Mexico Rolls

The Antonio Special: Salsa Sushi

Non-traditional ingredients top this lunchtime sushi chef's take on a Mexican Maki.

The Mexican Maki a.k.a the Acapulco Roll is a common fusion menu item in many sushi restaurants. Versions vary but most include either yellowfin tuna, albacore or escolar along with avocado, cilantro, jalopenos and a touch of chili oil and sometimes lime juice. The flavors resemble ceviche with an Asian twist from the sushi rice, nori, soy and wasabi. The best versions of this specialty maki use the non-traditional ingredients carefully, even sparingly. Jalopenos in particular bring a robust peppery heat that can overwhelm other flavors. It does pair well with escolar, the snake mackerel that menus often refer to as "white tuna" or "super white tuna."

Undoubtedly, the flavors of salsa inspired Antonio, the lunchtime sushi chef, to create his Mexico roll. His version contains grape tomatoes and white onions as well as jalopeno, avocado and escolar. The jumble of ingredients atop the maki make a colorful presentation but unfortunately fall off with each bite. Luckily the white onions taste more subdued and do not overpower the maki but the salsa flavor makes it hard to taste the escolar and clashes with the sushi rice.

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