the experience and pure enjoyment, I have to say banzai to the catch of the day, and would’ve been the first to hit up Zen 8 to ask Chef Tetsu for a slice of that juicy gift from the ocean.

Tell us your opinion by commenting below: Do you think about ’sustainability’ when you’re enjoying sashimi? or other dishes using endangered species?

[ I actually worked at Zen 8 long ago - one highlight was when Samuel L. Jackson came in to dine - here's the pic]