Sushi Jo

What is more unusual than an American sushi chef? Born and raised in Miami, Jo Clark began working in restaurants at the age of 13. He served his sushi apprenticeship for a decade at Yama in Lake WOrth, where he worked with chefs from different parts of Japan. He opened his 1st Sushi Jo at The Ritz-Carlton in Manalapan, and now has three places in the area. It took them five years before they would let me handle the fish, he laughs, but it was a comprehensive education. I was trained in how to cut vegetables and prepare rice and sauces, and learned how to order only the freshest-quality fish.