by Lottie Tagupa

KOZO

2334 S. King Street

Honolulu , HI 96826

Telephone: 808-951-5696

The original location of what is now several locations on the island, this small sushi counter done in striking colors has only enough room for a couple of small tables and not much more. Parking is limited and often full in the complex, so be prepared to circle at least twice or find street parking when you visit. The service is friendly, but can be slow at times, but the sushi is flavorful and well priced. There are selections of standard nigiri and maki sushi, but the temaki comes in a variety of flavors and offers a special wrapper that keeps the nori fresh and crispy.

by Geoff Elterich

KOJI

17 Asylum St.

Hartford, CT

Koji—a crucial ingredient in sake brewing—is also a very hip and popular Pan-Asian restaurant and bar in downtown Hartford. Koji is usually crowded with young businessmen and women drinking sake and trying the yakitori. Yakitori is a Japanese dish consisting of pieces of seasoned and marinated meat, fish, and vegetables roasted and grilled on skewers, not served elsewhere in the area. Aside from the trendy atmosphere and food, Koji has become a popular choice because of its assortment of excellent sushi. The only single roll they offer is on its appetizer menu, made up of tuna, crab, salmon, avocado and scallions; otherwise, the dinners are made of chef-selected roll choices. Allow the sushi chefs to prepare something special for you; the selections are sure to satisfy any sushi lover.

by Barbara Kasser

Sushi Blues Cafe

2009 Harrison Street, Hollywood, Florida 33020

(954) 929-9560

Sushi Blues Café is a great place for good food and a fun party. Under the watchful eye of co-owner Kenny Millons, the Hollywood café has discovered that Japanese food and American blues create the ideal recipe for success. The food here is first-rate. Crunchy handy hand rolls, glistening sashimi, and more innovative dishes such as gyoza dumplings with spicy sesame sauce look and taste delicious. (Non-sushi eaters can order an American sandwich or salad.) The weekend live music is every bit as good as the food. Sometimes soulful and sad, other times jazzy and upbeat, the music draws huge crowds every Friday and Saturday night. Reservations are strongly suggested most nights; on weekends, they’re a must.

by Jim Phillips 

SAMURAI GRILL & SUSHI BAR

9500 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111

(505) 275-6601

Getting four-stars from the Albuquerque Journal was no surprise to any of the satisfied customers who frequent the Samurai Grill. A sparkling display of fresh fish at the sushi bar should allay any latent Southwestern concerns about freshness this far inland. The menu includes inside-out sushi, known as roll sushi. You can enjoy moderately priced dinners, or go exotic with some of the special fish selections. Steak, chicken and vegetarian selections are also available.