We at Greet Mill Creek recently gathered with friends and neighbors to enjoy a fun, educational, and tasty sushi making class given by Charles Chon, Owner of Sushi Spott. If you haven’t already enjoyed one of these classes, you are missing out! As Charles explains, “We are more than just a dine-in restaurant. We also offer sushi making classes so our guests can experience the basic concepts of how to make a sushi roll, including the finer details, and appreciate sushi just a little bit more.” As a result, many of Charles’ former class participants have shared that sushi making is now a regular part of holidays and special events with their families and friends, which Charles loves to hear.

After all, family is what gave Charles his own love of food and serving others. As he shares, “My mother was a single mom, so she was always busy. Growing up in Alaska, my mother opened a restaurant named Legal Pizza. The name came from its location, directly across from a courthouse, and was a spot many locals loved to visit after work. Late in the evening, I would help my mother roll out dough. I felt a close connection to her and food during these moments, and this experience drove my interest later in life.”

From 2002 to 2018, Charles lived in Korea, where he developed his ability to innovate working in different occupations, including running an Izakaya—a spot in Korea and Japan where drinks are served with many small plates. These eateries focus on service, and throughout his life, Charles has combined his love of food, desire to serve, and interest in meeting new people to develop into the person and businessman he is today. When he took over running Sushi Spott from his brother, Pete, in 2018, he drew on those past experiences to elevate the ambiance, level of service, and food itself, which is always fresh and delicious.

Today they offer an extensive menu with more than 100 sushi rolls, which constantly changes based on what is fresh and local. Many of the recipes, including the recipe for sushi rice, came straight from his mother, who still comes in once a week to check on things. They also have a full liquor bar, which offers a variety of tasty beverages to complement whichever amazing dish you decide on.

Classes are every Sunday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and are extremely popular. “We average roughly 20 residents per class as they come and learn about the art of rolling sushi.” These classes are a wonderful way for Charles to give back to the community, which is why he didn’t hesitate when asked if he would do one for us. “I was happy to do it to thank our customers for supporting us throughout the years, as that support led us to open two new locations in Lynnwood and Monroe in August and September of this year,” he shares. One such customer is Katie Massart, who attended our event and said, “I have always wanted to try making sushi on my own but felt intimidated to do so. This class put me at ease, and I walked out inspired to host a sushi making night with friends in the future. Also, my husband and I love Sushi Spott, so learning from the best was really cool. I can’t wait to visit their new locations, which shows their deserved success!”

We were taught how to make a basic ‘California Roll’ followed by a more complicated specialty or chef’s roll. At the end of the class, we were shown how they cut Sashimi and Nigiri, and were given Nigiri cuts so we could make our own. To-go boxes were offered for any leftovers we had, and complimentary Sake was served throughout the course of the evening as well. Guest Jenna Isherwood said, “We have always wanted to do a sushi making class and this was SO FUN! We loved how Chef Charles gave some history of sushi making (California rolls were made in Vancouver, Canada!) and he was such a good teacher when we got into the class. The whole team at Sushi Spott was wonderful, and we had a great time laughing, learning and, of course, eating! Thanks Greet magazine for the invite!”

And finally, the class wasn’t just fun for the adults, as guest Ashley Medley pointed out. “Charles was wonderful, and the event was so much fun. The idea of making your own sushi seems so intimidating, but he made it easy to follow. Even our 9-year-old daughter did a great job with just a little bit of help, and she loved it too! Plus, the food was delicious!”

Thanks to Charles and his team at Sushi Spott for a memorable evening!