Mineko Takane Moreno

Culinary Teacher, Cookbook Author

Thanks to Chef Mineko Takane Moreno, culinary professional Judi Strada, and their book, Sushi for Dummies, the world of sushi is open to everyone, including vegetarians like me. Of course fish lovers have known for years that eating sushi is a fun and delicious, but now everyone will know that sushi is tofu, vegetables, and fruits too.

Early Years

Born and raised in Tokyo, Mineko was inspired by her love of food to become educated in the cuisines of Japan, China, France, and Italy. In 1973 she and her husband moved to San Diego, California where she started conducting Japanese cooking classes at home. In the early 80’s she began teaching her classes at San Diego State University, with an emphasis on sushi, which was in the midst of becoming the major culinary category it is today.

Current Projects

Twenty years and hundreds of sushi-making classes later, Mineko Takane Moreno joined forces with good friend, writer, and San Diego Magazine food editor Judi Strada to demystify the mysteries of sushi in their book, Sushi for Dummies. Whether you like your sushi at a trendy bar, in a take-out tray from the market, or in your own home prepared by your own hand, and either in a roll, in a ball, inside-out, with fish, seafood, or fresh vegetables, this is definitely the book to show you the way.

Called "the definitive book on sushi for Westerners", Sushi for Dummies takes readers on the ultimate sushi adventure. From ingredients & equipment, to sushi-bar lingo and etiquette, through assembling sushi delights, side dishes, and sushi-friendly drinks for a simple meal or sushi soiree, Mineko and Judi present the background, techniques, and recipes to make anyone a successful sushi chef in their own kitchen. Published in 2004, Sushi for Dummies is already into its third printing and is even being translated into Spanish – there are sushi carts on the streets of Mexico City!

In addition to their book, Mineko continues to make sushi accessible through her television appearances, and the classes she teaches at Sur La Table, Macy’s, other retailers, and various cooking schools in and around San Diego. Whether you’re already in the San Diego area, plan to visit in the future, or are on the other side of the world, Mineko Takane Moreno and Judi Strada’s Sushi for Dummies will bring the delicious, fun, and healthy world of sushi to you.