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 Geoff Elterich

JAPANICA
860-677-5633
270 Farmington Ave Ste 101
Farmington, CT
For a truly private dining experience, Japanica offers booths enclosed by bamboo curtains, decorated with Japanese artwork. These booths are intimate enough for a romantic date and large enough for a business lunch. The restaurant is architecturally brilliant and contains a very spacious dining room. The staff is always very courteous and eager to please. Lunch is popular amongst the many businesspeople that work in the adjoining offices of The Exchange building where the restaurant is located. The sushi selections are extraordinary. Hamachi Nega Maki is so simple—a thin slice of yellowtail rolled in rice and seaweed—yet it is out of this world. The skilled chefs prepare much more creative rolls as well, each selection exceptionally prepared.

by Geoff Elterich

SAKE CAFÉ
1105 Silas Deane Highway
Wethersfield, CT
860-721-1618
The brand new Sake Café is a great place for parties, a date, or a quick stop at the bar. The ambience is very cool and classy—muted wood tones make for a very relaxing feel to go with great service and excellent food. There is a hibachi area, a separate dining area for a more quiet dining experience, a full drink bar, and most importantly, a fabulous sushi bar. Unlike many sushi restaurants, Sake offers two widescreen televisions at the bar to enjoy the games. Tony the Sushi chef will keep you entertained as you marvel at his fine preparation of some of the best rolls in the state. The Fantastic roll is just that: fantastic. With mouth-watering deep-fried white fish on top, snow crab inside, and Tony’s special sauce, the Fantastic roll is a delicious, unique serving that’s sure to have you coming back.