Comments and ratings from Jonathan Ross

The World-Wide Sushi Restaurant Reference
Comments and ratings from Jonathan Ross

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Jonathan Ross has contributed information about 5 restaurants: Octopus, Sushi Go 55, Sushi Iki, Nihon Restaurant and Cultural Center, Sushi Gen.

About Octopus (San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles County, California)
Last visited November 2005.

Variety of sushi: Usual selection.
Freshness of sushi: Fresh.
Presentation of sushi: Average.
Generosity of sushi portions: Average.

Promptness of service: Prompt.
Courtesy of service: Courteous.
Accuracy of service: Accurate.
Cleanliness - dining and visible kitchen areas: Clean.
Cleanliness - restrooms: Clean.

``The new Encino location is pretty good. Opened about a year ago, Octopus continues its "half-price" sushi menu on all but specialty items. Freshness is quite up to par. The slate stone trickle waterfall covers half the room and makes for an impressive atmosphere which distinguishes this facility from every other sushi bar, although the concrete floor looks incomplete. Good atmosphere, somewhat smaller than Burbank location. ''

About Sushi Go 55 (Central Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California)
Last visited October 2005.

Variety of sushi: Somewhat broader than average.
Freshness of sushi: Very fresh.
Presentation of sushi: Exceptional attention to presentation.
Generosity of sushi portions: Average.

Promptness of service: Notably attentive.
Courtesy of service: Very courteous.
Accuracy of service: Accurate.
Cleanliness - dining and visible kitchen areas: Cleaner than usual.

``Located on the second floor of a shopping mall in Little Tokyo, Sushi Go 55 lives up to its location. It better be good, and it is, if slightly pricey. But being right next to the downtown fish market makes all the difference. Wow. Would go again. ''

About Sushi Iki (San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles County, California)
Last visited October 2005.

Variety of sushi: Broad range of uncommon items.
Freshness of sushi: Very fresh.
Presentation of sushi: Exceptional attention to presentation.
Generosity of sushi portions: Very large portions.

Promptness of service: Notably attentive.
Courtesy of service: Very courteous.
Accuracy of service: Accurate.
Cleanliness - dining and visible kitchen areas: Cleaner than usual.

``Going to Sushi Iki is kind of like being on a deluxe cruise ship or a luxury vacation. It's the same vibe. The courtesy of service is about as cheerful and polite as you are likely to find. The sushi is expensive but huge and special. Worth the price for what you get. If you're hungry you could run up quite a tab, and enjoy every minute of it. Top of the line place.''

About Nihon Restaurant and Cultural Center (SE, Hawaii, Hawaii)
Last visited November 2005.

Variety of sushi: Usual selection.
Freshness of sushi: Seemed stale.
Presentation of sushi: Average.
Generosity of sushi portions: Average.

Promptness of service: Prompt.
Courtesy of service: Very courteous.
Accuracy of service: Accurate.
Cleanliness - dining and visible kitchen areas: Clean.

``The location of this restaurant is remarkable, probably the most special of any sushi restaurant I've visited. It is an elevated structure with a fantastic view of Hilo Bay. Park your vehicle and walk up the stairs and you will be greeted by a most courteous hostess.

``A veranda reveals a Banyan tree or two and other lush scenery. This seems to be a gathering place for the local Japanese-American community. No tourists were found. Furnishing are strictly Japanese style, but not shoji-intensive.

``Unfortunately, the freshness of the sushi does not, in my humble opinion, meet big city standards. Hamachi is $6.50, uni was $9.95 and watery. Quality of tea and miso is very good. Restaurant won awards as best sushi in Hilo in 97 and 98.

``''

About Sushi Gen (Central Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California)
Last visited June 2005.

Variety of sushi: Broad range of uncommon items.
Freshness of sushi: Clearly freshly caught.
Presentation of sushi: Exceptional attention to presentation.
Generosity of sushi portions: Somewhat larger than usual.

Promptness of service: Prompt.
Courtesy of service: Very courteous.
Accuracy of service: Accurate.
Cleanliness - dining and visible kitchen areas: Cleaner than usual.

``Located in a prime location in Little Tokyo, Sushi Gen is definitely a world-class sushi experience, attracting lawyers and businessmen from downtown, and garnering praise from local officials, including a plaque from the mayor.

``But niceties aside, the atmosphere, professionalism and attentiveness in the place are killer! And the prices are highly tolerable. If you show up during lunch or dinner, expect a modest wait. The bar is manned by a whole cadre of attentive sushi chefs. I think you'll be as impressed as I was. Also got gizzard shad, something you don't normally see. Worth the trip downtown. Heck, take the subway to Union Station and walk three blocks, you're there.''

Disclaimer. Make sure you have read the full disclaimer located in the overview to this restaurant guide. Basically: I cannot vouch for the accuracy of any information on this page; remember that the comments are no more than the opinions of strangers; before you venture out to explore the places listed here, it would be a good idea to make sure they are still open, and to verify their exact locations.