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Restaurant Review:

Sushi at Matsu comes with side of friendly

May 28, 2009|By John Reger

Friendliness at sushi places is usually routine and the sushi chefs most times add to the congenial atmosphere, but Matsu seems to take that up a notch, especially at lunch.

The two chefs that were working the 12-seat sushi bar were Yuki and Yoshi. Yuki has been there much longer than Yoshi and was watching intently as Yoshi worked his magic on dishes like Rainbow rolls and fresh sashimi.

This is a place where locals congregate regularly. Many of the people there know one another, and it seems like Yuki knows them all. Evidence of that was when one woman walked in and Yuki said, “Hi, long time no see,” laughing as he said it. She replied, “Yes, it’s been a whole 24 hours.”

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Getting a seat at the sushi bar can be tough, especially at peak hours, but that should not deter diners from going to the restaurant. Even if you aren’t going to get the show at the sushi bar, the rest of the restaurant and bar area is a perfect place to accommodate any fresh fish itch you need scratched.

Besides, if diners sit in the restaurant they will have access to the full menu, which consists of Japanese entrees such as beef and shrimp teriyaki, tempura and combination boats.

My objective, though, was sushi, and from previous visits, I knew I was not going to be disappointed.

The spicy tuna roll is one of the best I have ever had. That is my first order whenever I go there. It is eight pieces of cut roll for $4.25 and not only is it one of the best items they serve, but it’s the best priced.

The generous pieces of tuna are spicier than most places, where the tuna often seems bland. This roll will get your attention and as your nose runs and eyes tear a bit you will wonder why you paid double at other places for a roll that is not nearly as good.

The cuts of fish for the sushi and sashimi are very generous, and I make a point of getting at least two of them whenever I visit.

This visit I ordered yellowtail and salmon sushi.

The sushi is two pieces for $3.30 and they are bigger cuts than most places. The yellowtail was nearly two inches long and a half-inch wide. It was a two-biter, which surprised me because I often can take a piece in one. The quality was excellent, fresh and smooth, there wasn’t a hint of it being chewy.

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