Sunday, April 24, 2011

Sakura Japanese Steakhouse: Fredericksburg, VA


Now Sakura is owned by two men. It's not a franchise or a corporate restaurant chain. So if you think that just because you go to one Sakura that it's all the same.

I went to Fredericksburg, VA on a whim. I use to work at this location for about 2yrs. So I went and visited all the old chefs that I knew and the manager. Manager wasn't there, but her husband was. And I haven't seen her husband in quiet some time. He told me their new chef was awesome. So I tried a few rolls since I was hungry.

This Sakura has a larger selection of specialty rolls. A lot of them were pricey so I didn't really go. The only special roll I ordered was the Boston Roll. It was super delicious. The Philadelphia roll was very good. The salmon was money! It was so nice and fresh and melt in your mouth greatness. :)

I have to say this sushi chef was incredibly artsy. The pic probably doesn't show it but when I got the plate I was impressed. Sushi is an art and this chef did an awesome job.

Ratings:
Freshness: 5/5
Variety: 5/5
Decoration/Ambiance: 4/5
This Sakura is small, but I think the manager of this one spent more money on the decorations.
Service: 5/5
Pricing: Sushi is fair for the value and quality.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Sakura Japanese Steakhouse: Woodbridge, VA

So this may be a bit biased. I've worked at the Woodbridge location on and off since I was 16yrs old. Plus my mother has worked there since I was 10yrs old.

Woodbridge Sakura has to be one of the best sushi places I've been too. I always get told by sushi customers that they absolutely love it here. We have a few customers who live in Maryland or DC who travel to Woodbridge for the sushi.

Sushi is always fresh here. I know for the fact that sushi is ordered every Thursday night for the weekend delivery. The head chef always orders during the week days as need as well.

Like most places they have the normal sushi rolls as well as a few fun variety rolls. The ones pictured are the Tiger Roll which is spicy scallop inside, with ebi on top. Rising Sun is spicy shrimp inside with seared tuna on top.

Las Vegas Roll is the best seller for sure. I love the Las Vegas roll, but it's a pretty complicated roll with a lot going on. But the flavors really come together and it's a guilty pleasure for most.

They also have a variety of appetizers and specials. If you have a non-sushi person with you, you can order from the main menu and the food is made in the kitchen. Featured to the right is the Sunomono.

Other Key Features:
Rice Quality: V-san the head chef makes the best sushi rice I've ever tasted. I enjoy eating the rice as much as the sushi.

Tamago: This is one of the only places you'll ever go to that makes their own tamago. Most folks avoid the egg omelet only ordering it for kids. But I order tamago from Woodbridge because it's so darn tasty. At other places it's usually ordered from their sushi distributor and it has preservatives or is frozen. The taste is usually flat, not sweet like fresh tamago.

Ginger: Ginger here is white. It doesn't have the preservatives like the pink stuff does.

Ratings:
Freshness: 5/5
Variety: 5/5
Decoration/Ambiance: 3/5
(You go for Sakura for the food not the decorations. ^_^ )
Service: 5/5
Pricing: Sushi is fair for the value and quality.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Welcome to NOVA Sushi Review

My name is Anna. This blog is inspired by my love for good sushi. My friend called me a sushi snob one day and my other friend said I should create a blog. I intend to showcase good sushi places in the Northern Virginia-Washington, DC area. But if I'm on travel or happen to eat outside the area I'll showcase my adventures.

I worked at Sakura Japanese Steakhouse for many years during my high school and college years. I've been spoiled by great sushi chefs and have a great appreciation for the hard work that goes into sushi industry. Some people just think get some fish, mix some rice vinegar in some rice, and wrap it in seaweed and call it a day. And I'm not talking about homemade sushi.

But we'll get to those places as they come up.

Next Topic: Sakura Japanese Steakhouse, Woodbridge, VA