Tag Archives: sushi

Check Out Penthouse 808 For Great Views Of Manhattan And Great Food!

Penthouse 808 is an Asian Bistro/Lounge that opened in 2009 with a heavy focus on fresh food, sushi and a raw bar. They wanted to be one of the first “in” places in the growing neighborhood of Long Island City. People come over from midtown Manhattan and enjoy the amazing view of Manhattan from the rooftop.

Penthouse 808 brought in some of the best sushi chefs for the discriminating tastes of New Yorkers. It rivals some of the best sushi restaurants in Manhattan.

There is a more relaxed feeling at Penthouse 808. It sits atop the 63 room, luxury boutique Hotel Ravel – almost a vacation a minute or two away from midtown Manhattan. Visit penthouse808rooftop.com for more information.

Get some killer sushi at Pirhana

Pirhana Killer Sushi is a clever little local sushi chain that started up in Arlington. Pirhana always has impeccable interiors; fashionable and sophisticated yet welcoming with a keen sense of detail. While the ambiance is a nice touch, people really go there for their killer sushi. While you’ll find a few old favorites on the menu (like all the classic rolls, ie: spicy tuna, California, etc), the main attraction is in their specialty roll selection jam-packed with creative rolls, cleverly named. A few favorites are the Bullet Roll (spicy salmon mix, cucumber, shiso leaf, avocado, escolar, cilantro puree) and the Marry Me Roll (shrimp tempura & ginger cream topped with avocado, tuna & strawberry), with the Vietnamese Summer Roll to give things a twist (salmon, tuna, crab, greens, mango & asparagus wrapped with rice paper). Wash it all down with some sake or one of their specialty cocktails and make a night of it at this sushi joint that over delivers.

Nosh on sushi in a casual environment at Tampopo

Sushi doesn’t always have to be swank. Tampopo at Lovers and Greenville is a great little no frills Japanese cafe that hits the spot when you’re craving sashimi but looking for a place that’s fast, casual and reasonably priced. The inside is clean and unpretentious but pleasant for an order-at-the-counter establishment. The menu is pretty simple but dons the basics: sushi, a small selection of rolls, sashimi, teriyaki and tempura. Their bento boxes make for a perfect little lunch and they always have some variety of Udon noodle soup written on their specials board. They also serve beer, wine and hot sake.

Prime Steakhouse

Only one steakhouse in Atlanta features the cuisine of an Internationally renowned chef and a traditional sushi bar. Prime pairs the finest steaks available with sophisticated sushi in an elegant and modern atmosphere. When hosting business meetings, private functions or intimate occasions, Prime’s private dining room, known as our New Castle Room, is available for lease. The Private Dining Room seats up to 22 guests. It is separate from the main dining room, offering the privacy and seclusion that certain gatherings may require. Prime’s Atrium Court, located adjacent to the restaurant, is the perfect venue for large party dining and cocktail receptions. It is available to lease in half or in its entirety. Seating capacities for lunch or dinner are up to 30 guests for half the Atrium area and up to 55 guests for the entire Atrium. The Atrium can also accommodate up to 100 guests for reception style events. Click here for more information.

I have high standards, and I take them to Nobu for dinner

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nobuweb-imagesdining-room Given that I lived in Japan for a long time, I have high standards when it comes to my sushi dinners. However, Nobu probably rises above everyone’s standards. Smaller than the gigantic, and glamourous location midtown, Nobu Next Door can be considered an up-scale neighborhood venue, mostly populated by Tribeca’s residents. The chef delivers authentic Japanese cuisine, with a touch of modernity. Try the black cod, rock shrimp with spicy mayonnaise, tuna tartare, and any of the sushi rolls. Decorated with natural textures, such as trees, wood, and river stones, the space looks cozy, organic, but modern and sophisticated in the same time.

Sushi and Burritos Fuse at Sushiritto

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San Francisco is known for many things and being the capitol of innovative restaurants is one of them. Sushiritto, located in SOMA, is one of the latest fusion restaurants to hit the city by taking sushi and rolling into a burrito-style roll that is easy to eat on the go.

The menu is simple – they offer six signature rolls including a vegetarian Buddha Boy roll – which combines traditional sushi roll elements with a Mexican flair (think ingredients such as Mexican Kabayaki sauce and melted pepper jack cheese).

It’s standing room only in the actual shop so head over to Union Square or find a nice bench to enjoy this unique taste of San Francisco.

Sushirrito is located at 59 New Montgomery Street in San Francisco.

Katsuya Hollywood: A Sushi Kraze

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The Katsuya kraze has officially taken over Hollywood.

Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Miley Cyrus are frequent visitors along with anyone else who appreciates good quality sushi. With sushi favorites such as spicy albacore over crispy onion as well as spicy tuna over crispy rice, the Hollywood location is the perfect place to order off the menu or indulge in a chef’s tasting. Along with perfectly concocted dishes, Katsuya has a large list of specialty cocktails with restaurant favorites such as the Watermelon Cucumber Mojito or the Lychee Lovely with vanilla infused vodka and fresh squeezed grapefruit.

Though the beautifully decorated red and white restaurant is the perfect place for dinner or a special occasion, Katsuya has recently come up with new ways for foodies to enjoy on a budget. The Lucky Seven features seven tastings, such as tuna tacos and Kobe beef sliders, for seven dollars. Other deals include Sake Specials on Monday or Garlic Shrimp paired with a pitcher of beer for twenty bucks on select days and locations.

Reservations are recommended and valet parking is sometimes your only parking option on busy nights.

O Ya Puts Boston on the Culinary Map

If you have been on every “best of” list like Boston’s O Ya restaurant, can things get any better? From being named the number one restaurant in the country by the New York Times to receiving accolades for being one of the world’s 10 best new restaurants by Food & Wine Magazine, the praise is well deserved. This cozy little gem serves up contemporary Japanese fare, including nigiri, sashimi and Wagyu beef. Don’t miss the chilled homemade soba noodles, which can be perfectly paired with some sake. Be sure to call ahead and make a reservation as this Leather District hot spot fills up easily and waits can be long at the intimately lit O Ya tavern, which is located in a former firehouse. Valet parking is available at the corner of South and East Streets in Les Zygomates.

Insider’s Tip: O Ya is expensive, with some entrees running up to $60, but nearly all diners leave happy, saying every bite was worth every penny. Visit oyarestaurantboston.com for more information.

Haru: Best Sushi in Town

Haru has taken center stage with its first modern Japanese location to open in Boston. The sushi restaurant is located below the Shops at Prudential Center, and is beautifully decorated with a Japanese garden, bamboo floors and wooden footbridge, along with alfresco dining. The menu here ranges from sushi, sashimi and creative salads to signature dishes like carpaccios, ceviches, tartares, filet mignon, grilled spicy shrimp and specialty rolls. Don’t miss the sake and cocktail bar for an after-work drink or late night people-watching. Haru also provides delivery and catering services, private rooms and lounges, and a vibrant bar scene. Click here for more information.

Puck Packs Modern Asian Punch at The Source

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Add a little Asian influence to your evening with a trip to celebrity chef, Wolfgang Puck’s exclusive Asian eatery, The Source, situated right along politically-infused Pennsylvania Avenue. As the Newseum’s signature restaurant, The Source combines the museum’s sleek, modern design with flawless fusion cuisine to create a dining experience worthy of a top spot on The Washingtonian’s “Top 100 Restaurants” list.

With three contemporary levels donning floor to ceiling windows, diners overlook America’s most famous address while ogling a selection of over 300 wine labels and two distinct mouth-watering menus. Opt for a relaxed meal out and grab a seat at The Source’s ground level lounge, complete with a Izakaya-inspired menu full of sushi, sashimi, noodle and traditional Japanese “Robata” grilled options. Try the Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops with seaweed butter and braised bamboo or the signature Kobe Sliders with cheddar and smoked onion marmalade.

For a true Wolfgang Puck dining experience, head to the upstairs dining room – connected to the lounge by an impressive (think 2,000 bottles) two-story, temperature-controlled glass wine wall. Try the Pork Belly Dumplings with Chinese black vinegar dipping sauce or the Szechuan Filet “Au Poivre” with wild mushrooms and finished with a caramelized shallot sauce. One trip to The Source, and you’ll be vying for a little more Asian minimalism.

Douzo Sushi Does it Right

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In its first year Douzo Restaurant & Sushi was named “Boston’s Best Sushi” by the Improper Bostonian and has become a hot spot for sushi lovers ever since. Located in Back Bay, the restaurant offers an inventive twist on traditional sushi favorites. You will still find the usual suspects on the menu such as Tuna Tartar, Raw Oysters and Kobe Beef Carpaccio, but you can also uncover some surprises, including Monkfish Pate, Torched Style Yellowtail and an Eel Avocado Roll.

If you’re feeling a little daring, try the Omakase special, which is the chef’s choice from the sushi bar. Entrees include Lightly Battered Shrimp Tempura, Sirloin Steak with Black Pepper Sauce, Thinly Sliced Prime Rib in a Sukiyaki Sauce, Black Cod Misoyaki and Grilled Duck with Cranberry Teriyaki Sauce.

Douzo (which means “please come in”) offers its modern Japanese cuisine in a modern setting, with sleek white and dark contrasts to ceiling fixtures and walls and large tables for all the sushi plates. Douzo has a varied wine list, including a red, white or sake flight and a good array of cocktails like the Lychee Martini and a Tokyo Cosmo to get your night started right after dinner. Visit douzosushi.com for more information.

“SEI” Hello to a First Lady Favorite

For a chic evening out, head to SEI – the Japanese-inspired hotspot known for its creative cocktails, unexpected sushi rolls and delicious Asian-fusion cuisine. With fresh whitewashed walls and ultra modern artistic touches, SEI sets the mood for the perfect city-chic dining experience.

As one of Michelle Obama’s favorite spots (so much so that she had SEI cater a White House gathering), it’s safe to say that SEI’s inventive cuisine is sure to please even the most prestigious politico’s palate. Pair a tangy Japanese Whisky Sour (egg white, fresh lemon, 5 spice-infused syrup) with a humor-infused roll or two – sushi favorites include the Fish & Chips roll (flounder, malt vinegar, French fries, wasabi tartar sauce) or the Let Us Roll (romaine, carrots, Caesar dressing). For those looking for a more substantial dish, try the Mini Kobe Sliders with tomato jam and tempura onion rings. For a sweet finish, dig into some Miso Orange Bread Pudding with soy ice cream.

Dine in the City’s First Japanese Brasserie at Basho

The city has finally introduced its first modern Japanese brasserie known as Basho. Located near Fenway Park, Basho is the latest from Jack Huang, owner of the popular Douzo in the Back Bay. The restaurant offers an innovative interpretation of modern Japanese cuisine using Western styles, methods and ingredients with signature dishes, like flavored Sushi and Sashimi (traditional Japanese flavors added directly to the seafood), lobster miso bouillabaisse and foie gras teriyaki.

Basho (Japanese for “a place where things happen”) also offers a variety of cocktails – think house infusions and homemade simple syrups using fresh, local herbs- along with traditional Japanese sake, wine and beer. The interior boasts soaring ceilings with a minimalist vibe set in a relaxed, yet chic scene. If you are feeling social, grab a seat at one of the communal tables, or for more private dining there are intimate corners. Basho also has an outdoor patio with retractable awnings as well as a sushi bar, raw bar and sleek, wraparound liquor bar. Visit bashosushi.com for more information.

Japonais: Come Hungry & Dressed to Kill

Dig if you will, a picture: hot valet drivers busy themselves parking Ferraris and Jags; inside chic, heavy doors open to a beautiful hostess who awaits your arrival with a smile; a full 360 degrees around you (and below on the lower level in its bar and terrace) are gorgeous people, smiling, mingling and gushing over delectable sushi rolls and fusion plates. This is Japonais, Conde Nast’s pick for one of the “Top 66 Restaurants in the World.”

Having opened its doors in 2003, this place still lives in the past – only meaning that one would have assumed it opened just last month as the wait, long reservation list, and packed crowds every day of the week would elude to it being a hot new number. In 2005, Chicago Magazine named it “Best Restaurant” and soon after New York and Las Vegas claimed their own versions of the restaurant. Today, it still rocks to those beats.

From exotic cocktails (and a whole lot of sake and wine choices), signature sushi rolls and the to-die-for steaks, the menu reads part French and part Japanese, which in the culinary world, is a match made in heaven.

Chic Club Fun at Vango

As the warmer months are fast approaching, everyone starts talking about Vango and its uber-sexy Skybar roof deck lounge. Vango offers several different atmospheres throughout the club and lounge. If you’re in for a night of high-rolling and sophisticated fun, order the bottle service and receive top-notch attention in the reserved area. Or if you’re looking for an evening filled with house music and calorie-burning grooving, the dance floors inside will not fail you. The DJs always keep the mood going all through the night – be sure to check out the color-coded calendar on the website so you can choose the tunes you’ll be dancing to.

Vango is more than just a club and killer roof deck (although with 8,000 square feet, it’s a whole lot of club), it also offers an enviable menu. The styles of chef Michael Fee (from Nobu) and owner Dia Sawan (from the family who gave us Philadelphia’s Mediterranean gems Byblos and Fez) meld Japanese and Mediterranean classics wonderfully; there aren’t many places you can begin with hummus for an appetizer, eat a main course of yellowtail jalapeño and spider rolls, then finish off with an order of baklava.

Pan Asian Perfection at Zentan

Housed in the chic Donovan House hotel, one would expect nothing less than equivocally sophisticated cuisine from its in-house restaurant, Zentan. With global Asian cuisine designed by famed chef, Susar Lee, Zentan brings a polished touch to delectable Asian staples: light crudos, inventive sushi rolls, authentic noodles and even hearty entrees.

With an elegant, yet modern minimalism, Zentan exudes Eastern sophistication, washed in deep chocolate hues and set aglow by contemporary platform chandeliers covered in twinkling, oversized pillar candles. Loosen up with a punchy Spicy Thai Martini, spiked with thai chili-infused vodka, nigori unfiltered sake and St. Germain, and finished with a splash of cran for an Asian-fusion-inspired libation.

Tease your palate with a starter of Zentan’s signature Singapore Slaw – a crunchy concoction of over 19 (yes, way too many to list!) ingredients, including a to-die-for salted plum dressing. Don’t pass up the Crudo Platter – a sampling of fresh yellowtail, salmon, charred scallop, and big eye tuna, each presented with unique flavor profiles. The chef recommends savoring from left to right for a gradual, yet increased savory experience – and one that you will definitely not regret. Sushi lovers will forever crave the Fire Dragon roll after one bite – a colorful spool of spicy tuna, barbeque eel, avocado and tobiko.

Insider Tip: For the best of both worlds in the warmer months, enjoy a selection of Zentan’s small plates at the Donovan House’s rooftop lounge, ADC (“Above DC”). Breathtaking views of DC, exceptional Asian cuisine, and a swanky venue – what’s not to love?!

In the Swim at Sushi Den

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Attention, fishheads! It may be land-locked, but Sushi Den can swim with the best of ’em. That’s because owners Yasu and Toshi Kizaki have been in the business for 25 years and counting, importing seafood from Japan to the United States and turning out some of the best nigiri, sashimi, and maki in town.

The ambiance is chic yet casual, luring dates and families alike—a lot of them: since reservations are only accepted for parties of five or more on weeknights, the crowd is constantly spilling out on to the sidewalk, day and night, enduring 90-minute waits for a taste of the action. But when you finally get in, your every fish wish will be granted, from all the usual suspects like maguro and unagi to the excellent Rocky Mountain Roll with smoked trout and the famous broiled miso cod.

When it Comes to Sashimi, Go to Uni

Uni Sashimi Bar, located inside The Eliot Hotel and adjacent to the famed Clio restaurant of chef/owner Ken Oringer, offers some of the best sushi in town. At this tiny Back Bay bar which opened in 2002, you will see sushi chefs hard at work preparing rolls and sashimi. Sip on a Japanese scorpion bowl for two or their popular spicy Enter the Dragon cocktail, while noshing on sushi flown in from around the world. The menu here changes daily, but you can typically find Scottish salmon, Japanese fish and yellowfin tuna. Since the restaurant is next to Clio, you can also order off its Asian-inspired dessert menu, which includes miso dark chocolate cremeux, rhubarb shortcakes and a sweet mascarpone beignet. Check out the website at unisashimibar.com.

Insider Tip: Don’t miss the popular all-you-can-eat Maki Mondays for $32 and four-course sake bomb Tuesdays for $35.

The Stars Are Always Out At Nobu Dallas

Strategically located off the ultra-luxurious lobby of Hotel Crescent Court, and smack in the heart of Uptown, sits one of Dallas’ sexiest Japanese hotspots. But this isn’t your average sushi joint; this is Nobu Dallas.

A testament to the parking lot full of Bentleys, Maseratis, and Porsches outside, Nobu is prone to frequent visits from VIP guests of the hotel, as well as repeat offenders of pretty much any Dallas sports team from the Cowboys to Mavericks to Stars. And speaking of stars, A-list celebrities and Dallas elite have also been known to frequent their favorite tables, servers, and dishes right here at good ol’ Nobu Dallas.

Nobu offers something delicious for every palate- even those who tend to run from raw fish. Nobu also offers a variety of hearty fare; most notably the Wagyu beef (think Kobe or Washu), their very famous Black Cod with miso glaze, or Lobster Tempura for those with bigger appetites. And just say Omakase! if you have no idea what to order to let your knowledgable server map out your meal. Despite the reputation of most Japanese restaurants, we would suggest saving room for the desserts here.

East Coast Meets West at The Thompson Hotel

On one of the busiest streets in Los Angeles you can finally get a taste of New York. The Thompson Hotel looks like it came straight out of the Big City with its leather sofas and swanky rooftop pool. With five other hotels in New York, The Thompson brings a similar glamorous New York vibe as well as New York favorites, such as Dean & Deluca goodies in the minibar.

If you are looking for a trendy hotel where you won’t find drunken clubbers and late night action, this hotel is the perfect spot to be in. It’s a perfect location to put you in the heart of daytime shopping action and then withdraw you into seclusion at night.

This is also a place where you might actually enjoy staying around the corridors. BondSt is a phenomenal sushi restaurant that was replicated after the one in New York. The ABH bar, which stands for Above Beverly Hills, is a great place to grab a cocktail and enjoy the view. With restaurants straight from New York and the décor and vibe to match, it’s definitely time to be in a New York state of mind- but with better weather.

Aptly Named Mr. Yum Brings Asia to Little Havana

This Thai/Japanese restaurant certainly doesn’t suffer for its unconventional location in the heart of Little Havana. With a chic interior- stark white tables against crimson walls- and a buzzing, hip clientele, Mr. Yum is known for providing great service and delicious food. Every meal begins with a fancy amuse bouche and highlights include a special Pad Thai, Panang Curry and an incredible, creative sushi bar that’s as beautiful to look at as it is to eat.

One & Only Square Sushi at Zento

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Satisfy sushi cravings at this breakthrough contemporary Japanese restaurant. Home to the famous square sushi, Chefs Gunawan Wibisono and Sam Ho are masters of flavorful and innovative fare and Zagat swears by its roll specials and bento boxes. The intimate setting makes this eating enclave one of downtown Philadelphia’s foodie destinations.

Soak in the Charm of Chinatown

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Chinatown has a unique character and charm all its own. There are a number of bargain furniture stores, banks, grocery stores here. Holistic healers often come here to shop the wide selection of Chinese herbs and medicines in some of the natural healing stores. But the big seller here, of course, is the food! More than 50 restaurants are scattered around the area, from Vietnamese, to dim sum to sushi.

The unique architecture of buildings such as Sing Chong Building and the Bank of Canton is what really gives this community its name. Being the city where the first Chinese immigrants arrived in America, it makes sense that SF is home to the largest Chinatown outside of Asia. You can’t help but think you’re not in Cali anymore.

Sushi Hai

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Tucked in the Highland Area lies a restaurant that could only be described as the perfect juxtaposition between Denver’s art district and the Japenese Orient. View local modern art while the masters prepare your meal. Sushi Hai uses only the freshest ingredients to deliver the top-notch sushi to satisfy your cravings. Sip on hot sake or premium saketinis with friends in the Hai Bar. The atmosphere is perfect for an intimate evening.