Sure, eating sushi can be a romantic experience. It has something to do with the sensual silkiness of the fish, the concentration and tactile coordination required to manipulate the chop sticks to dip the sweet morsels into salty soy sauce, the spiciness of the wasabi. Not to mention different kinds of seafood are often considered aphrodisiacs. It is all very intimate, sitting across the table from your partner and sharing a few rolls, maybe feeding each other on occasion.

But this isn’t a dating column, and I say that enjoying sushi can be just as good of an experience with friends as it is with that special someone, if not better. So, how do you eat sushi with friends? I offer up the following suggestions:

1. First things first, place your drink order. Pick your poison, whether it be a large Sapporo or a saketini. A few large sakes can also add to the joviality of the evening, with everyone getting a cup. Don’t forget the traditional toast, “Kampai!”
2. Decide: edamame or no edamame. These succulent little soy beans can be a great starter, something to munch on while you wait for your sushi, or can they can be a waste of valuable stomach space better reserved for the sushi when it arrives. It all depends on how you look at it.
3. Order the sushi. Each person orders a roll or two, depending on how hungry you are. Don’t forget sushi and sashimi, if so desired. A simple piece of fish on white rice can be a nice break in between bites of some of the more complex rolls.
4. Prepare for the sushi. Pour your soy sauce of choice, whether it be regular or low-octane (low sodium), and mix in your desired amount of wasabi, that is if you so desire.
5. When the sushi arrives, the fun begins. I suggest the best way to proceed is for each person to take turns choosing a roll for everyone to try, then going around the table this way. If someone chooses a roll you don’t think you’ll like, try it anyway. There’s nothing wrong with expanding your horizons. If indeed you don’t end up liking it, skip it the next time it’s chosen or work out a trade with someone. Continue this way until the last piece of sushi is ingested.
6. Repeat steps 4-6 if necessary, depending on how much was ordered the first time around.
7. Divide the check evenly by the number of people in attendance, or take a risk and play credit card roulette. Everyone throws their card upside-down on the table, and an objective party draws one from the pile. The lucky person covers the bill this time around.

Originally posted for Examiner.com at http://www.examiner.com/article/how-to-eat-sushi-with-friends