by Sarah McClure

Taiko
14775 Jeffrey Rd #K
Irvine, CA 92618
949.559.7190

Not to be confused with the martial art practice of Taiko drumming, (there is a Taiko drumming class nearby), the Taiko sushi restaurant, an American-Japanese style of sushi, sits adjacent to the Oak Creek Golf Club. They have three resident sushi chefs that have been slicing and dicing up divine raw delicacies for 15 years since Taiko opened in 1980. No need to sample Fugi the first time though — the lethal Japanese blowfish contains enough poison to kill you 30 times over if not properly prepared by the chef. However, don’t pass over the toro sashimi or sea scallops that come so fresh they are still in their sea snails shell. The pompano and Japanese sticky potato sweet shrimp boat is as delectable, coming as sweet shrimp sushi, covered in a heap of crabmeat. The fresh abalone is tasty, sautéed in a light butter and panko breadcrumbs. Taiko may push you to eat more ginger to cleanse your palate between bites due to their abundant types of sushi. 

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