Writer goes on quest to find spiciest sushi

Recently, I've been watching the Travel Channel series, "Man versus Food." Adam Richman, the gregarious host, tackles the nation's most ridiculous food challenges, such as finishing a 12-egg omelet or 7-pound hamburger. I marvel as he somehow emerges victorious almost every time.

Richman actually filmed part of his show in Charleston last month, attempting West Ashley restaurant Bushido's "spicy tuna roll challenge." The challenger must eat 10 spicy tuna hand rolls, each one spicier than the previous one. Apparently, Richman plowed his way through all 10 levels of the challenge in 20 minutes. Most people take months to finish the contest, not able to eat more than one hand roll per sitting. Thankfully, the challenge allows its contenders to come back at any time and take on the next level.

Don't get me wrong — I love grits, I love fresh seafood, but I've noticed there is a lesser-explored side of Charleston's food scene — the hot, the spicy and just plain dangerous. With Richman's food-fearless persona in mind, I set out on a search for the Lowcountry's spiciest foods. I will focus on three spicy foods in this seiries — sushi, Indian curry and wings.

Osaka

My first destination is Osaka Japanese Restaurant in West Ashley. The restaurant sits along Folly Road. After asking my waiter, I find out that the spicy tuna roll is the hottest sushi on the menu.

Soon a plate of six spicy tuna rolls sits in front of me. The first roll is surprisingly not very spicy. Thirty seconds later the heat sets in. I can feel the spice permeating throughout my mouth.

By roll number four, the flames have been ignited. I start to perspire and find that water does nothing to extinguish the spice. I order a bowl of rice, thinking it will help cool me off instead.

My waiter, flashing an amused smile, asks, "spicy enough?"

I shove rolls five and six into my mouth to finish the job. I wince painfully and it's over.

Bambu Sushi

My quest continues to Bambu along Coleman Boulevard in Mount Pleasant. The interior of Bambu is more modern and upscale than Osaka, which is a bit more traditional.

I find out from the sushi chefs that I should try the Sunfire Roll, which combines spicy tuna topped with seared albacore tuna, sliced jalapeno and sriracha or a Thai style hot-sauce. The menu sadistically describes the Sunfire Roll as "a spicy treat."

I'm presented with eight maki rolls. The jalapeno and bright red sriracha sauce make this roll more intimidating than Osaka's spicy tuna roll.

I've never tried jalapeno before, so I take my first bite, expecting the worst. Like Osaka's spicy tuna roll, it's surprisingly bearable.

It's smooth sailing until roll number four, when the flavors of the jalapeno and sriracha begin to kick in. I feel a slow burn, starting in the roof of my mouth and spreading to the outsides of my lips.

I decide that because of the added jalapeno and sriracha, Bambu's Sunfire Roll is a notch spicier than Osaka's Spicy Tuna Roll. But something is still missing. Where is the agony?

Bushido Sushi

This brings me back to where I started — the spicy tuna roll challenge at Bushido Sushi. The challenge uses hand rolls, which are a bit larger than maki rolls, with a spicy tuna filling.

I get straight to the heat and order spicy tuna roll level 10. I may be half his size, but am I as tough as Adam Richman?

I discover that before I can order level 10, I must sign a waiver, agreeing that it's not Bushido's fault if I "react badly" to the spicy tuna roll. "React badly?" As in die? Good lord.

The secret ingredient of level 10 is an entire habanera chili, 40 times spicier than a jalapeno. I now understand why I signed a waiver.

I eagerly await the arrival of this spicy beacon of death. Next to the sushi bar I spot a framed poster of the spicy tuna challenge champions. I can see Adam Richman's photo in there, too.

I can tell that the spicy tuna roll is hot just by looking at it — the tuna inside the hand roll is coated in a terrifying fiery red sauce. My waitress advises me to try not to let the sauce touch my mouth.

I pick up the hand roll and take a large bite off of the end. Big mistake. Actually, one of the worst mistakes of my entire life. It is like an atomic bomb dropping down my throat. Instantly, I feel explosive, searing pain, unlike anything I've ever felt before.

Worst of all, I've only had one bite. My waitress checks on me, smiling one of those "I told you so" smiles.

Nothing diminishes the flames.

I down two glasses of water and dump an entire bowl of white rice down my throat but I only feel worse. I am paralyzed by the spice, unable to move, speak or think straight for nearly 15 minutes.

Yes, now I am thinking, "Dear God I never want to experience this ever again." After one bite of the spicy tuna roll, I throw in the towel. Adam Richman, I have failed you. How that man ate his way through 10 of those harbingers of fiery agony I will never understand.

The winner?

Nevertheless, I think I've found a winner. Osaka and Bambu's rolls don't come close to Bushido's. And to think that I once thought a jalapeno was scary.

Despite the pain, I don't regret enduring the spicy tuna roll at Bushido one bit.

If you go

Osaka

100 Folly Road Blvd

Charleston, SC 29407-7551

852-9979

www.charlestonosaka.com

Bambu Sushi

604 Coleman Blvd

Mt Pleasant, SC 29464-4018

284-8229

www.bambudining.com

Bushido Japanese Restaurant

1975 Magwood Dr # 22

Charleston, SC 29414-5723

573-2440