I have been a fan of Sushi for 20 years. I first started
eating Sushi back in college when I was studying Asian Cultures, and fell in
love not only with the food, but the whole culture around Sushi and its
preparation. In the past 7 years, the growth of Japanese Cuisine in America,
and the desire to eat sushi has exploded. 20 years ago it could be difficult to
find a place where you could get sushi. In those days, the most notable chain
restaurant for this was Benihana. These days, it seems you can throw a nickel
and find a sushi place. Being a discerning sushi eater, I explore these places
with some trepidation; there is a huge
difference between sushi and “good” sushi. But over the years I have found some
great place- at least here in Louisville- that I trust and where I always enjoy
eating. Sakura Blue on Shelbyville Rd. is one of those places.
Situated in a plaza just West of Mall St. Matthews, Sakura
Blue is a small and cozy Sushi and Steakhouse, with a somewhat intimate
ambience. They take to heart the older Japanese custom of sharing much like
what you see around a Hibachi. Ken and I sat just a seat away from a family of
3 enjoying their meal. And on this particular Saturday, I was fairly hungry and
ready to dig into a lot of sushi and sashimi.
The thing about Sushi places is that often you can request
something that is not on the menu and get a creative take on the dish from your
sushi chef. In this case, I had it set in my mind that I needed some octopus in vinegar or a seaweed salad. Or both. So, I asked my server if the chef could
throw me together an appetizer that consisted of sweet vinegar, some octopus,
and some seaweed, however he chose to make it. I was not disappointed. On a
substantial plate, the chef set a fair amount of mixed greens. Mixed in were bits of seaweed. Then laid upon
spinach leaves around the mound of greens were 8 thick slices of octopus. Sweet
vinegar had then been drizzled over the whole of it, and red roe sprinkled
about. And… it was absolutely delicious, a perfect start to my meal. Ken opted
for a garden salad which he enjoyed.
I continued my meal with a Sushi and Sashime Combo. I was
treated to 6 pieces of Nigiri including Tuna, Shrimp, Salmon, Yellowtail,
Tilapia and Fatty Tuna. For the sashimi I was surprised at just how much I got.
I did not expect so much: there were four sets each of 3 thickly cut pieces
of Tuna, Salmon, Yellowtail, and quite honestly… I have no idea what the fourth
was, but it was extremely tasty. When my plates hit the table, Ken looked at me
as if to say “you’re going to eat ALL of that?” And yes I did. Including my
other order of the signature Sakura Roll: a spicy tuna roll on the inside with
salmon and tuna on the outside. It was all very delicious, and very filling. Of
course, in the end I spent about $50 on my meal. But for me, being such a sushi
lover, it was more than worth. Meanwhile, Ken delved into some steak and shrimp
from the Hibachi with rice and tonkatsu sauce. We even had some enjoyable
conversation with our incidental companions at the table over the size of my
meal .
All in all, it was a wonderful, filling meal. I don’t have
any complaints myself, but based on other reviews I have seen, there are some
things that you need to know up front going in. First of all, a lot of Japanese
Restaurants are fairly communal. And that is mostly by design, not because of
lack of space. Going to Sakura Blue or a place like this is a perfect opportunity
to be the social creature we human beings are and break bread- or fish- with
interesting people you have never met before. As I said, the atmosphere at
Sakura Blue is somewhat cozy and intimate. So, if you don’t desire to hob-nob
with strangers, it may not be for you. In many of my reviews, I espouse the
economical attributes of the restaurants
I visit. Know that going to a sushi
place is going to cost you some money. I don’t find it expensive,
because I believe my experience is worth the price. But it is pricey.
Like most sushi restaurants, Sakura Blue’s rolls cost
anywhere from $5 up. And a combo platter will likely put you in the $15 to $30
range, depending on what you get. Also note that if you are going to venture
into the foray of sushi, not all sushi is the same. Here in Louisville we see
three different styles: Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese. Each one has its own
methods and processes, and thus flavors and consistency. Sakura Blue serves
traditional, Japanese style sushi. In the end, if you are a sushi lover, and
you enjoy being in the midst of humanity, you will likely enjoy the experience
at Sakura Blue.
Wolf’s Rating: * * * *
Ken’s Rating: * * * 1/2
