Sushi Dave Recovery

Sushi Dave, or David Mukai, became part of the 'infamous' Port Aransas, TX community back in the spring of 2002. What began as a two week “guest chef” position quickly transformed into full time. Once our Island got a taste of his creative fish creations, we couldn’t let him go! He originally worked at The Pelican Club/ Beulah's here in Port A, and for The Phoenix for past 4 years.

David has been making sushi for his over 41 years.  Sushi Dave first learned the art of Sushi from his mother in Japan, and began working at age 14, working as a teppan assistant. He has worked in College Station & San Antonio Texas as well as Monterrey, Mexico. He worked himself thru school in College Station at Texas A&M.

The past year has been a rough road- in August 2017, our community, Port A, was directly impacted by Hurricane Harvey.  Sushi Dave & Lew lost about 80% of the belongings in the storm, and have since moved into a new apartment. It took many months for the restaurant he was employed at (The Phoenix) to recover and reopen after the storm. The restaurant had just opened in Feb 2018 (after the storm hit in Aug 2017). He suffered a stroke at the end of May, just as the entire towns 'healing' journey began. Now Dave begins a new healing journey- one we would very much appreciate you all to be a part of!
It is our goal to help cover living and medical expenses for Dave for approx a 6 month period so he can continue therapy & recovery. We all look forward to the day he will be back behind the Sushi Bar serving up a good story & fabulous, creative cuisine.

Although most know David for his sushi, he is also a gifted potter and leather craftsman.  He lives in Port A with his wife,  Lew, and Gunther, their English Springer Spaniel.