Restaurant Blog - Chowbaby.com

by Katharine Branham

THE FISH
309 Gray Street, Houston, TX 77019
The locals call it Fish in Midtown. The tables are all covered in black table cloths and red lights provide a unique ambience. There are plenty of booths to add a cozy feel. The service is excellent at the bar and table. Most favored Sushi is what ever is in season. The Sushi is flavorful. You can’t go wrong with anything here. The finger foods are excellent. Some favorites include spicy scallops, cucumber rolls, and fresh water eel. They have a great bar with lots of fun people. An oversized fish aquarium is the focal point. This is a Hollywood style Sushi stop that adds a classy touch to the already beautiful Midtown.

by Nicholas Gill

Nida’s Sushi
59 Spruce St
Columbus, OH 43215
It’s just a small collection of appliances and a bar that takes a form of a stall in the North Market. Surprisingly Nida’s is quite good though and is great for take out too. The prices are very reasonable for the quality of the product and the craftsmanship. The selection is somewhat limited to standard maki and nigiri, and they will even sell you sushi grade fish and all other sorts of accessories.

GENKI
3188 Roswell Road
Atlanta, GA 30035
(404) 844-8319
Despite its traditionally Japanese fare - including rice and noodle bowls as well as sushi - Genki is best if you usually order your sushi with extra ketchup. Ignore the small, tough nigiri and go for the most Americanized of the maki selections. Items like the super crunch, with cream cheese, avocado, salmon, remoulade and teriyaki sauce come off well, as do the broth-heavy noodle bowls. Don’t come here expecting authentic Japanese; do come here expecting a drum-and-base crowd, friendly service and a few hits in the food department.

by Amanda Knoles

AKI SUSHI BAR AND BAI PLU THAI RESTAURANT
1626 East Seventh Street
Long Beach, CA
(562) 436-8180

Located near Long Beach State University, this laid-back restaurant features a sushi bar with chefs who delight in creating off the menu specialties for patrons who can’t decide what to order. Fresh fish is served up in myriad sushi, sashimi and roll selections, and there’s an extensive list of Thai dishes for those who prefer vegetarian or cooked entrees. Deep fried whole fish is featured frequently as the house special. Happy Hour offers select rolls for $5 plus discounted beer, wine and sake.

By Amanda Knoles

L’OPERA
101 Pine Avenue
Long Beach, CA
(562) 491-0066
Setting the standard for fine dining on Pine Avenue, this Northern Italian gem features an artsy décor and an attentive staff who go out of their way to make any occasion from a power lunch to an anniversary dinner a memorable event. There’s an extensive wine list to complement the gourmet menu featuring pasta, veal, pork, lamb, sausages, steak, and fresh fish prepared with contemporary Italian and European influenced sauces. Bison medallions wrapped in proscuitto and smothered in brandy sauce are a specialty along with ravioli stuffed with black truffles and wild mushrooms. The must-have dessert, Luna Piena, is a decadent white chocolate cheesecake featuring a dark chocolate cookie crust topped with fresh blackberries and blueberry sauce.

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