Yamasan Sushi & Grill (Lunch)

8/24/2018 Noon –

I was on the way to Sushi Lola’s to a review but I arrived 15 minutes early, for they open at 11:30a and I remembered another sushi place I’ve been wanting to try for a couple months now called Yamasan Sushi & Grill in Orlando, FL. Located on 17-92 (Mills Ave) at the tail end of the northbound restaurant blow up from Winter Park to Maitland, Yamasan sits in a small area with 3 other restaurants, all free standing around a small courtyard. It’s very city modern, and highly attractive. Parking is at a premium sometimes, so if you can Lyft or Uber, make sure you do so for the evening rushes in the area.

Now, I drive for Lyft and 17-92/Mills Ave isn’t really a high traffic area during the day, and I discovered Yamasan from a passenger, who was a waitress at the restaurant. I’ve driven a few sushi restaurant employees to and from work and I always ask if they like sushi. This passenger was the first (and so far only) one to say she loves sushi! She told me I had to come when I dropped her off. The outside appearance of Yamasan is really appealing. Modern American construction with a Japanese flare. Outside seating is available, and inside seating with a 12 seat sushi bar.

I was greeted by the outside attendant who was cleaning – and I must say the place is extremely clean, well lit, and beautiful. Look at that wall fountain!

I was greeted inside by the host, and waiter, given the menus (sake/wine) and full menu. A sign outside gave the specials. The host gave me a complimentary shot of hot sake that was very refreshing for being hot, and semi-strong. It was 11:45am when I sat down so this woke me up. The sushi chefs also greeted me. The host asked if this was my first time here, which I responded yes, and he started giving me the rundown on his fresh uni (sea urchin) and o-toro (fatty blue fin tuna belly). VERY nice for a restaurant to do this.

I placed an order for salted salmon onigiri (rice balls; $4.50) and watched the chefs prep for the day, and my meal. Tuna, roe, and smoked eel under the glass, and the smell of cooking food made the atmosphere serene. There’s a TV which is turned very low so as not to disturb and tables around. The decor, as you can see, is modern. Each seat has a plate for your chopsticks, soy sauce, napkin and metal chopsticks. I asked for wooden, as metal is so cold. My drink order was as usual unsweet tea ($2.50).

After placing my order for onigiri, the waiter took my sushi order – octopus (tako) nigiri ($5.50), blue fin o-toro nigiri (M.P. ended up being $22), escolar nigiri (6.00) and a tuna roll (tekka, $6.75).

Two soft and warm rice balls of tasty salmon was handed to me by the chef. It was so good I forgot to snap a pic with both! The rice was a wonderful body temp and perfectly handled. The salmon inside smooth, firm, and delicious. A couple drink refills later, the sushi chef handed me my first plate – the nigiri.

From Right to Left: Escolar (makrel), O-toro (fatty blue fin tuna belly) and tako (octopus)

Let me tell you, that o-toro was amazing. So silky was the fat, as as o-toro should, melted in my mouth. The host commented earlier all their tuna is o-toro, and he is correct to brag about that to his customers! The tako had the perfect amount of chew to it, a beautiful color, and presented gorgeously. Something about the dark reddish purple appeals to me. The escolar also was delicious and smooth. The rice though wasn’t pressed hard enough so mixing it with metal chopsticks (I asked for wood right after trying the metal), didn’t work at all. An abundant amount of pink ginger (gar) was given, and was helpful between the onigiri and nigiri. Finishing this plate left me sad as more o-toro was wanted badly!

The tuna roll came between the 4th and 5th piece. Simple, elegant and rolled perfectly. The cut also allowed more seaweed paper (nori) to be grasped. The tuna is a dark reddish hue as it should be, no wasabi was to be tasted inside the roll.

Now this is probably the most I’ve spent on sushi alone, ever. And I must say, I would happily do it again. Extremely friendly staff, talkative and skilled chefs, a clean and enjoyable restaurant, and sushi priced perfectly for the quality! Visit Yamasan, please! You won’t be sorry and you’ll be raving about it like I am!

Yamasan Sushi is located at: 1606 N. Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
Hours:
Sunday – Monday 11:30a until 9:30p

Phone: 407-228-1730
Website: http://www.yamasansushigrill.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yamasandining1/

Arigato Sushi (Lunch)

First trip 8/17/2018 12:45pm –

Arigato Sushi has been in Winter Park, Florida for a long time. It resides in an old red-roof Pizza Hut that I ate at regularly in the early to 1990s when my grandmother lived 2 miles up the road in Casselberry. The Pizza Hut was run-of-the-mill but Arigato Sushi is deceptive from the outside.

Arigato Sushi is reported to be casual Asian dining. Located next to a bar, fitness club and a CVS pharmacy, this might put you off. But be adventurous. Reviews are high for this small place. Specials are on the road sign, rice and noodles take out special, and bento boxes.

When I entered, the host greeted me, and I asked if they had a sushi bar, which is right around the corner from the entrance. Extremely attractive, it has clear displays to see the seafood offerings (tuna, salmon, octopus, white fish). Sushi boats, katanas, and banners on on display. I will say, I dislike katana sets (katana, wakizashi and tanto) being displayed in Japanese restaurants. They’re almost always wall-hangers that really are just big butter knives. Arigato has two (one pictured below). Seeing the ingredients on display really made me hungry, especially that octopus..

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The host gave me two menus (regular, and specials menu) and took my drink order. The sushi portions of the menu are respectable, with individual types being sold as 2pc nigiri and 3 piece sashimi. A different offering compared to the 1pc many restaurants offer. Prices respectable $5 to market price (uni, squid). The sushi chef did not greet me, or talk to me throughout the entire meal. The atmosphere is casual, but modern semi-elegant. Enjoyable with a TV on that isn’t so loud as I wouldn’t be able to talk to a guest I might have with me, kitchen noise is quite low, and fellow patron conversations cannot easily be overheard. I ordered what I consider standards for a sushi bar – tuna roll, salmon roll, and 2pc uni nigiri. I was informed they did not have uni. Japanese uni won’t come into season until next month (September), Maine sushi is only 3 months (Sept, Dec/Jan) but California is a summer-time catch so should be available. I can only guess perhaps it’s not popular?

Miso soup was served before, as part of the combo. Was tasty and hot. My meal came extremely fast – no more than 7 minutes. To me this doesn’t bode well. 2 rolls and 2pc of nigiri shouldn’t come that fast. What arrived is what’s pictured below.

The octopus (tako) nigiri was amazing. I saved it for last because it was so beautiful. The salmon roll was tasty, as was the tuna. I normally am a tuna fanboy, but the salmon won this round. Larger pieces of fish are present as compared to surrounding restaurants. There only downsides were the knife skills of the chef. The rice can be seen poking out of the end pieces, along with the fish. Thin rolls also made using fingers slightly more difficult. The rolls were not rolled tightly, as picking them up, they unrolled partially. Props though as wasabi was used in the construction of the roll. It’s lingering heat leads me to believe it’s not true wasabi, but the amalgamated paste (horseradish). Soy sauce (low sodium and regular) were made available, along with a ramekin to pour it into. Pink ginger (gari) was available instead of white.

My drink was not refilled until after I had finished eating. The price was right on (~$18) for 2 rolls, and 2pc nigiri, and drink.

Arigato Sushi was a pleasant little surprise. I have lived near it so long, but never stopped in. I definitely would again, to try their other offerings.

Arigato Sushi is located at 1560 Semoran Blvd, Winter Park, Florida 32792

Hours:
Lunch:
Monday – Saturday 11:30 – 3:30p

Dinner:
Monday – Thursday 5p – 10p
Friday – Saturday 5p to 11p
Sunday 5p – 10p

Phone # – 407-740-8018
Website – http://www.arigatosushiwinterpark.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ArigatoWinterPark/

Hokkaido Sushi & Teppan (Lunch)

First Trip 1:30 p 8/2/2018 –

I’m doing this review, on the side. I travel around Orlando – A LOT! I average 140 miles per day driving. I see low income neighborhoods in Parramore, Orlando to $3 million dollar mansions in Winter Park, FL. So I see many sushi bars and restaurants around. Which to choose?

Near me alone there’s a a half dozen, and I’ve tried many. But the one I always come back to, for sushi and Japanese cuisine, is Hokkaido Sushi and Teppan in Winter Springs, Seminole County, Florida.

HokkaidoLogo

I’ve been eating at Hokkaido for 7 years. I’ve come alone, and with family. Over the years I had ordered sushi as an appetizer. I’ve loved Japanese culture since 1992. Like most American children, I was exposed to it on Saturday mornings with Anime (cartoons) like Dragon Ball Z, Ronin Warriors (called Yotoden Samurai Troopers in Japan), Sailor Moon, Ranma 1/2, and Tenchi Muyo!

I grew up in East Orlando – Azalea Park/Dover Shores. Sushi restaurants hadn’t existed yet. The only sushi you could get was at Goodings, who had a sushi bar made-to-order. Free samples drew me in, but whenever I brought it home, it wasn’t as good. When I moved to Casselberry in 1999, sushi restaurants were in larger parts of Central Florida. Buffets had sushi, but people were (and still are) weary of eating sushi of them. To date, I’ve only gotten sick once off buffet sushi and that restaurant is long closed in Altamonte Springs, Seminole County, FL. When I discovered Hokkaido not 4 miles away, I jumped!

Sushi, and a real sushi bar! Katsu, tempura, unagi udon, and now kimchi tofu! And teppanyaki: arguably the most recognizable Japanese dish outside of sushi in America. Where the chef does a knife and spatula show on the hot griddle in front of you, flipping shrimps and setting oil on fire.

I ate there two times a month. And still do! While we don’t sit at the teppan tables anymore (Hokkaido makes teppan in the back for you if you sit in the dining room), sushi is a mainstay.

Today, Hokkaido has just had a remodel, opening up the dining room so it appears much larger, with more Asian trinkets by the entrance (none are for sale). On the doors are hand written specials. The motif is modern Japanese/Japanese-American with fish wind socks (in Japan, these are for Boys Day). Upon entering, to the right is the dinning room, and to the left are 6 teppan stations. In the back is a six seat sushi bar. The colors are dark turquoise and black. The tourist feel of the teppan restaurant is not present here, replaced by a more calm and adult feel. The teppan though still has a fun feel if you bring grandma, crazy uncle, or the kids. When you enter, you’re seated in whichever station you’d like, given a menu and a sushi check-off sheet long with a lunch or specials menu.

Upon this trip, eating mid-week during lunch, it was slightly slow. The hostess was seated at the table in the back, not the front counter. I walked towards the bar and told her I’d be sitting at the sushi bar. She greeted me with a smile, handed me the lunch menu and regular menu and took my drink order. The sushi chef greeted me. The sushi bar has the rounded clear glass, with the fish and sushi ingredients behind it. The temperature variant has the glass fogged over so I cannot see the items, but as I watched him, the tuna was a dark beautiful red.

I ordered the tuna 3-way, something I’d ordered 2 weeks ago. It consists of a spicy tuna roll (8 pieces), 3 pieces of tuna sushi (nigiri), and 4 slices of tuna tataki. Tuna tataki is yellow fin tuna, seared, and served in a citrus soy sauce. Green onions on top for garnish and cucumber beneath (garnish and vegetables are variable). I watched him prepare the tataki with a propane blowtorch. The tuna 3 way comes with a house salad, which is an iceberg salad with onions, with a homemade dressing which is mild, creamy, and pleasant.

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It took just under 10 minutes to have the sushi prepared, but instead of the chef handing it to me, he rang a small bell and the waitress came and took it around the bar (which is basically 3 steps). Soy sauce is on the bar, but no small ramekin was presented to pour it into. I had ordered 2 pieces of uni as well, and the small plate they came on became the soy sauce bowl.

The uni looked great. Tasted even better. I wish I’d ordered more. The spicy tuna roll was tasty with sesame seeds. The tuna was chopped a little too much for my taste. The tuna nigiri, as always, was the star of the plate. Tuna nigiri is the highlight of any dish for me. Rolls are like the potatoes in a steak dinner (unless I order o-toro; fatty tuna belly). The tuna tataki I had before. The first time I ever had it was so amazing. A mixture of warm and cold, with green onion in a citrus soy sauce. This time was also good, though seared a half second too long. The chef did not talk to me during the entire preparation, or as I ate.

When I had finished, the waitress asked if I wanted a refill of my drink, or one to go, though she did not ask while I was eating and took a phone call in the background.

Hokkaido has the atmosphere of a very modern, clean, and quick restaurant. As their signs boast many to-go and seasonal dishes (kimchi tofu hotpot is delicious, I had it two weeks ago). I would recommend removing a few of these signs and going for a seasonal board to greet diners.

I enjoyed this trip, as I usually do.

I look forward to my next trip shortly!

Hokkaido Sushi & Teppan is located at 5272 Red Bug Lake Road, Winter Springs, Florida.

Hours:
Tuesday Closed
Monday 11:30am-3pm • 4:30pm-10pm
Wednesday & Thursday 11:30am-3pm • 4:30am-10pm
Friday 11:30am-11pm
Saturday 12pm-11pm
Sunday 12pm-10pm
Phone # – 407-388-2888
Website – http://www.hokkaidofl.com/
Facebook – facebook.com/hokkaidowintersprings

It’s not just rice and fish..

Did you know it’s not all just rice and fish?

There are three (3) main types:

Maki – this is what most of us think of what sushi is. Fish, or seafood, rolled in rice, with or without seaweed paper (called nori). The simple A.A.C. roll to Futo-Maki (big roll), to o-toro (fatty tuna belly) and umi (sea urchin). What you see at our local Publix supermarket with white or brown rice, or Aldi and sometimes even Wal-Mart!
Most popular maki – A.A.C. roll, Kalifornia (or California) Roll, futo-maki, tuna (yellow, blue or black fin), and/or salmon roll.

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Sashimi – most would probably think this has just an ingredient in maki or nigiri. The cut is different, but sashimi is just the meat/flesh of sea animal; cooked or uncooked.
Most popular sashimi – tuna (yellow, blue or black fin), salmon, “white fish” (a variety of fish from cod, to haddock, to trout).

sashimi

Nigiri – Nigiri makes some of the most beautiful of sushi. The cut of the flesh and skin, colors of the animal, and arrangement of them on a plate. Nigiri is the flesh of the animal, on a pat or pad of rice. Nigiri and maki are the two most popular sushi types in America, while all three appear on family “boats”.
Most popular nigiri – tuna (yellow, blue, or black fin), salmon, “white fish”, conch, shrimp, egg

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What’s that on my plate?
When you get your plate, there will be two (2) things on the plate that may confuse you:

Ginger – sliced white pickled ginger. This is not a garnish or a topping! Though you can put it on top of the sushi (but that’s rude!) Ginger is used to cleanse your palette between different types of sushi. It is available canned or in jars at Asian markets, and Publix. Fresh ginger does not work, must be pickled first.

SushiGinger

Wasabi – Traditional wasabi grows in rivers in Japan and is VERY expensive! Almost all restaurants use a horseradish mixture to simulate the taste. Many maki rolls have wasabi in them to some degree. Like ginger, it can be used to cleanse your palette between types of sushi. The horseradish mixture is not as smooth as the tradition wasabi. Wasabi itself has a hot spice feel that doesn’t last more than a couple seconds, than a sweet flavor. If the restaurant offers traditional wasabi – get it! And always ask!

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31st July, 2018. M. Barker. Images (c) Copyright respective owners, collected from Google Images.