by Lynn Marshall

CHIRO
3250 Freemont Ave. N
Seattle, WA (206) 632 3430

Tai Chi Kitamura’s Chiro in Seattle’s Freemont neighborhood is modern and sleek – the interior features concrete walls and exposed duct work. The menu seems endless; there are twelve different types of Saki to try. The friendly staff is very helpful, and if you sit at the bar, the sushi chefs will be glad to give you suggestions.
Chiro offers vegetarian rolls, and many different combination plates. Try one of the Chirasi platters – sashimi served on a bed of sushi rice. You won’t be disappointed. The tempura is also a treat here and the lunch menu really is a bargain.
The estimated cost per diner, for dinner is $15-$45.

by Elizabeth Slonim Macanufo

MISO ON MERAMEC
16 North Meramec Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63105
(314) 863-7888
Located in the heart of downtown Clayton, Miso on Meramec’s chef Hayes Green used Pacific Rim influence to create his menu. Catering to the Clayton business crowd and socially mobile twenty-somethings, Miso’s lounge atmosphere includes regular seating, cocktail tables, and plush sofas. In addition to sushi, Miso’s seasonal menu includes Thai, Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese-inspired dishes. Nigiri and maki sushi are available. Those who are wanting to try several varieties can try one of the many combo suggestions, including a sushi and sashimi offering. Complimenting the dinner menu are diverse drink choices consisting of sake and exotic cocktails. Diners may wish to stay to hear soulful house music or music themed nights with a live dj.

by Magda Nakassis

Kotobuki
4822 MacArthur Boulevard NW, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 625-9080

When feasting on raw fish, I don’t think rock bottom prices are necessarily a draw. Neither is being located in a barebones, shoebox of a room above another Japanese restaurant. (And the fact that this other restaurant, Makoto, is exclusive and highly regarded doesn’t help either.) And neither is playing the Beatles on a continuous loop, for that matter. And yet Kotobuki remains a destination for high-quality sushi, bringing lovers of fine fish to the Palisades. The menu is simple enough, and well suited to those on a budget. There are 14 varieties of nigiri at $1 a pop—and if you feel like going wild, you can splurge on another four types at $2 per piece. When it comes to maki rolls, you can choose from 13 different kinds at $2.80 each, or an additional six gourmet treats at a whopping $3.25 for six pieces. Add in the chef’s special handmade soy sauce, specifically designed for sushi and sashimi, and you’ve got yourself a winner. Cheapskates, take note.