Sushi Confidential: Finding a good sushiya
Sushi Confidential
Finding a good sushi joint.
For starters, just assume the internet is stupid. Just like if you’re sick, stay away from WedMD.
If you’re in Cincinnati…with all sincere respect to those who work for the publication…holy shit stay away from CityBeat.
Just go to Ando or Roji. Ando allows for the flexibility of choice, Roji is omakase. There are differences but you can’t go wrong with either. If you’re trying to get laid, just go to Roji. I’ve heard Mei is good but I’ve not been there and it’s unlikely that I’m going out of my way to find out.
So for starters, it’s a matter of priorities. Experience, price, product, etc.
Price is personal. I’ll drop $300 on an omakase that gives me a boner. I'll never pay for half price sushi.
I like to see indicators of knowledge of product, aka where things are sourced. Not at all a must but it's a green flag. And doesn’t always mean that Japan is better. Depends on the mood but at times I’ll take California uni over Japanese uni. In this case, they're very different but if the menu just says “uni”, well from where? One is more creamy and one is more briny. Also, if fish are farm raised or wild.
Diverse selection of fish. Also if certain fish are in season, it’s nice to see it on the menu. That takes some research.
And I must say to even barely change perception, no I don’t give a single fuck what race the person is behind the bar or what gender. Super old archaic style, women making sushi was unacceptable. Fuuuuck that.
This is just Eric, but I love a good story. Ando is the lineage of Keichii Ando, a man I deeply respect. His daughter Chiaki will take over eventually. Sushi Den in Denver is the best in my opinion, started by brothers from Japan out of necessity, now 40+ years in the game. Truth be told, if the chef is old...I'm already kind of in. I want the 90+ year old chef that doesn't talk and when he/she walks down the bar, everyone gets out the way as he/she subtly points with their hand, super low. If you know, you know (like the acronym).
Ultimately, it's like Bourdain said. If you never risk the bad meal, you'll never get the magical one.
Be open to experience.
Best,
E
#ARTiculate