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An Unsung Gem
Friday, August 03, 2007
Esashi is pretty much as good as sushi can get, yet at the same prices of all the ho-hum Japanese restaurants in the city. I've lived in NYC for 8 years and eaten sushi all my life, including an NYC's most expensive joints, and Esashi holds up with the best.
So what's their secret? In short: family owned and run. The owner (from "Esashi" in Japan) is also the chef and also the guy who chooses the fish; the hostess is his wife. The salmon? It's from Scotland b/c that's the salmon he likes best. The yellowtail? That's from Japan. The king salmon? From New Zealand b/c it's better. The spanish mackerel? Oh, they haven't been serving it for a few months because they are not satisfied with the quality of fish that is available. And so on
Even now that I live in Prospect Heights, I make a regular trek to the East Village for Esashi. Everyone I introduce to this place comes back and is amazed they didn't hear of it before. Even my vegan girlfriend loves Esashi's vegetarian bento boxes and is just as eager to go as I am.
Bottom line is that you can go to Nobu and get sushi of this quality in a beautiful setting. But if what you are after is that same quality fish at bargain prices, and don't mind a basic ambience then you are missing out if you don't check out Esashi at least once. (If you go, tell them you read a review from Russell and maybe they'll still let me in when sushi lovers finally wake up and start flocking here!)
Pros: EXTRAORDINARY quality sushi at a bargain
Cons: Basic ambience
32 Ave A
New York, New York 10009
(212) 505-8726
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