LEO/LHB: Sushi is good in the neighborhood

[Robin Garr]

LEO's Eats with Louisville HotBytes

A few weeks ago, I had occasion to nosh my way through Sushi In The City, a sociable fundraising event at which a random selection of local sushi bars (and a few other eateries) provided samples of their wares.

The experience was so tasty that it left me craving even more of the stuff, so in recent weeks, I've made it my business to check out a couple more recent arrivals on the metro sushi scene.

Some people are still a bit wary of sushi - the concept of eating raw fish does take some getting used to. But as I said in the previous report, 125 million Japanese can't all be wrong, and enough of us have acquired the taste to support more than 20 good sushi restaurants around town.

Two more have arrived recently: Oishii Sushi in the Highlands opened last month and Hanabi Sushi & Japanese Cuisine in Prospect around the end of the year. A third arrival, Hiko A Mon in Westport Village, opened just last week, and I'll take my chopsticks and get out there, too, one day soon.

Full report in LEO and on LouisvilleHotBytes.

Oishii Sushi
2245 Bardstown Road
618-2829
Robin Garr's rating: 88 points

Hanabi Sushi & Japanese Cuisine
6027 Timber Ridge Drive
228-8244
Robin Garr's rating: 82 points

When I became "addicted" to sushi several years ago my dining habits and wallet changed - one for the better and one for the worse. Sushi is pure and soulfull when done right....and cat food in the wrong hands.

My wife and I had dinner at Hanabi last fall and didn't really care for the food - the service was spotty. I was told they were having trouble finding qualified staff. I have subsequently been told that they have a "new" sushi chef from Las Vegas and the hiring issues have been resolved. I suppose that is reflected in Robin's rather positive review. On the other hand I'm so picky about where I eat raw fish, why take a chance? So given the number of local options, our "go-to" sushi is Tokyo on Lime Kiln. For a change of pace it's either Maido or Sapporo (sic). I tend to avoid places that have habachi grills given the noise level and the "oily grill aroma". Sapporo (sic) does have these segregated to one side better than most.

We need to give Oishii a try.

[Robin Garr]

our "go-to" sushi is Tokyo on Lime Kiln.

That's an excellent pick, Mark. I think people overlook it because it's small and in a strip center, but I agree that the sushi is exceptional.

Don't overlook Maido, even if it's technically not a sushi bar - it's in the top rank for me.

I can't get enough sushi. Although not the best in town, dollar night at Shogun is a cheaper way to scratch my super white tuna itch.

Regarding Hiko A Mon in Westport Village . . .

We went there tonight. While I'll write a more detailed report later, given their menu, our experience, et al, I'd describe them as a Kyoto-style restaurant with sushi rather than a sushi restaurant with main dishes also.

[Robin Garr]

I'll write a more detailed report later

We'll look forward to it, Andrew!

This place is awesome.. The name means delicious sushi in Japanese and thats exactly what it is. It is not expensive and the quality is excellent. The have a yum yum roll that will make your day.