A local sushi restaurant is engaging in a food fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
For two days, Sushi Goemon, located on Second Avenue downtown, will be providing free meals to healthcare workers who are at the front lines battling the disease.
The restaurant will be opening Saturday and Sunday — March 28 and 29 — from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and will give out free grub to workers who show identification.
Mari Otomo, whose parents own the restaurant, said that she got the idea when she heard of a Vancouver restaurant that was doing something similar.
"I thought that was such a great idea," said Otomo. "In times like this, I think it's important for us to do what we can to support our community within our own means."
Otomo gave her mom, Junko, a call and let her know about it. Junko then told her husband, Goemon's co-owner, Nobu, and they agreed it would be good to do it soon, just in case the government issues an order for all restaurants to close shortly.
"We scrambled, and we're doing it this weekend," Otomo said with a chuckle.
So far, reception to the idea has been enthusiastic, she said.
Over the weekend, frontline workers can choose from a limited menu of one of the following:
•Choice of two rolls (cucumber roll, avocado roll, veggie roll, California roll, dynamite roll)
•Chicken teriyaki bento box
•Beef teriyaki bento box
•Sushi bento box
The general public is also welcome to place orders from the list above at the menu price.
Only one order per customer — people can't place orders on behalf of others due to limited capacity. The service will be take-out only, as per provincial rules.
"Hopefully, we have the capacity to serve everyone on the weekend," Otomo said with a chuckle.
