12/31/06

An experience to savor- delicious sushi

by djebens

My first visit here, but recommended by friends. My party made reservations for opening time, as the place is busy and we wanted to seat 5 at the sushi bar. The sushi bar only had 3 empty seats by 11:45 on a Thursday morning, which indicates its popularity.

My friends had mentioned that the proprietor, Sam, was proud of his establishment and could be slighted by things we didn't think were consequential, like rubbing splinters off of chop sticks (which is an insult since he provides quality chopsticks) or dipping a lettuce roll which has its own sauce, into soy sauce (which ruins the subtle flavors in the roll). I did the latter on my first roll (which did overpower the taste), but didn't notice any reaction from the proprietor. I didn't ask him which fish was fresh (he takes pride in his business and this could be considered a slight) but asked for a recommendation.

There was a good variety of fish, some that I've never had during my 25 years of sushi dining. This was the first time I've had scallops (nigiri), skipjack (nigiri), or fresh lobster (served in a soy roll). I was impressed by all three of these; the flavors were all very subtle and delicious. In addition, I had salmon skin roll and a (non-fried) shrimp/jalapeno in a lettuce roll- the one I accidentally dipped in soy sauce. Other people in my party had crunchy shrimp roll (tempura shrimp- maki style), unagi, and salmon with green onions (nigiri) - one of our party says it's the best she's ever had.

All of my dishes were excellent. The fish was fresh and delicate. The rice in the nigiri was well packed- I didn't have the problem of the sushi falling apart between the soy sauce and my mouth. The service was very friendly and never rushed- our party of 5 stayed 1.5 - 2 hours.

Overall, this was an experience to savor, which we did. If I didn't live 350 miles away, I'd be a regular.

Excellent job, Sam!

• Pros: Food (delicious), service, friendliness of staff
• Cons: Very popular

07/21/06

Favorite Sushi in OC

by toddho

Love this place. The service is friendly and fun. Great atmosphere. Good sushi too. Lettuce Roll is famous here.

• Pros: Sushi is very good here. Love this place.
• Cons: Sushi bar is often crowded helps to call ahead.

10/04/05

Worst sushi place I have been to

by kaden

The food was okay; the portions were a little small. The service was AWFUL. We sat at the sushi bar and the sushi chef was unfriendly and a little rude. He made it seem as if I was bothering him by ordering and asking him what was fresh. It was not busy and the service was very slow. I've been to about a dozen different sushi places this year and he was by far the worst sushi chef I've had. The place was surprisingly busy, the regulars next to us recommended a Lettuce roll (which was shrimp tempura with a sauce and rice wrapped in lettuce). It was then that I realized this place was filled with beginners, people who don't really eat raw fish. I would never go again, and I encourage you to avoid it as well

• Pros: didn't wait long
• Cons: poor, slow service, unfriendly staff, small portions