NYC Tastes

I'm always on the hunt for quality sushi at an affordable price.  Back in the day I could eat just about anywhere but unfortunately after multiple meals at the greats like Hatsuhana ,  Cagen  and Sushi Yasuda I just can't go back to the neighborhood  sushi spots anymore.  And although  Sugarfish  is more affordable and close by the hour long waits continue to be an issue. So last week I headed to the Upper West Side to check out the much talked about Sushi Yasaka. This tiny little spot located just off the 1, 2, 3 train station is cozy with no frills.  Just a few small tables in the front and an L-shaped sushi bar in back perfect for watching the sushi chefs. I ordered the mini Omakase; that day a chefs selection of Snapper, Yellowtail, Ebi, Bluefish, Otoro, Saba and Toro Roll. Wow- everything was so fresh!  The otoro melted ever so slightly into the sushi rice, the ebi was delicate and sweet and the toro roll was just perfect.  A...

We celebrate Mr. T's birthday with an omakase every year.  It used to be our annual meal at Sushi Yasuda but since he went back to Japan we've been trying out new places and this year it was Cagen; the cozy sushi den located inside the old East Village Kajitsu space.  We sat at the eight person sushi bar right in front of Chef and owner Toshio Tomita and let him work his magic. Cagen offers both a Kappo Omakase and Sushi Omakase of which we went the latter.  To begin a cool summer Gazpacho with shrimp and cucumber. Red Snapper with plum paste and yuzu Fluke with chimichurri Tai (Sea Bream) Engawa (Halibut) Kasago (Red Perch) Japanese Mackrels Baby Snapper Fugu (Blowfish) with fresh wasabi A trio of Squid preparations Kumamoto Oyster with kelp sauce and salt Seared Shrimp Scallop with Japanese Red Sauce Wagyu Beef with chili flake Toro ...