Image by: Dawn Balzarano - www.KitchenTravels.com We have all heard of "sibling rivalry." But when the siblings in question are both experienced sushi chefs at the ever-popular Mikuni family of restaurants, well... that phrase takes on a whole new meaning. Last month, Mikuni Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar hosted "Judgment Day": a battle between Chef Kotaro “Taro” Arai and his brother, Chef Naomichi “Nao” Arai to see whose culinary creations would win over the participating tasters. Earlier this week, Nao (who had lost the first Judgment Day) challenged his brother to a sushi rematch at Mikuni's Roseville location.

Guests at this week's Judgment Day "Round 2" were treated to a blind tasting of recipes from the brothers, and I was lucky enough to receive an invitation. The other guests and I enjoyed four courses, featuring eight recipes in all. Each course was paired with wine from Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine Estates.

Although Arai family members described the rivalry between the brothers as friendly, Taro admitted that he and Nao often disagree over what dishes will do well with their restaurant guests. "We’ll just see whose recipes they like more.” Attendees were asked to score each dish and at the end of the night, the winner was... Chef Nao! The brothers are already planning a tie-breaking sushi battle: "Judgment Day Round 3."

Here's a peek into the evening's food and fun. Oysters were the highlight ingredient of the 1st Course. One chef cooked oysters two ways, shown here. (Image by: Dawn Balzarano - www.KitchenTravels.com) The other chef offered raw oysters on the half shell. Both dishes were fabulous. (Image by: Dawn Balzarano - www.KitchenTravels.com) Manilla Clams were on the menu for the 2nd Course. Things were getting hot in the kitchen! (Image by: Dawn Balzarano - www.KitchenTravels.com) Manilla Clams sauteed with a creme fraiche sauce: my companion's favorite dish of the night. (Image by: Dawn Balzarano - www.KitchenTravels.com) 3rd Course: Branzini, a sustainable (and scrumptious) fish. This sushi & sashimi dish was one of my favorites. So fresh. (Image by: Dawn Balzarano - www.KitchenTravels.com) We shared our table with some really fun people. This beautiful lady just LOVES Mikuni! (Image by: Dawn Balzarano - www.KitchenTravels.com) Another Branzini presentation. Crispy on the outside, moist and flavorful on the inside. (Image by: Dawn Balzarano - www.KitchenTravels.com) Basa fish, with a miso-butter sauce & deep-fried lotus root with peppercorn flower. For me, this was the BEST of the night. (Image by: Dawn Balzarano - www.KitchenTravels.com) Beautiful presentation of asparagus and radish served with the Basa fish. (Image by: Dawn Balzarano - www.KitchenTravels.com) Another recipe featuring Basa fish: deep-fried, made into sushi rolls with pink soy wrappers and a spicy salsa. A crowd pleaser! (Image by: Dawn Balzarano - www.KitchenTravels.com) Winning Chef Nao Arai (left) is congratulated by his brother, Chef Taro Arai (right). Great job, chefs! (Image by: Dawn Balzarano - www.KitchenTravels.com)