Can you believe that we are only a few days away from the biggest sushi event in Des Moines? Sunday’s the day folks – and we’ve got our chopsticks ready.

Hopefully by now you’ve picked up the latest edition of Juice Magazine and checked out the cover story all about sushi in Des Moines, which features all 6 of our sushi vendors (plus a few extras) for the DSM: SUSHIBOMB II.

As noted in the Juice article, we’re bringing more culture to the DSM: SUSHIBOMB II this year to enhance the cultural experience for our sushi-loving attendee’s. We’ve partnered with the Iowa Asian Alliance (IAA) and the Japan America Society of Iowa (JASI) to help us focus on the Japanese culture, which drives the event.

 IAA and JASI will help us at the DSM: SUSHIBOMB II in a few different ways: 

•  By providing volunteer’s clad in kimonos, a traditional Japanese attire, as well as additional volunteers helping to make sure the event runs smoothly.
•  Supporting the informational Break Out Sessions, which all attendee’s are invited to take part in. At 3:00 p.m. they’ll lead the “Japanese Culture and Language” session and at 4:15 p.m. they’ll perform and explain the culture behind a traditional “Japanese Tea Ceremony” – this tradition dates back many centuries and has become a sacred ceremony in the Japanese culture.
•  Having an information table (in the Great Hall) filled with information about their organization’s and how you can get involved to support Japanese culture in Des Moines post the DSM: SUSHIBOMB II.

Only a few spots remain for our “Intro To Sushi” class taught by Des Moines’ Godfather of Sushi, La Tran. La, from La’s Hoshi Sushi will be rolling up deliciousness at the DSM: SUSHIBOMB, but if you want to know the basics of sushi, learn from the master, La Tran. Here’s a video to inspire some additional class sign-ups, and keep in mind, all the proceeds from the class and the DSM: SUSHIBOMB II will go to Salisbury House & Gardens.

Introducing the 2011 DSM: SUSHIBOMB II t-shirt. This t-shirt is included with your ticket to the DSM: SUSHIBOMB. T-shirts will be available for everyone, but sizes will not be guaranteed on orders after 1:00 p.m. today. You can select your t-shirt size(s) when you purchase your ticket(s) here.

So what does this really mean? Order your tickets before 1:00 p.m. today to ensure you’ll get the correct t-shirt size! Otherwise, this could be you.

Gary struggles through his daily regimen of 500 bowl laps as he trains to become a sushi fish only to discover an easier way to get to the DSM: SUSHIBOMB.

We’re pleased to announce the two-man band, The Snacks, will be bringing the noise at the Salisbury House and Gardens for your listening enjoyment at the DSM: SUSHIBOMB II. What goes good with sushi?  How about comedy, theatre, top hats and and cover songs ranging from Jay Z and Vanilla Ice to The Dave Matthews Band and Pink Floyd?

Don’t worry, this isn’t your mama’s cover band, as any venture onto YouTube will certainly reveal. You’ve been politely warned!

Comprised of Jeff Karnowski on drums and Michael Pfaff on keyboard and both of them bringing the vocals they are emerging as one of the must see acts in Des Moines. Locally, you can find them at places like the Star Bar and The Underground but we think The Snacks are best served up with sushi!

Learn more about The Snacks on their Website, on Facebook or check out their promo video below.

For tickets to the DSM: SUSHIBOMB, get your click on here. 

Sending flowers to express a sentiment or feeling has been a long-standing tradition for many Americans. As we planned the DSM: SUSHIBOMB II, our words simply could not express how grateful we are for your willingness to join us in celebration of sushi, Asian culture, and Salisbury House & Gardens.

So, we decided to put our sentiments into the hands of a few well-known professionals – the floral designers at Boesen The Florist.

Boesen’s is sponsoring the DSM: SUSHIBOMB II by providing unique, Asian-themed centerpieces for the event. When you spot the centerpieces you’ll quickly notice how unique and bold the designs are. You’ll also notice the high quality of the flowers. It’s these standards of excellence that help set Boesen’s apart from the rest.

But outstanding presentations and high quality flowers aren’t the only reasons why we’re so proud to have Boesen’s as a sponsor for the DSM: SUSHIBOMB II:

• They are a local shop with rich family history in the business. We’re not into the massive flower chain shops. We like to work with local people who support the local community. Boesen The Florist, which opened in the 1920s, is currently owned and operated by third generation family members! Now that’s the kind of local commitment we love.
•  Boesen’s has been rocking the online and social media scenes. Boesen’s has really vamped up their blog, Facebook and Twitter, Flickr photo galleries, and even YouTube videos. You name it – they’ve got it! We especially dig the floralapp they have, which makes sending flowers easier and more convenient than ever.
•  They are true professionals. Boesen’s takes pride in offering amazing customer service. They know how to transform beautiful flowers into endearing and memorable works of art. They have done thousands upon thousands of arrangements (have I mentioned they’re experienced professionals?), but they still take the love and care needed to make each arrangement perfect and unique.

Thanks again to Boesen The Florist for supporting the DSM: SUSHIBOMB II!