Irma Markham’s business is unassuming from the outside, a single storefront located at 67 Grasso Plaza in South County. Inside, though, is a warm and comfortable gathering space for friends, couples and even strangers to connect and learn something new.
Markham has been running Show Me Sushi for over four years, but she’s been making her own rolls for 10 years. Her husband, Aaron Markham, loves sushi, and he tried to get Markham to share this passion. There was a problem, though — Markham didn’t think restaurant rolls had enough flavor, not for the price they were paying.
She began watching videos, keeping an eye on chefs at restaurants and the mall, and taking classes to learn everything she could about the taste and art of sushi. Using homemade rice vinegar and other store bought ingredients, she created sushi that her family loves for an affordable price. Now, she teaches others to do the same while balancing family life and a full-time job.
Sushi is Markham’s creative outlet, and she thinks of instructing her students like she’s directing an art class. “It’s a very rewarding profession,” she said, “because I would constantly hear customers say, ‘I didn’t know. My whole life I’ve never thought I had a hidden skill.’”
Markham wants people to know that her classes are designed for beginners; anyone can sign up and have a good time. She also has the ability to customize rolls based on dietary restrictions.
Each one-hour class covers three different sushi rolls: California, Philadelphia and spicy tuna. Markham said that when students work on their first roll, they hang on every word of instruction. By the third, they realize how simple the process is and are comfortable trying it on their own. That’s her goal — for students to be able to take what they’ve learned in her class and make their own rolls at home.
The class schedule, along with pricing, is available on the Show Me Sushi website. Classes are $65 per individual, but group rates are available, as well. She is also available to travel to other venues, such as workplaces, for corporate events.