https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/food/2013-10-16/interactive-dinners-at-finn-and-porter/

Interactive Dinners at Finn & Porter

By Claudia Alarcón, October 16, 2013, 10:00am, On the Range

There are lots of new things going on at Finn & Porter, the swank restaurant at the Hilton Downtown. A new chef, Peter Maffei, has given the menu a makeover and added a series of monthly wine dinners. Sushi 101, however, showcases the skills of Sushi Chef Triet Huynh, F&P sushi chef since the beginning.

Indeed, Chef Triet has been quietly working his craft for the past eight years, even as the sushi boom was going on all over the city. His Vietnamese heritage shows in creative touches on sushi bar classics and dishes of his own creation.

Unfortunately, on the night we attended Sushi 101, Chef Triet had a family emergency and could not lead the class. But Chef Maffei gladly stepped in to show the eager group the basics of sushi making.

With cocktail in hand, we entered the impeccable kitchen. Each of us was supplied with a cutting board and all the required utensils. First, we were given a quick demonstration on how to prepare sushi rice and how to break down a huge Tasmanian salmon. Then we proceeded to make our own salmon and cucumber rolls.

Once finished, each diner carried their proud accomplishment to the private dining area for a three-course dinner, enhanced by an excellent sake tasting and presentation by Stephanie Stowell from Republic National Distributing Company, who chose different styles of sake to pair with each dish. The food certainly surpassed my expectations.

First Course: Spicy Tako Sunomono, steamed octopus, cucumber salad, crunchy parsnip, spicy Southeast Asian dressing

Second Course: Tuna Foie Gras, featuring tuna-wrapped goat cheese, kalamata olives, and capers over fennel slaw topped with seared foie gras and balsamic teriyaki

Third Course: Sampling of fresh sushi & sashimi

Dessert: Tobiko Ice Cream

The intimate setting allowed diners to ask questions and really enjoy themselves. Seems like a great idea for a first date or a girls night out. Sushi 101 dinners are $70 plus tax and gratuity per person and the next one is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 18. Make reservations at 512/493-4900 or at Finn & Porter’s website. Complimentary self-parking and discounted valet parking are available at the Hilton Austin Downtown (500 E. Fourth).