Back in the 90s, Nobu introduced to New Yorkers the concept of Japanese “fusion” dining. For the next decade, almost every Japanese restaurant and their Madison Ave PR teams were showcasing the latest in fusion cuisine. No cultures were off limits, as long as you can add a bit of raw fish, you have yourself some cutting edge fusion appeal. What you don’t find at these places, however, are Japanese diners.

Like everything else in New York, however, the true classics always stay the course. Traditional Japanese sushi restaurants such as Hatsuhana remained unfazed by the glitzy glamor of house-music, Peruvian flavors and fancy sake-tinis, and remain the darling or “Sushi Enthusiasts”.

Looking at the more recent year’s Food Review Guides, you’ll notice one trend. The traditional sushi restaurants have reclaimed their title on top of the scorecards. As I learn to appreciate sushi and sashimi, my taste buds have become more demanding. So I have decided to try Sushi Yasuda, which some call the best sushi in New York City.

Making a reservation wasn’t too difficult, but having to remember your “reservation number” was frustrating for a restaurant of this caliber. So I arrived on Saturday afternoon with an empty stomach, a willing wallet, and my tourist-spec camera.

Before proceeding any further, I want to clear up a misconception. I have read various reviews about Sushi Yasuda being pricey, and was initially hesitant about making the reservation for the sake of my mortgage. However after reviewing the menu and chatting with the maitre d’, it wasn’t as bad as I expected. There are plenty of $20~$30 options, and the Omakase starts around $70. Sure it’s still pricey, but no sticker shock.

The staff was extremely attentive. I inquired about the Omakase, and was asked if I wanted the “Sushi Omakase” or the “Sashimi Omakase”. Before I could even answer, the maitre d’ followed with this statement.

“I would recommend Sushi, after all, we are called Sushi Yasuda, not Sashimi Yasuda”

Dry humor, but I loved it. Sushi it is.

Soft Shell Crab, fresh and in season

Striped bass covered with reddish

We also got a few appetizers to start, “reddish covered striped bass” and soft-shell crab (in season) which were very good. Throughout this time I looked at Chef Yasuda work his magic behind the sushi bar, and judging from the faces of the diners sitting there, the Omakase will be exciting.

All the sushi came together, at once. Two pieces of each variety. While a bit overwhelming to remember what each fish were, it was quite a sight to behold.

This is glorious, truly is.

I’m not going to even attempt to describe with text the flavors of each fish, but you MUST go and experience the oyster sushi. No matter if you are a oyster lover, or are scared of shell fishes, this will blow your mind. “Peace passage oysters”, repeat after me, memorize it, and go and try it. It’s one of those mind blowing moments.

Close-up shots of the Fatty Tuna

Even the regular tuna was amazing

In face we liked the oyster so much that we got two more of it.

The most amazing oysters in NYC.

In conclusion, this is not the place to go if you want to impress tourist friends. However, if you want to enjoy the best in traditional Japanese cuisine (in NYC at least), you cannot go wrong with Sushi Yasuda. I would go again, and in fact, I am going again in 2 weeks.

CS

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Sushi Yasuda
204 East 43rd Street New York City 10017
212.972.1001

September 17th, 2009 | Tags: Japanese, Midtown, Omakase, Peace Passage Oyster, Sushi Yasuda | Category: Japanese | Subscribe to comments | Leave a comment | Trackback URL