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 Elizabeth Slonim Macanufo

NOBU’S JAPANESE RESTAURANT

8643 Olive Blvd

St Louis, MO 63132

(314) 997-2303

Nobu’s Japanese Restaurant is located just west of St. Louis’ Chinatown in what was an abandoned IHOP. While the chain’s signature blue roof remains, no smell of bacon and eggs linger at Nobu’s. Created in 1993 by Noboru Kidera, the sushi chef oversees the longstanding sushi spot, one of St. Louis’ first. While Nobu’s offers sushi favorites such as maguro (tuna), ebi (shrimp) and sake (salmon), those with an adventurous palate may wish to try the awabi (abalone), hirame (fluke) and aoyagi (orange clam). The salmon belly or jaw and mackerel are also highly recommended for those who like more fatty fish.

by Elizabeth Slonim Macanufo
SEKISUI
3024 South Grand Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63118
Diners at Sekisui are treated to one of the most unique features in all of St. Louis restaurants – a calming waterfall dividing the restaurant into two parts. The waterfall forms an open and relaxing atmosphere for sushi lovers to enjoy chef Kenji Nemoto’s creations. Chef Nemoto is notorious for his devotion to St. Louis Cardinal’s player So Taguchi, and has created a Cardinals Roll (smelt roe avocado, smoked salmon, cream cheese, and cucumber) in his honor. Sekisui’s menu includes a section of “Chef Kenji’s Specialties,” listing varieties of Sashimi Salad to squid and octopus with miso sauce. Chef Nemoto is known to wander among his diners, inquiring as to how they’re enjoying his rolls. The answers are inevitably positive.

By Elizabeth Slomin

SUB ZERO VODKA BAR
308 North Euclid Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63011
(314) 367-1200

Sub Zero Vodka Bar is located on prime real estate in the Central West End. The bar specializes in vodka, offering 170 styles kept at 0 degree temperatures. While they’re known for their vodka, they’re also a hot spot for sushi. The menu includes nigiri as well as temaki, or hand rolled sushi. Tamaki varieties include California, salmon, tuna, and eel avocado. Combination plates are available, as well as rolls. The owners put their personal stamp on the menu by creating their own roll. The Lucas Roll contains eel, yellowtail, avocado, and cucumber. Beyond sushi, the Sub Zero menu includes appetizers, such as tempura shrimp and sashimi, fried rice, and for those uninterested in Asian fare, pizza.