Time Out London reviews Genji’s Shabu Shabu, the City’s only specialized Shabu Shabu restaurant
5/20/2010 Kensington High Street, UK
Time Out says
Shabu shabu's the dish most of us know best from the film 'Lost in Translation'. Wafer-thin slivers of beef (or veg, or other meats or fish) are dipped in simmering stock to cook in seconds or minutes, in the style of a Mongolian hotpot. A few places in London serve it, but this mall-style concession is the only place in London specialising in the dish. The options are brief: beef £14.99, fish and meat combo £16.99, a vegetarian option, a choice of two stocks - 'clear', or with soy milk. Eveything's tidily presented, your servers fire up the hotpot, and you're off. Be warned that dipping and retrieving udon noodles is not to be attempted if you're a chopstick novice and wearing your best clothes. Also, don't arrive with the the hugest of appetities - we polished off our entire array of goodies, including the condiments of gomasio (ground sesame) that you grind yourself in the suribachi (mortar) provided, but we were hungry again two hours later. article by Time Out Editors
Live Tuna Carving by Genji Sushi at Darien, CT opening of Whole Foods Market
5/19/10 Philadelphia
Genji celebrated the opening of the Darien, CT store on May 19th with a live carving of a giant 109lb Big Eye tuna.
The tuna was wrapped in dry ice, and flown in from Hawaii, where it was caught just 7 days prior by long-line, a fishing method considered more sustainable than trawling or netting. Master carvers, Shinji Sakamo and Yoshiki Haibara, trained at the famed “Tsukiji” fish market in Tokyo, came to perform the honor of carving the tuna.
Firstly, the fins and head were removed, then the fish was scored and fillets were sliced off in a series of sleek moves. The fillets were then skinned and butchered into smaller blocks, known as “saku,” from which sushi chefs slice thin pieces for consumers to enjoy as sushi or sashimi.
Sakamo and Haibara, representatives of the Uoriki Fresh, Inc. a Japanese fish supply company, headquartered in Tokyo and in Seacaucus, NJ were joined by some of Genji Sushi’s most experienced and well-trained sushi chefs, Mr. Tan Lee and Mr. Tsuguyoshi Otani.
The tuna carving event was well-received, as customers lined up to purchase the fresh tuna as both sashimi and sushi, prepared on the spot by the Genji chefs.
“This demonstration helps us tell the story behind the sushi case: where our fish comes from, who our suppliers are, what efforts we go to in order to provide the best quality for our customers,” says Ken Blakeman, Marketing Director of Genji, Inc. He adds that “some may see it as a bit gory, but the carving also helps to remind us that the animals we consume must be harvested as carefully and as conscientiously as possible.”
Background on Genji, Inc.:
Genji, Inc. is dedicated to providing “quality of life” by serving the finest quality all-natural sushi and Japanese fusion cuisine in a grab-and-go style. Its sushi bars are located within over 115 Whole Foods Market locations in 19 states and the District of Columbia, and in the U.K.
For more information contact Ken Blakeman at 347-531-4469 or k.blakeman@genjiweb.com and visit www.genjiweb.com.
April
Sustainably-fished sushi shows strong promise
4/22/10 Philadelphia
Whole Foods Market sushi vendor, Genji Sushi, donates over $1,000 to the Whole Planet Foundation. Genji, a pioneer in the sushi industry, has donated 10% of the sales of select Wild Albacore Tuna items during the week of Earth Day, 2010 to help customers make a connection between their sushi choices and the earth’s well-being.
The promotion, which included signs and stickers on packages at all Genji sushi bars increased sales of Wild Albacore items by over 200% over previous week, suggesting that with more focus on sustainably-caught fish, customers will respond favorably towards the growing category.
“This promotion proves that when customers are made aware that their purchasing patterns have a direct impact on the environment, a significant portion of them are willing to modify what they put on their plates,” Genji Marketing Director, Ken Blakeman, points out.
Genji decided to donate the funds to the Whole Planet Foundation since it empowers small business-owners to grow, as Genji supports vendors who follow sustainable fishing practices to grow and find a receptive market.
Located within Whole Foods Market stores predominately on the East Coast, Genji’s mission includes a pledge to “seek out environmentally-friendly sources.” Introducing Pacific Northwest Wild Albacore into its product mix is an extension of its mission.
The mission of Whole Planet Foundation™ is to create economic partnerships through microcredit (small contract-free loans) with the poor in communities that supply Whole Foods Market® stores with product. Providing the poor in these communities with access to credit empowers them with an opportunity to lift themselves out of poverty.
Background on Genji, Inc.
Genji, Inc. is dedicated to providing “quality of life” by serving the finest quality all-natural sushi and Japanese fusion cuisine in a grab-and-go style. Its sushi bars are located within over 115 Whole Foods Market locations in 19 states and the District of Columbia, and in the U.K.
For more information contact Ken Blakeman at 347-531-4469 or k.blakeman@genjiweb.com and visit www.genjiweb.com.
January
London's All-You-Can-Eat Sushi Extravaganza
January 1, 2010
The Genji sushi team at the Whole Foods Market, High Street Kensington store rang in the New Year with an all-you-can-eat buffet that could feed even Godzilla! For only £20.10, guests were treated to unlimited sushi, nigiri, sashimi as well as side items, soups and salads. The atmosphere was fun, lively and jovial, as guests filled their plates from the long counter-top covered with colorful displays of nearly endless sushi.
Customer raves included:
“What an absolutely wonderful idea as a way to celebrate both the new year and one of London's finest sushi bars.” Amir F.
“Fantastic food and lovely idea to do buffet on new year's day. Quality of food - sushi - was excellent, as always. Very fresh, tasting delicious.” Ethan S.
“The staff are always friendly and helpful and this is one of our favourite eating places in Kensington.” Mrs. R. S.
“Very good value for the amount and quality of food offered. In all, I can't see what more could have been done or offered to make us feel more content. We both loved the idea and are very satisfied and full. p.s. Thank you for the brown rice options and green dragon!!” Oliver and Lisa
2009
December
Compostable Container Press Release
Dec 21, 2009
A Natural Evolution – Genji sushi launches eco-friendly sushi trays
Sushi vendor, Genji Inc., launches the world’s first fiber-based, tree-free compostable sushi trays, in partnership with Be Green Packaging. To review press release, click here.
November
London's first Shabu Shabu bar to open in Wholefoods Market, Kensington
Whole Foods Market sushi vendor, Genji Inc., is encouraging customers to take a walk on the wild side by trying its all new Wild Albacore sushi, sustainably caught in Pacific Northwest waters. Genji hopes customers will gradually shift their tastes from more commonly-fished items like Bigeye Tuna in favor of its more eco-friendly cousin.
Cognizant of the increased pressures being placed on the oceans’ natural resources, Genji has partnered with American Tuna of San Diego, CA, which only supports fishermen using the Pole & Troll fishing methods, which involve catching a smaller number of fish than nets, have no impact on the ocean floor and virtually eliminate by-catch.
Genji’s mission includes a pledge to “seek out environmentally-friendly sources.” Introducing Pacific Northwest Wild Albacore into its product mix is an extension of its mission.
Will customers buy it? Although albacore is well-known as a canned tuna, it is not yet an item offered at every sushi bar throughout the country, unlike Bigeye Tuna, Salmon and Crab. It will be new to many customers. But Genji is confident that its core customers at Whole Foods Market will appreciate the buttery flavor of “tataki-style” seared albacore, and will continue buying albacore, knowing that they’re supporting better fishing practices which benefit the oceans.
To underscore its commitment to the environment, Genji is contributing 10% of the sales of its two new Wild Albacore items for the first 2 weeks to the Natural Resources Defense Council, an organization which works to protect wildlife and natural habitats. Genji is not affiliated in any manner with the NRDC or any of its programs, projects or websites, but supports its mission.
The two new Wild Albacore items launching at all Genji US stores on October 28th are the Seared Albacore Nigiri & Roll Combo with cream cheese and the Seoul Roll, featuring a Korean red pepper sauce. Both are served with a light citrus-soy ponzu sauce.
Background on Genji, Inc.:
Genji, Inc. is dedicated to providing “quality of life” by serving the finest quality sushi and Japanese fusion cuisine in a grab-and-go style. Its sushi bars are located within over 100 Whole Foods Market locations in 18 states and the District of Columbia, and in the U.K. Skilled chefs make fresh sushi on-site. It strives to contribute towards healthier food consumption habits on a global level.
On Wednesday September 30th, 2009, the Genji Sushi bar the Newton Whole Foods Market store garnered a full page article in the “Wicked Local Newton” describing Christine Laubenstein’s participation in a Genji Sushi 101 class. Available for both children and adults, our classes offer hands-on instruction in the art of sushi-making in an exciting and fun group setting. Both the children and parents enjoyed participating in the class and look forward to trying more.
London, UK - Genji Chef Aloysius Henryanto takes the mystery out of sushi
Thursday August 6, 2009
London reporter for The Independent, Alice-Azania Jarvis sat in on one of Genji’s famous Sushi 101 classes at the Whole Foods Market store at High Street Kensington in the UK. Aloysius (nickname: Henry) walked participants through the easy steps of making sushi. As promised, within less than 2 hours, Alice was rolling her own sushi and attracting a crowd of on-lookers who wanted to see what all the buzz was about. At Genji, our chefs are proud of their skills, and are delighted to share their expertise, (as well as other tid-bits about Japan’s favorite fast-food) with everyone who has a thirst for knowledge and a hunger for sushi! Sushi is no longer a mystery!
Thanks, Chef Henry!
Representing our venue in the Mountainbrook Whole Foods Market, Sushi Chef Tu Savang appeared on local ABC’s “The Talk of Alabama Morning Show”. Featured during the interview was an assortment of Genji favorites, including our famous Multi-Grain Rice sushi. Thanks go out to the Whole Foods Market Team at Mountainbrook and the crew at The Talk of Alabama for coordinating the event on our behalf.
Local sushi fans welcomed our newest sushi bar with open arms to the new Whole Foods Market in Glen Allen, Virginia. Located in proximity to the Richmond/Short Pump area, the new store marks our second “Genji for Whole Foods Market” branded store, and 86th store within The Whole Foods Market Organization. Our stellar team, led by new store supervisor Irham Fnu, provided endless sampling for patrons, to wild acclaim. Feedback from customers was phenomenal, making special mention of our quality and freshness. Sushi Chefs will be on hand from open to near close, rolling sushi, and taking special requests. Stop by the bar and see for yourself.
Whole Foods Market
11173 West Broad Street
Glen Allen, VA 23060
ph: 804 364-4050
Store Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mon–Sun
July
Genji Express Awarded Reader's Top Choice
July, 2008
Awarded Reader’s Top Choice for Sushi in Bellingham, MA- Genji Express’ quick-service sushi bar serves all-natural, fresh, high-quality sushi and is recognized as the #1 sushi restaurant in the area.
Soy Wrapped Sushi Press Release
July 7, 2008
Genji Express is excited to announce the launch of the new Soy
Wrapped Sushi rolls at all U.S. Genji in Whole Foods Market stores
Wednesday, July 9. To review press release, click here.
Tribeca Opening
July 9, 2008
Genji Inc. opened its eighth full-service sushi bar, featuring an 18-seat dine-in venue, and a 12-foot sushi case at New York City’s opulent new Whole Foods Market Tribeca store. The venue, under the banner of “Genji for Whole Foods Market,” serves an exciting variety of Japanese classics updated for today’s worldly consumer: Blueberry-Lime Teriyaki Beef, Miso Soft-Shell Crab and Hotate Mango Ceviche to name a few instant favorites.
In addition to the wrap-around dining counter, the sushi case offers a colorful array of freshly prepared sushi standards and special rolls for customers on the go. Genji is honored and excited to be the sushi provider of choice for this choosy neighborhood’s newest food destination.
May
Genji Express proudly contributes to the 2008 American Heart Association’s Have a Heart Ball
May 31st, 2008 / Middletown, NJ
Genji Express, in collaboration with Whole Foods Market of Middletown, participated in the 2008 American Heart Association Have a Heart Ball. The annual black tie affair seeks to increase public awareness of cardiovascular disease and stroke by raising funds to support the American Heart Association.
On hand from Genji, was a delectable variety of Vegetarian Sushi in white, multi-grain, and “heart- healthy” brown rice, complimented by a fabulous shrimp cocktail table from Whole Foods Market Middletown. We at Genji were happy to show our support for such an important cause.
To further show our commitment, for the week of June 1st to June 7th, for every Brown Rice Grilled Salmon Avocado Roll sold at the Middletown Whole Foods Market Genji Express sushi bar, Genji has donated $1 to the American Heart Association.
15 Grains of Nutrition Packed in One Small Bite. Genji Express™ offers sushi eaters a more nutritious choice, Multi-Grain Sushi. To review press release, click here.
Genji Chef Paul Marascia Appears on 207 Kitchen
April 1st, 2008 / Portland, Main
Genji Express Chef & SSV Paul Marascia, from our Portland Maine store, was featured on local NBC news station, WCSH6 in their 207 Kitchen Special. Unveiling our new healthy and delicious Multi-Grain Sushi Rice (now available at all Genji Express Sushi bars), Paul showed host Rob Caldwell the proper technique for rolling an inside-out Maki California Roll in true Genji style.
When asked where sushi begins, Paul replied, “It’s all in the rice. Our new Multi-Grain Sushi rice has over 15 different grains, and it’s so so healthy and so delicious. I’m very very proud of it.”
The Portland Whole Foods Market, along with Genji Express will be hosting, "Sushi 101" on Wednesday, April 16 from 6:00 to 7:30pm. The fee is $20 per person and space is limited. For more information or to register, please call (207) 774-7711.
Both adult and children Sushi 101 classes are currently offered at most Whole Food Markets nation-wide. Please contact your local Whole Foods Market to find out about specific class dates, times, and participation fees. More information will be available via genjieweb.com shortly.
Congratulations to Paul, and thank you to both WSCH6 Portland, and Whole Foods Market for the opportunity to introduce Maine to the art of sushi making and to Multi-Grain Sushi.
March
Genji Express Participates in Portland Great Chefs National Kidney Foundation Event
March 13th, 2008 / Portland, Maine
Genji Express was proud to participate in the Portland Great Chefs - World Kidney Day Event sponsored by the National Kidney Foundation. The event was a huge success with over 300 attendees serviced by the top chefs and restaurants of the Portland area. Guests enjoyed an evening of fabulous food, complimentary wine, the chance to bid on fabulous items in the live and silent auctions, and music in an effort to raise funds for the National Kidney Foundation.
Genji Express was a big hit. We had wonderful feedback on both the presentation of our booth and our sushi. Our soon to be released Multi-Grain roll flew off the tables, while wave after wave of people enjoyed the delicious cuisine finely crafted by our fantastic Chefs.
The NKF of Maine’s mission is to improve the health and well being of individuals and families affected by Kidney and urinary tract diseases, while increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation. It is the vision of the National Kidney Foundation of Maine to “improve the quality of life for Maine patients and their families; impacting lives through education, advocacy, information and direct financial assistance.” As one of 41 affiliates, they are part of the largest non-profit organization promoting organ and tissue donation to secure the future for all patients needing transplantation.
Genji Express was proud to represent Whole Foods Market at this very important event.
For more information on the efforts of the National Kidney Foundation, please visit their website.
February
Response to the Bluefin Tuna Mercury Levels Reporting
February 4th 2008
Recent press and studies have brought to the foreground the high levels of mercury in Tuna, and it’s possible negative effect on health. Because tuna are larger, longer-lived fish, many times they have higher levels of mercury. The concentration of mercury varies in each individual fish, however.
Specifically Bluefin tuna have been scrutinized for their high levels of mercury. Being a large predator, they accumulate toxins and are relatively high in mercury. Bluefin populations are being depleted throughout the world due to overfishing. To protect consumer health and help conserve marine life, we do not use Bluefin tuna in our products.
In place of Bluefin Tuna, Genji uses Bigeye Tuna, which contains less amounts of mercury than its larger cousin, and has an ideal texture, color and taste for sushi. In our most recent independently conducted lab test, the mercury content in Genji’s tuna yielded a result of 0.217 parts per million, well below the 1.0 action level.
Minimizing Mercury Consumption
To minimize mercury consumption, you can vary your diet and choose smaller ocean fish which are known to have low mercury levels such as salmon or haddock, or fresh water fish such as tilapia, catfish or trout.
Furthermore, Genji offers a variety of all-vegetable sushi items, non-tuna and low mercury seafood sushi products, such as shrimp, crab and salmon. Genji’s Brown Rice Sushi and Multi-Grain Sushi, in particular, are high in fiber, essential vitamins and other nutrients.
Maintaining top quality and safety for our Products
Genji has very rigorous standards for all of our suppliers. To meet Genji’s requirements, our suppliers must provide letters of guarantee for the quality of their products, including the mercury content of Tuna.
Genji cares deeply about our customers’ health and well-being. Therefore, in addition to having strict standards for all of our suppliers, we conduct independent lab tests for our products on an ongoing basis. This dual cross-check system helps us to ensure that the products we bring to our customers meet the highest standards of safety and nutrition.
For more information including facts, studies, and reports regarding the mercury levels as well as health benefits of Tuna and Seafood in general, and who should be cautious before eating sushi, please click here.
Time Out says
London reporter for The Independent, Alice-Azania Jarvis sat in on one of Genji’s famous Sushi 101 classes at the Whole Foods Market store at High Street Kensington in the UK. Aloysius (nickname: Henry) walked participants through the easy steps of making sushi. As promised, within less than 2 hours, Alice was rolling her own sushi and attracting a crowd of on-lookers who wanted to see what all the buzz was about. At Genji, our chefs are proud of their skills, and are delighted to share their expertise, (as well as other tid-bits about Japan’s favorite fast-food) with everyone who has a thirst for knowledge and a hunger for sushi! Sushi is no longer a mystery!
Representing our venue in the Mountainbrook Whole Foods Market, Sushi Chef Tu Savang appeared on local ABC’s “The Talk of Alabama Morning Show”. Featured during the interview was an assortment of Genji favorites, including our famous Multi-Grain Rice sushi. Thanks go out to the Whole Foods Market Team at Mountainbrook and the crew at The Talk of Alabama for coordinating the event on our behalf.
Local sushi fans welcomed our newest sushi bar with open arms to the new Whole Foods Market in Glen Allen, Virginia. Located in proximity to the Richmond/Short Pump area, the new store marks our second “Genji for Whole Foods Market” branded store, and 86th store within The Whole Foods Market Organization. Our stellar team, led by new store supervisor Irham Fnu, provided endless sampling for patrons, to wild acclaim. Feedback from customers was phenomenal, making special mention of our quality and freshness. Sushi Chefs will be on hand from open to near close, rolling sushi, and taking special requests. Stop by the bar and see for yourself. 
Awarded Reader’s Top Choice for Sushi in Bellingham, MA- Genji Express’ quick-service sushi bar serves all-natural, fresh, high-quality sushi and is recognized as the #1 sushi restaurant in the area. 
Genji Inc. opened its eighth full-service sushi bar, featuring an 18-seat dine-in venue, and a 12-foot sushi case at New York City’s opulent new Whole Foods Market Tribeca store. The venue, under the banner of “Genji for Whole Foods Market,” serves an exciting variety of Japanese classics updated for today’s worldly consumer: Blueberry-Lime Teriyaki Beef, Miso Soft-Shell Crab and Hotate Mango Ceviche to name a few instant favorites.
Genji Express, in collaboration with Whole Foods Market of Middletown, participated in the 2008 American Heart Association Have a Heart Ball. The annual black tie affair seeks to increase public awareness of cardiovascular disease and stroke by raising funds to support the American Heart Association.
Genji Express was proud to participate in the Portland Great Chefs - World Kidney Day Event sponsored by the National Kidney Foundation. The event was a huge success with over 300 attendees serviced by the top chefs and restaurants of the Portland area. Guests enjoyed an evening of fabulous food, complimentary wine, the chance to bid on fabulous items in the live and silent auctions, and music in an effort to raise funds for the National Kidney Foundation.