After visiting PK’s family in NH for the holidays, I wanted to check out some thrift stores (hoping to add more crap to my collections of way too many things). When we were at one thrift, we realized we needed some food (and drinks). We saw the sign for Shio, and decided to give it a shot. Being an urban food snob, my expectations were low.
I was wrong…
We ordered 2 Mai Tais, chirashi, and one of their fancy rolls. The Mai Tais was pretty good. They weren’t close to as good as the old Spring Blossom quality, but they were pretty much on par with Green Tea (which is well above average for Boston restaurants).
The sashimi was really fresh and delicious. The cuts were a good size and the price was right. (I think the chirashi was $12 during lunch and it came with 12 pieces.)
So, if you are anywhere near Portsmouth, and are craving sushi, you should definitely check it out.
Japanese, NH, NewHampshire, Sushi
Japanese, New Hampshire, NH, Sushi
The other night after going to Winter Brew at Urbano’s new space in JP, PK and I were craving some sushi, but we didn’t want to spend much.
We headed to Sushi Express. The plan was to get sashimi, but for some reason we abandoned that plan when we got there and went for sushi and a couple of their fancy rolls. While many complain that their sushi isn’t great, I feel that you get what you pay for, and when you don’t want to spend much, Sushi Express hits the spot. While their fancy rolls are okay if that’s your thing, I recommend sticking with the sashimi and sushi.
Brookline, Cheap, Sushi
Brookline, Cheap, Sushi
After stopping at Booksmith, PK and I decided to try Mr. Sushi and see what we could get for under $20. We decided to share the Chirashi (sashimi and vegetables over rice; $13.95). The amount of food, variety, and the quality of the sashimi was great for the price. Also, the rice was seasoned and cooked to perfection, which is something that I rarely find.
Verdict: While Mr.Sushi is not our favorite place to go for sushi, we really enjoyed what we ordered and will definitely go back.
Brookline, Sushi
Last night before going to see Brain Failure (a punk band from Beijing) play, PK and I ate at Sushi Express. We ordered 2 Inaris ($.80/each), 2 pieces of Tuna ($1.05/each), 1 Octopus ($1.05), 1 Squid ($1.05), 1 Una Avo Roll (Eel and Avocado; $4.15), 1 Spicy Yellowtail Roll ($3.65), and 2 Spicy Squid Nigiri ($2.65 for 2). Everything was delicious. The Spicy Squid was probably our least favorite, although it was still good.
Verdict: If you want to eat sushi on a budget, it does not get much better than this. The pieces of fish might not be as big as at other (more expensive) places and there is not much ambiance, but the quality is great. Oh, if you pay with cash, they take a small percentage off your bill.
Brookline, Sushi
PK and I were in the mood to get sushi at a place where neither of had been before. After scanning through a few options, we decided to check out Tsunami since we could bring our own alcohol. Based on tips from various reviews, we decided to try some of their fancy rolls. We got the Volcano Maki ($13.95; scallops, mushrooms, flying fish roe, and more that was on top of crispy spicy tuna), Spicy Maguro ($6.50), Hawaiian Fruit Maki ($11.95; mango, eel, banana, avocado, crab, and more), and Beef Tataki ($7.95). Our favorite was the Hawaiian Fruit Maki since the flavors of the fruit tasted great with the eel even though the cheap crab took away from the dish.
Verdict: Overall, the meal was just okay. Our main complaint was that almost everything was made with too much mayonnaise, and that flavor was just too strong. However, the fish that was not overpowered by the mayonnaise flavor tasted terrific. Next time we go, I want to make some cocktails to go to enjoy with their sashimi.
Brookline, Sushi
Oishii! We started the meal off with a cold bottle of Otokoyama Sake ($40). Next, we ordered Diamond Shrimp ($6.50), Bai Gai ($6), Kinzan Sake ($20), Spicy Crispy Maki with Tuna ($15), Spicy Tuna Maki ($4.95), , and Brad’s Torch Maki ($15). The picture is of the last three items. I really wish that I took a picture of the Kinzan Sake since the presentation was amazing. It consisted of a circular mound of small pieces of salmon topped with truffles, plenty of truffle oil, caviar, and gold leaves. This dish was the highlight of the evening.
Verdict: Oishii is the best place for sushi. The only place that I have been to that even comes close is Sushi Nozawa in Los Angeles. The only dish that did not stand out was the Bai Gai. I would definitely order everything else again. Next time, I want to try the Crispy Foie Gras.
Chestnut Hill, Sushi