On this platter, rests two Hoso-Maki (Thin Rolls). The one on the left side is a Tekka-Maki (Tuna-Roll) and the other is a Negi-Hama (Scallions and Yellowtail-Roll). Both traditional items, the latter hardly ever being seen in typical Sushi-Ya.
It is said that an Itamae's (Sushi Chef's) skill can be judged by his Hoso-Maki. Reason being that all mistakes can not be covered up and become rather blatant. A few things too look for in Hoso-Maki include the filling, the surrounding rice, and the nori (seaweed).
Just a few things too ask yourself when evaluating a roll.
1. Is the filling consistent through out the entire roll? Or did the chef just throw a bunch of different sized chunks into my roll? Did he even fill the roll all the way through the ends? When fish is included, is the fish chewy? Did the chef make a point too use cuts of fish that don't have large amounts of tendon? If his supply is lacking, did he take the time too remove the tendons before using the fish?
2. Does the rice create a 'circle' around the filling? As in does it measure a relatively equal distance all the way around the filling, or is there one section where the filling actually touches the nori? Does the rice go all the way until the end of the nori? Are there two cuts of the roll that are only half-filled with rice? Or even, does the rice protrude pass the nori on two pieces of the roll? Is there rice anywhere on the outside portion of the nori?
3. Is the nori crunchy when you bite into it? Or is it just plain rubbery? Does the roll unroll as it sits there on your plate? Does it not fall apart in your mouth? Is the nori inside the roll? Does the nori look something like this --> @ ? With a strip of the nori penetrating into the rice?
4. Lastly, does it taste good? Do the ingredients compliment each other? Is one more overbearing than the other? Are the ingredients fresh? Is the Maguro (Tuna) a brilliant red, instead of pink/faded red/ or blood brown? Is your Hamachi (Yellowtail) a shimmery white or pale pink instead of a dull white and/or brown?
Of course, nothing can be expected too have an absolute consistency. Sometimes even the best will stray from such standards. This is meant too be a simple guideline too take into consideration when seriously evaluating your local Itamae. >.>
**Before this is brought up; Yes, I know mine aren't perfect either, but I'm working on it xD**