Eating sushi is an art form, and if you want to graduate from the plastic box supermarket variety, then listen up, foodies. Do you dunk into your soy sauce like it's ketchup? Do you take a sponge bath with your hot towel? That would be so tragic! Master Sushi Chef Katsuya Uechi from L.A.'s celeb-studded hotspot Katsuya Hollywood has graciously answered these luxe-curious questions.

When you walk into a sushi restaurant and are greeted by the sushi chef, what should the customer do?

You shouldn't say anything, just nod or smile at the chef and sit down.

Is it impolite to rub your chopsticks together?

Yes.

What about using the hot towel on your face? Should the towel be used for hands only?

You can use the towel for your hands and face.

Does it annoy sushi chefs when a guest asks, "Is it fresh?"

A customer should assume that anything in the sushi case is fresh, otherwise the chef wouldn't offer it.

Can you order non-sushi items from the sushi chef, like drinks, soup, etc?

Yes.

Is it okay to add items to your sushi or rolls?

In the U.S. it's ok, but in Japan it is not.

Is it okay to talk to the sushi chef when he is working?

Yes.

Is it impolite to leave sushi on your plate?

No, it's okay.

What do you do if you don't like something?

Tell the chef and talk to him about it, he will change it for you; they want to make you happy.

Is it impolite to give empty plates back to you sushi chef?

Yes, you should give them to the waitress.

Is it okay to eat sushi with your fingers? What about eating rolls or sashimi?

You can eat sushi and rolls with your fingers, but not sashimi.

Should sushi be eaten in one bite or can you take bites and put it down on your plate? Can sushi be cut?

It's best to be eaten in one bite.

What should you do with ginger (gari)? Can you put it on sushi?

Don't put ginger on sushi. It is there to refresh your mouth between different items and is also good for digestion.

Do people use too much soy sauce?

Yes.

Should wasabi be mixed into soy sauce?

Only when you are eating sashimi, not for sushi or rolls

What is the protocol for buying your sushi chef a drink?

It's okay to do that if you'd like to; they will usually toast and drink it with you.

What is better to drink with sushi -- beer, sake or green tea?

Katsuya prefers green tea, but you can really drink whatever you feel like.

Where should you rest your chopsticks? Is it rude to leave chopsticks upright in food?

You should rest your chopsticks at the edge of your plate. It is very rude to leave chopsticks upright in your food.

What is the traditional Japanese toast? Is it rude to say "chin chin"?

The Japanese toast is "kampai." "Chin chin" is Chinese and shouldn't really be used at a sushi bar.

Chef Katsuya's Final Pearl of Wisdom: When you sit at a sushi bar, the customer should feel free and not held by any rules. You are there to enjoy the experience and the sushi chef is there to make sure you have the best experience you can. As long as you don't disturb other guests or the chefs, you will be fine.

Next time you go Japanese, there won't be anything fishy about your sushi etiquette, so sake it to 'em and make that reservation at one of Katsuya's chic L.A. locations.