The Masterful Mr. Yasuda

A visit to Sushi Yasuda is always a special meal, particularly if Mr. Yasuda artfully prepares the meal. Last nights sushi dinner started with an assortment of clam, squid and octopus sashimis, followed by an assortment of delicious sushi follow-ons. Mr. Yasuda also likes to serve his Japanese delicacies complemented with sake from his hometown, matching perfectly with the fish varieties.

Kajitsu's Mr. Nishihara - Two Michelin Stars

Photos by Tomo

Kajitsu's Mr. Nishihara recently lectured in New York City. His 2-star Michelin rated restaurant provides New Yorkers with a new culinary adventure as well as dazzling artistic and flavor possibilities (shown above).

Izakaya Ten Sake Bar - Unique Sake Tasting Map

Izakaya Ten is located on 10th Ave between 22nd and 23rd Street, with a huge Japanese mural providing a distinctive facing. The front bar has a wide selection of sakes, and a unique tasting map which rates each sake on a measure of dry/fruity/light/rich characteristics. Servings are by glass, carafe and bottle for most of the list, usually served with some fresh edamane. Assorted traditional street/pub foods also available, with a good downtown vibe and cutting-edge music selection.

ChickaLicious - 203 E 10th NYC

Photo by Tomo

After great Japanese food, nothing like a fun dessert. ChickaLicious fits the bill perfectly. The main dessert bar serves a three-course, fixed-price line-up of great Japanese infused dessert selections. If you also want "take-out" check out the sister store right across the street. Above is pictured the superb chololate eclair. Get there early for take-out, since they often sell-out at about 9:30pm.

Sik Gaek - Korean Octopus Sashimi Extraordinare

Photo by Tomo

Sik Gaek is located in Flushing, NY, only about a 20 minutes LIRR train ride from Penn Station in Manhatten. A quick walk from the Broadway trainstation and you are transported to Korea. You are taken to a BBQ table and start the meal off with a table side cooked fried egg, some fresh carrots adorned with a touch of hot sauce. The most extraordinary aspect of the meal a chance to eat live octopus sashimi. The specialty of Sik Gaek is there lobster/octopus hot pot. The first portion of the meal involves the fresh octopus sashimi, which arrives very much alive in small pieces. This tests your chop stick skills but is a tasty delicacy. A hot pot of live lobster and octopus, assorted crabs, snails, clams, scallops and noodles is then presented, and cooks while you watch. An amazing spectacle. Be careful to not observe too close to the cooking pan, since the lobster claws are still moving. The friendly staff at Sik Gaek is extremely helpful in explaining the dishes, as well as preparing the lobster, octopus and crab for eating. A highly unique, satisfying and fun meal.