By Steve Sansweet

Did you hear the one about Star Wars sushi? No? Well pull a seat up to the table and listen to a tale of how once again this beguiling hobby of ours brings people together in the most unexpected ways.

A few years ago, when a new Japanese restaurant opened in downtown Petaluma, Calif., not far from where I live, my friend Bob and I decided to check it out. It turns out that Hiro's is one of the best Japanese restaurants either of us has ever eaten at, and there have been many return visits with lots of friends. Besides the great food, the employees are super friendly. What I didn't realize until fairly recently is that one of them, the executive chef, is a huge Star Wars fan and collector, and our paths had intersected at least three times before that first visit to Hiro's.

It wasn't until a letter addressed to "Scouting" arrived last May -- a letter I didn't open for two months until I was about to write my next column -- that I learned the story of Toru Komuro. Some years ago Toru was selling Star Wars merchandise with ads in Toyshop magazine. One item in particular caught my attention: a beautiful cardboard standee for the Star Wars Christmas Album, one of my favorites. I called, and Toru -- who recognized my name -- decided to send it to me...free! I sent him a thank-you note and invited him to visit my home and collection in Los Angeles, but he never got the chance.

Later, Toru and I met in person at Star Wars Celebration I in Denver, and we had our photo taken together, but he didn't tell me that he was the one who had sent the standee. He spotted me again last April when I was standing in line waiting for a first shot at Episode III merchandise at Wal-Mart's "48 Hours of the Force" blowout, but my fevered demeanor must have kept him at bay.

Finally the letter arrived. Toru explained how he'd been collecting Star Wars toys for more than 20 years in Japan and the U.S. In fact, it was Star Wars that first brought him to these shores, since he was so inspired that he had to see for himself what kind of people could make a movie like that. Like most of us, Toru has had his ups and downs and he almost moved backed to Japan a few times. But his ambitions were renewed one night when The Maker visited his former restaurant; they talked of Star Wars and George Lucas gave Toru his autograph. He even got a tour of Skywalker Ranch after one catering assignment there not long ago.

After reading the letter, I invited Toru and his lovely wife Miharu to visit Rancho Obi-Wan. It took a while for the stars to align, but it turned out to be a great afternoon for all of us. One of my favorite things is to see the collection through the eyes of someone else -- especially someone who loves the saga as much as I do. Toru wanted to reciprocate and asked if he could make a special Star Wars meal. Having no idea what that might entail, I of course said yes.

When the night arrived, we were seated at a comfortable table in the rear of the restaurant and the dinner began. It was cinematic: First the big picture, then a narrower focus, then a close-up. The appetizer was Mustafar, with a delicious tomato bisque soup out of which rose several small "mountains" made with unusual Chinese black rice. Time out for a trip to Dagobah with a fresh green salad and small vegetables cut into the shapes of Star Wars vehicles. Then we got right to the heart of the matter -- the Duel of the Plates...or Fates, as the case might be: a round bed of white rice topped with thinly sliced smoked salmon and black (and a little red) fish roe outlining the battle of Anakin/Vader and Obi-Wan. Next up were the crossed lightsabers -- a symbolic light side (the green of avocados) versus dark side (the red of salmon). There were even three robed Jedi (or possibly Jawas -- it's sometimes hard to tell with rice sculptures) watching. To top it off, there was desert made by Miharu -- edible Ewok (chocolate) and Yoda (green tea) mousse-covered cakes.

To say that we were floored -- as well as stuffed -- by Toru's culinary skills is an understatement. It also proves that some of the very best Star Wars collectibles are photos...and memories. And, of course, lasting friendships!

This article first appeared in Star Wars Insider #87