I've always loved sushi. Being in Niigata Prefecture, the “Land of Rice and Fish”, sushi was definitely not to be missed. Even more so, our destination that day was no ordinary sushi joint, but “Sushi Tokiwa,” a Michelin one-star establishment that’s notoriously difficult to book.

Originally from Montreal, Canada, Rosval has been honing her culinary skills since the age of 15, accumulating over two decades of experience. She initially built her foundation in a modern French culinary environment in her hometown, later moving on to the mountainous region of British Columbia to serve as sous-chef under Melissa Craig. There, she deeply immersed herself in the “farm-to-table” philosophy, learning to observe her surroundings and utilize local ingredients.

Twenty years after my last visit, I returned to Udine, Northern Italy, this time to join the five-day-long Ein Prosit Fiesta held annually in October, now celebrating its 25th year.