IN Hampton Fall 2018 | Page 10

INGOOD TASTE Candid conversations with the dining scene’s most engaging chefs Reece Duncan, Executive Chef and GM The Slippery Mermaid Sushi Bar (aka “The Slipp”) The Slippery Mermaid Sushi Bar 613 Beaver Street, Sewickley; 412.741.2459, slipperymermaid.com On the Menu: Authentic concept of sushi with inventive menu items. The cuisine has a Western flair to an age-old tradition by including non-traditional items that would not be found or paired with sushi normally, using both cooked and raw items. From signa- ture rolls, such as the Psycho Mermaid (shrimp tempura roll stacked with baked surimi blend and eel sauce), the Angry Pirate (raider roll with bacon, yellowfin tuna, baked surimi blend, garlic sauce and eel sauce), and the Sexy Mermaid (steamed shrimp, cream cheese, bacon and fried jalapenos inside, topped with yellowfin tuna, house spicy garlic sauce, sriracha, fresh cilantro and thin lime slic- es), to handcrafted cocktails, artisan wine and craft beers—the fare is a delicacy with abundant flavor. Describe the moment you found a passion for food. I’ve had a passion and a knack for cooking for as long as I can remember. I was always encouraged by my family to be in the kitchen and I learned the basic skills and ingredients. From there I developed my own style and fell in love preparing food for people and watching their eyes light up. I have always wanted to be a chef either professionally or leisurely since I was 9 years old. Q A How did you start in the restaurant business? At 18, I started working during my summer breaks at the original Slippery M