Norman Arends of the Aruba Underwater Hunters Association, his family and mine were all recently WOWED by an amazing feast featuring lionfish sushi at E Sushi Shap, a sushi bar & restaurant in Aruba featuring contemporary “Japanese cuisine with a touch of Aruba and Caribbean taste.”
The lionfish sushi tasted every bit as great as it looked and to say that Andriani “Red” Geerman is a culinary artist would be an understatement. E Sushi Shap is definitely an extension of his own unique sense of style; lighting casts the restaurant in a cool blue hue and diners at any of the 10 tables are treated to a musical mix of mostly Reggae but sprinkled with unexpected surprises like Mariachi el Bronx.
Geerman, who prefers to be called Red, became interested in sushi after taking a single class while studying hospitality and he’s been hooked ever since. I found his reason to feature fresh lionfish in new and inventive ways as refreshing as his creativity He said, “When I heard about the lionfish problem here in Aruba I knew that I needed to be a part of the solution. Aruba has really pulled together and we know that we all have to be involved.”
Geerman continued, “While I am not a diver, I respect what the hunters are doing and why they are doing it. I buy lionfish directly from the local divers to support them and more restaurants could be doing the same, too.”
Then the sushi arrived and IT WAS ON in a very big way!
“Lion Maki”
Lionfish Tempura
Avocado
Cream Cheese
Topped with Tobico (Red, Green & Black) and Masago
“Kowai Lion” (Japanese for “Scary Lion”)
Lion Fish Tempura
Crab
Avocado
Topped with Eel, Masago and Wakame Salad
“L & L”
Lionfish Tempura in Lime Juice
Romaine Lettuce
Avocado
Cucumber
Crab Meat
“Caesar Maki”
Lionfish Tempura
Baby Spinach
Ginger
Topped with Avocado and Caesar Dressing
Thanks, Red, for a REALLY terrific night of sushi and friends. Most importantly, thank you for putting lionfish on the menu and serving lionfish in a way that both supports and educates the community!
E Sushi Shap can be found on Tanki Leendert 265A in the Shaba community of Aruba (north of Oranjestad) and online via the E Sushi Shap website or their Facebook page. I’d definitely get in touch with them beforehand if you have your heart set on eating lionfish sushi as fresh supplies can be a bit sporadic and may need advance notice.
Their operating hours are:
Mon-Thu: 11:00am – 2:00pm, 5:30pm – 10:30pm
Fri: 11:00 am – 2:00pm, 5:30pm – 11:30pm
Sat: 12:00 pm – 3:00pm, 5:30pm – 11:30pm
Sun: 5:00 pm – 10:00pm
Call in and delivery is available. +297 587 2012
Questions? You can email E Sushi Shap here.
What is the most interesting, original or artistic lionfish preparation you have ever had? Tell us about it in the comments below!
So proud of my cousin…..He is an artist, opinion maker and such a creative person…..and yes, his sushi are just amazing…
Can anyone join your organization. I regularly hunt lionfish. And remove them anytime I get a chance while spearfishing lobstering or other types of recreational diving. And if I can join how would I go about it?
We live in the area of this restaurant and really did not visit until a few months ago. What a surprise my husband and I got! CreAtive, inovative and a delightful
Experience was waiting for us. We have beenback afew times and tell everyone about it. We are going tonight with friends,,,,,,,,,,keep up the good lion fish deal. We will keep eating them if you keep serving them!
What a cool roll! I really hope this place is still around and doing well!