In the '80s, Americans had several things to count on. Ronald Reagan. BMWs. The overwhelmingly huge trend of sushi consumption. As cult rock band The Bogmen sang in their song "Suddenly," "Back home I use that for fertilizer." Nevertheless, as the oldest of us undergraduates were likely born in 1983, our comprehension of this American bastardization of a trend may be lacking. Did you guys know that the Japanese invented it? But have no fear; The Scene is here to give a rundown of the seemingly myriad sushi restaurants in our general vicinity. They range from totally delicious to absolutely depressing, so be an informed food consumer.
Thai Chef 1712 Connecticut Ave., NW (202) 234-5698 Metro: Dupont Circle (red line) Cost: Inexpensive Sushi supremacy: D
Many a lunch date has been enjoyed over the cute stone-inlaid tables at Thai Chef, but they probably didn't end happily if someone ordered a tuna roll.
In most respects, Thai Chef is everything a young Washingtonian on a budget would want in an eatery. The d?cor is classy without being stuffy. The food is reasonably priced and generally tasty. Upstairs there's plenty of room for large groups of young professionals in search of bottled beer and wonton soup after work. There's even a saltwater fish tank.
But although this gem of a conventional Thai restaurant serves up awesome fried tofu and rice, it's not the best sushi destination. This writer's quest for a simple California roll without the roe was met with soggy, roe-stuffed sushi that seemed like it had been sitting out for a while. In short, it was disgusting enough to keep a patron away from even their specialties - for a while. In the meantime, don't think twice about heading to Thai Chef for what it actually does right - Thai food. Leave the seaweed to the pros.
Raku 1900 Q St., NW (202) 265-7258 Metro: Dupont Circle (red line) Cost: Inexpensive Sushi supremacy: A-
A self-proclaimed Asian diner, Raku is the perfect place for a lunch or dinner rendezvous. Its cozy, well-lit dining room has large windows looking out onto Q Street and Connecticut Avenue in bustling Dupont Circle. It also has an inviting bar if you're on the go and want to stop in for a quick bite all by your lonesome. Aside from its choice sushi selection - it's fresh, delicious made-to-order and second to nearly none - Raku also specializes in Asian tapas, or the traditional Spanish method of ordering several appetizer plates and sharing them around the table. Get the edamame and veggie or shrimp tempura, or try one of the delectable noodle bowls. Bon appetit!
Kuma 4441-B Wisconsin Ave., NW (202) 537-3717 Metro: Tenleytown-AU (red line) Cost: Moderate Sushi Supremacy: C-
Okay, so Kuma has a 10 percent discount for AU students. But that's only for dinner. So they have a sushi buffet. But it's only from 11:30 until 2 on weekdays and we're by and large in class then, right? Kuma, the closest sushi restaurant to the shuttle stop, is unsurprisingly the worst. Their spicy tuna roll is like tuna flesh pureed with chili paste and winds up tasting like vomit. Their specialty rolls pale in comparison to the fancy-pants ones at Yosaku and cost about $2 more anyway. Convenience's sake is pretty much the only reason to go to Kuma, and also if the other two sushi places nearby are closed for some reason.
Whole Foods - multiple locations Closest: 2323 Wisconsin Ave., NW (202) 333-5393 Metro: Tenleytown-AU (red line) Cost: Expensive Sushi Supremacy: B
Whole Foods' sushi is a total mainstay for the student on the go. 5:00 p.m.: Hop off the shuttle, pick up the nearest shrimp roll with brown rice and roll out of there in time for your 5:30 class. It never fails to please. The sushi is usually pretty fresh (unless you're there right before closing) and the brown rice option is only $0.50 more as opposed to up to a whole dollar at other places. If you're feeling cunning, snag some extra wasabi packets and make your eyes water and nose run on your way back to class. Plus, it comes in sleek, aesthetically pleasing packaging that discreetly fits into your book bag so you can pull out a classy snack. Just don't leave it in there too long or it might get a little funky. And food poisoning is not something you want to have, say, before a road trip to Baltimore.
Yosaku 4712 Wisconsin Ave., NW (202) 363-4453 Metro: Tenleytown-AU (red line) Cost: Inexpensive Editor's Favorite. Sushi supremacy: A+
Yosaku is the total rogue of this competition. By the time you walk there from the Tenley shuttle stop, you've already passed two sushi restaurants, so what makes you want to go here? First of all, the staff is positively charming and if you flash them a sweet smile they will give up free saut?ed bean sprouts (sometimes). Second, the price is right. Happy hour is from 5:30-7 p.m., when pieces of nigiri are only $1 and maki rolls remain delightfully cheap anyway. Third, it is delicious. Somehow, Yosaku rolls their sushi up with pure love. The tuna and avocado roll is a feat of nature. Please, please go to this place. Just look for the red awning right past Steak 'n' Egg.
