SUSHISAY
38 East 51st Street
(212) 755-1780

How do you choose a sushi restaurant? There seem to be three deciding factors. First and most important is the freshness of the fish. When your entire reputation rests upon the flavor of an item resting on a basically flavorless rice ball seasoned with a little vinegar, freshness is make or break for most sushi parlors. Second is selection. There is certain seasonal competition for the rarest of seafood and these usually go to the highest bidder — and the most expensive of restaurants. Third seems to be overall presentation — though there are fantastic sushi restaurants with very little in the way of décor, others create a spectacular setting for their spectacular food (and the prices are often spectacular as well.) Why the primer? Because, after Nobu, there are three or four candidates vying for New York’s top sushi honors, and one of them is Sushisay. Special appetizers include Salmon Caviar with grated Japanese white radish and steamed monkfish liver pate. Sashimi platters range from “regular” to “deluxe,” there’s a gorgeous Bento box of sushi, sashimi and special appetizers among any number of delightful a la carte and combination selections. Sushisay even serves its own exclusive brand of sake, called Junmai Sushisay — a pure “microbrew” sake made in very small quantities by hand. Though you can stop by for an appetizer or two, the entire dining experience at Sushisay is worth the premium cost and wait for a table.

by Eleonora Boreyko

EN
11651 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 477-1551

West Los Angeles is bustling with great sushi eateries, each offering fun atmosphere along with fine Japanese cuisine. The several months- old En, has its own appeal. Above the bar area, an enormously large red symbol of En (sushi party) restaurant welcomes numerous guests. If you’re looking for an intimate feeling, several tables near the windows could be the right choice as the artificial waterfall adds peacefulness to the modern décor. A large variety of sashimi, hot garden, cold ocean, and land appetizers are for you to enjoy. Their Tofu salad (sweet fried tofu & tofu with sesame oil dressing) is creatively presented and exceptionally flavorful. A neat martini menu is a welcome surprise at the sushi restaurant. Premium cold sake is available as well to accompany any delicacy you desire. Are you ready to party?

by Barbara Kasser

Japan Inn
1781 North University Drive, Plantation, FL 33322
(954) 424-8855

1798 Market Street, Weston, FL 33326
(954) 659-7847

With two locations in South Florida and two more in the Washington, D.C. area, Kaye & Hori, the owners of the popular Japan Inn, have figured out the recipe for success. The ingredients are simple: fresh food, beautiful presentation, pleasant surroundings, and great customer service. Throw in a dash of reasonable pricing and convenient hours. Make sure portions are oversized and it’s no surprise that the Japan Inn pleases crowds in both South Florida locations! The Inn’s sushi and sashimi appetizers are a great way to start a meal. Innovative rolls like Dynamite in the Shell (white fish and flying fish eggs and quail egg) and Sunomono (conch, octopus or crab or mixed with cucumber) are beautiful and tasty. Cooked food and hibachi items are also available at both restaurants.