INDULGENCES eating out by david vera


THE 2011 RAGE GOLDEN CHOPSTICKS AWARDS


As varied as the sushi realm is, our needs and wants are just as great. We’re lucky to have such a bounty of sushi houses in our surrounding neighbor- hoods, but it takes a special kind of es- tablishment to really pickle our ginger. And the award goes to…


MOST AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE: SUSHI BAR KAZUMI


On the higher end of the sushi spectrum is the family-run Kazumi. Foregoing the flashier establishments in the gayborhood, the local news stations have already given this place rave reviews. But what matters is the individual dining experience. If you can learn a few things from your cook and get floored by his skills as well, you’ve got something special. You can expect to pay more for this experience, but you can also count on getting more than you expected in return. The sushi master respon- sible, Kazumi-san, devotes his energies toward quality in everything from fresh ingredients to mouthwatering presentation. 3975 Fifth Avenue, Suite 120 (between University Avenue and Washington Street) 619.682.4054


BEST LITTLE EXTRAS: SUSHI DELI 1, 2 AND 3 It’s the little things that make a meal special. From the tempura crispies in the miso soup to the generous happy-hour bar specials…to the extended weekend hours…it’s not hard to see why this chain sprawls all over San Diego County. Beware, Sushi Deli is no secret. There will be a wait at almost any time. Luckily, Friday dinner starts at 4:00 p.m. at the Clairemont location! A must-try: the mochi! Hillcrest: 228 West Washington Street 619.231.9597 sushideliusa.com


Downtown: 135 Broadway 619.233.3072 Clairemont Mesa East: 7986 Armour Street 858.292.5515


BEST TRANSITION FROM SUSHI HOUSE TO NIGHTCLUB MISO HARNEY SUSHI Cute name, nice pad, cool tunes, hot eats. The Old Town location is a refreshing little gem surrounded by a sea of tired margarita-and-tortilla-chip joints. The menu includes a nice mix of classics and ingenious flavor mash-ups—both of which go perfectly with the lounge beats and cozy surroundings. Old Town: 3964 Harney Street 619.295.3272 harneysushi.com


Oceanside: 301 Mission Avenue 760.967.1820


LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK OSAKA JAPANESE FOOD & SUSHI Having dutifully fed ravenous generations of SDSU kids, this locally famous establishment has garnered our respect and gratitude. Why? Great grub and low prices. But just like the rest of these restaurants, it gets packed. Have one member of your party reserve a table while you hunt for parking! A popular selection among frat boys: the Osaka Roll. 4242 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 26 (between Caminito Pintoresco and Ward Road) 619.283.6844


…AND A BIT OF SUSHI ETIQUETTE I know, I know. If we’re on a fancy sushi date in this town, chances are it’s not with a feudal-era samurai. But for tradition’s sake and out of respect for the culture, give the following tips a run-through. Hashi (chopsticks) are never used to stab your food. And don’t conspicuously file out the slivers from your chopsticks. If you must, do it out of sight and/or earshot. Once you’re finished with your meal, placing your hashi over your plate signals to the wait staff that you’re done and ready for the check. Pickled ginger isn’t just about decoration and aromatics. It’s edible but primarily used to brush on the shoyu (soy sauce) onto pieces of fish. Many love eating it, but wolf- ing down too much will upset your stomach!


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RAGE monthly | JANUARY 2011


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