~ryanlowe/blog: Sushi and Sashimi Special

Sushi and Sashimi Special

I ate sushi for the first time last night and enjoyed it. I never was a big fish eater because my mother doesn't eat fish at all. I still haven't tried lobster or shellfish.

I went to the Takara Japanese Restaurant on Dalhousie Street in Ottawa, a pretty nice place inside. As a student I used to pass it every time I stumbled home after a night on the town but rarely noticed it because it would be closed. The Market is almost two completely different places night and day.

To try some variety I got a sushi and sashimi special, with many different kinds of fish. Salmon, tuna (raw and cooked), shrimp, scallops, crab, clam, egg and probably other stuff I'm forgetting. Only a few were wrapped in seaweed and were filled with rice and fish, not vegatables. I'm not sure if that's still called makizushi.

I had fun using the chopsticks but got used to it. I didn't give up and use the fork, even though the waitress noticed me struggling at first and gave me one. :)

As for the taste, I was really surprised how good everything was. I used the wasabi, ginger and soy sauce very lightly so it didn't overpower the fish. I ate some of the fish plain to see what it tasted like. I was surprised how much it filled me up -- it doesn't look like much on the plate -- but you end up eating a lot of rice. It's not like going out for chicken wings when you need to eat before you eat.

Overall I'd say it was a great experience. The only thing holding me back from going again soon is the price. The special I ate was $21 CAN before tax and tip.

Posted at May 12, 2004 at 08:45 AM EST
Last updated May 12, 2004 at 08:45 AM EST

Comments

Sushi is wonderful the more you try. The first couple of times, I didn't really like it, but after that it is getting better and better. The Wasabi has always been a personal fav. of mine.

You're right, it's very expensive, so it's more of special occasions. Next time try the sake too. :-D

» Posted by: Jim at May 12, 2004 01:17 PM

Yeah, I didn't have sake but I did drink quite a bit of green tea.

» Posted by: Ryan at May 12, 2004 01:41 PM

Sake is great... but if you do get it... do it right and get it Hot. You can typically order it Hot, Warm or Cold.

As far as the Sushi/Sashimi goes, like everything else, the quality and price depend on where you go. A particually good place to check out is Suisha Gardens at the corner of Bank and Slater. The food is great, and the price is fairly reasonable. If you end up going with a group of people... phone ahead and reserve a room downstairs. They've got a traditional japanese style environment, complete with rock garden / paper walls, etc.

My personal favourite is Sushi-Maki on Cresent St. in Mtl. Excellent sushi for cheap.

-k

» Posted by: Kris at May 12, 2004 02:52 PM

I haven't often eaten sushi but I did have pineapple/smoked salmon sushi once and it was delish. Some of my friends make their own, tastes great and much less $$$.

» Posted by: itsy at May 12, 2004 03:07 PM

wtf?!? how hell does trackback work. anywayz. I was trying to use it...here's my post about it: http://members.rogers.com/sometimesboredinottawa/2004_05_01_archive.html#108438022754707900

btw. personally, I hate Saki. Everything else - Good :-)

» Posted by: roy at May 12, 2004 06:30 PM

Never tried the Sake myself. But I do love the sushi. Had it for my first and only time at christmas. It's good stuff.

» Posted by: Kibbee at May 12, 2004 10:38 PM

Where is there a good wings place in Ottawa? Rosie O'Grady's was amazing in first year. They had wings for under 10c/wing at one point. I guess that was too cheap though, cuz they went out of business later on. Now i'm screwed, cuz i don't know of another place where you can get (non-breaded) wings for cheap. Where, tell me, where?

» Posted by: Scott at May 13, 2004 09:48 AM

Hmm....I don't know if the special is still on, but maybe, just maybe, the Duke of Somerset might have a special on Mondays. It's been a looong time, you could give them a call first. They also had the 10c/wing deal.

» Posted by: sometimes bored in ottawa at May 13, 2004 10:24 AM

Scott : Double-Decker's in the market used to have incredible wings (and cheap too!), but apparently they've closed down now. :(

(I'm also looking for a good wing-place...)

» Posted by: peter at May 13, 2004 01:03 PM

Lowe, come try some sushi in Munich with me. Dinner for two will set you back 160$ Canadian ... total rip-off! Best sushi I ever had was Tanpopo in Vancouver. I wonder if they still have the all you can eat for 20$ CAD + tax & tip ...

» Posted by: Nick at May 14, 2004 05:57 AM

I forgot to ask before. How did you resolve the trackback problem? I never seem to have any luck with it.

» Posted by: Jim at May 18, 2004 08:40 PM