For me, dining is an experience. The food, the ambiance, the wait staff, everything. Everyone has subjective tastes, but at least I can tell you if I enjoyed the meal as an event. I’m not asking all waiters behave like the exceptional staff at Jean George’s, just learn your role, and do it well.
I guess you guys can see where this entry is heading.
Ushiwakamaru, I discovered this place after reading some online reviews on Sushi Yasuda, stating how this place is better. “Impossible!” I thought, having declared Yasuda the best sushi restaurant in NYC on my blog only days before. Without a moment’s delay, I picked up my phone to make a reservation, and spoke with a Japanese girl with a modest accent. At the end of the call I inquired about photography, and was told that it was not allowed, period.
We could always go with PR photos, I thought. So the reservation was confirmed.
We arrived Saturday afternoon and looked at the stylish exterior of the restaurant. I pulled out the DSLR and took 2 pictures, then tucked it away for dinner, respecting the house rules.
The name is long, but sounds sophisticated.
The tiny restaurant hides behind these big wooden doors
The Maitre d’ who greeted us was an attractive young women, and by her voice she was the person I spoke with in the afternoon. Our waitress was also an attractive young woman, looking more like a model than a service professional.
We ordered Omakase. “Sample the best” I thought. The food, and presentation was incredibly simple, but also incredibly tasty. The first plate was a few slices of sashimi, followed by some nigiri sushi, then capped by 3 pieces of the “heavier” sushi pieces. Portions are described as “small” at best. Was it good, yes, Yasuda good? No. Plus seriously pricey! Sneaked in a few shots with my iPhone along the way.
A few delicate but excellent pieces of sashimi
followed by 4 pieces of nigiri
capped with uni, ikura and eel.
Just minutes after eating my last piece, suddenly from behind my back came a voice “Are you done?”
You’ve got to be kidding me…….
The waitress repeated “are you done?”
One thing about Omakase on a semi-fixed budget (as opposed to the Kuruma Zushi version) is that you never know how much food you’re getting, so I appreciate a heads up or a message telling us the meal’s over. This was neither a message, or a request for additional orders. This was just rude and pathetic.
So after she reached from behind my back to clear the table, I asked for the check and was ready to leave. On the way out, I asked the Maitre d’ for PR photos, this is the response I got.
“oh, we don’t do PR photos. but what I forgot to tell you is that you actually CAN take photos, I told you the wrong information this afternoon. Now can you move? we have customers at the door”
(So you remember me, and now you tell me)
I apologize for this rant piece, needless to say I did not enjoy the dinner. However from an objective, purely culinary point of view, the food is excellent. Just don’t expect the zen-like environment at Yasuda.
CS
Rating: 
136 W Houston St
(between Mac Dougal St & Sullivan St)
New York, NY 10012
(212) 228-4181
