514-C South Van Dorn Street, ALexandria, VA 22304 (703) 751-3133

I was fortunate enough to be invited for sushi with Neil in Northern Virginia on Sunday. The restaurant is relatively non-descript in a strip mall, next to a kebob shop. We were seated in front of the bar where we could see the sushi, sashimi, and rolls being prepared to order.

Both of us ordered the Salmon sampler ($15.95). The sampler came with a bowl of what I think was miso soup (slightly different from what you get at Japanese Steakhouses, as this had tofu in it), as well as an iceberg lettuce salad with ginger dressing. The soup was hot and tasty, and the salad had a nice crunch to it. The server also brought us a small bowl of edamame, and two small fried wonton like pieces filled with cream cheese.

I’ll admit it was a bit of a challenge to not look like a novice, with chopsticks being the only utensils provided, but I managed. Neil, having eaten there frequently, is the chopstick expert, even though I managed to hide my ineptitude.

The platters arrived, almost overflowing with wonderful delicacies (sake [norimaki], nigiri, and temaki) . The salmon was fresh and firm. The rice was just sticky enough. The nori, however, was more than just a bit tough, which made eating the temaki rather difficult. The platter was finished with a serving of wasabi and ginger, along with a daikon salad.

The dining was an experience that was nice on a Sunday evening. When I’m next in the area, they’re sure to be on my list!

Food: (4.25)
Service: (4.75)
Price: (4.25)
Overall: (4.5)