Legacy of Sushi
When Jassica Liu was younger she resisted taking over the family business, Osaka Sushi in Rhinebeck. "I studied business economics and Japanese, worked in currency trading and fashion," she says. "But when I came back here, it fit. I realized it was in my blood. It was humbling to earn everyone's respect, but now I can do every job here down to fixing the ice machine."
No one's respect matters more than Dad's. "Every time we ate out as kids, we'd play 'what's in the sauce.' He's a happily retired grandpa, but I still bring him back for special occasions. He was the first one to bring sushi upstate; there was some resistance, but within two weeks it was packed.
"I didn't change much: The focus is still simple, consistent and fresh, fresh, fresh. I added some modern bowls for the younger crowd, a social media presence, bottling and selling his house made sauces. Gluten-free ginger sauce. We've converted a lot of people who never thought they'd eat sushi."
