On Friday, Vice Gov. Dennis G. Pineda and Vice Mayor Jimmy T. Lazatin led the ribbon cutting that marked the formal opening of Fusion Sushi Bar by Chef Ronnie at The Orchid Gardens here.
Restaurant owners, couple Nelson and Maureen Castro, were on hand as they welcomed guests to the newly-opened diner.
Maureen Castro introduced the star of the night, Chef Ronnie De Guzman, the man behind the idea of the innovative restaurant.
According to Maureen, shortly after earning his diploma in Culinary Arts, Chef Ronnie De Guzman started his career at the Hirano’s Restaurant located at Savannah Georgia in the downtown’s historic district.
He then proceeded to hone his craft at renowned Japanese steak houses and sushi bars in New York City. Today, he has earned over 15 years of experience in the preparation of this distinct and culturally rich cuisine, Castro said.
Mastering his craft, Castro said, Chef Ronnie “is able to concoct an ingenious way to stimulate the palate of his patrons along with his witty personality as he enjoys entertaining his guests with stories and antics.”
“Not a few of his avid patrons, especially the ladies, would comment that Chef Ronnie’s dishes are to die for or did they really mean more heat and not the sushi,” Castro said in jest.
“And with his artistic abilities, which include drawing and painting, he is able to incorporate his creative expressions to the dishes he presents making them interesting points of conversations,” she continued.
“A natural story teller, Chef Ronnie “has the savvy to weave in amusing stories with every dish he prepares and offers on the tables which makes it truly an experience that will leave one with a beautiful memory and most importantly that which will leave even the most discerning palate delightfully satisfied,” she continued.
“We can sum up his passion for his craft which is sushi making in particular and Japanese cuisine in general by the mantra which he seriously believes in ‘Fish die with honor and must be served with honor,” she added.
For Nelson, meeting Chef Ronnie “must be destiny.” He said in just a year’s time after meeting him, Fusion Sushi Bar has now become a reality.
