How do you enjoy your sushi, sashimi and sake?

Do you love Japanese food? How picky are you in choosing where to get it? I enjoy it from time to time, buying from grocery stores and in rare occasions, going into a Japanese Restaurant.

A Japanese American friend told me not all Japanese restaurants are created equal. I would very much like to learn how to tell the differences between a great and not so great sushi, sashimi and sake.

Also, please feel free to explicitly describe if you have any particular “ritual” when it comes to enjoying Japanese food. Arigato go sai mas. ( Did I do that right? )