LEO/LHB: Say konnichiwa to Asahi in St. Matthews

[Robin Garr]

LEO's Eats with Louisville HotBytes.com

If the rate that new Japanese restaurants and sushi bars are coming to town these days continues unabated, I've calculated that by May 18, 2021, there should be an individual sushi bar for every citizen of the Derby City.

I've reviewed enough new local sushi spots in recent months that I'm starting to wonder if we should dub this column "LEO Weekly's sushi report." We've heralded the arrival of the high-tone hiko-A-mon in Westport Village; the family-style Hanabi out in Prospect; and the tiny but excellent Oishii Sushi in the Highlands.

Now welcome Asahi Japanese. The good news is that Asahi adds St. Matthews to the sushi-in-every-neighborhood sweepstakes. The not-so-good news is that it replaces the delightful Sahara Café, a Persian restaurant that really should have survived.

But that's life in the restaurant biz, I fear, and if Sahara is a sad loss, Asahi is a worthy addition. It's a short ride for us - maybe 60 cents worth of petrol at $4-something a gallon - so we've been in a number of times, trying a variety of Japanese dishes but usually simply bellying up to the seven-seat sushi bar to sample the art of Chef Yong Bong Tak.

If the chef looks familiar, that may be because he copped a Louisville Magazine "Best of Louisville" award for his work in 2004 at Osaka Japanese in Clifton.

Asahi Japanese Restaurant
3701 Lexington Road, Suite No. 2
895-1130
Robin Garr’s rating: 78 points

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So Happy you liked Asahi!! We have walked there a few times and have always enjoyed our dinner and our time there!!! Love the staff!!!

[Robin Garr]

So Happy you liked Asahi!! We have walked there a few times and have always enjoyed our dinner and our time there!!! Love the staff!!!

I think it's a pleasant neighborhood place, Caroline, and you're right, the people are rather nice (although the chef seemed quite reserved); so I was inspired to speak of them nicely as a neighborhood alternative. The sushi and all the dishes seem to be fresh. That said, the somewhat "Americanized" sushi creations, often lacking nori and wasabi, etc., and the relatively limited Japanese-Korean menu did prompt me to rate them 78, which is not an insulting rating but would certainly fall into, say, the CJ's broader 2 1/2 star territory.

I am also glad you enjoyed it. I was somewhat skeptical to try this place out because of the earlier mixed reviews. However, I've been twice now and was impressed both times. The fish is incredibly fresh and delicious. My friend and I have sampled several of the rolls and sashimi. Beware- if the roll says spicy, it will be very spicy. The portion sizes are rather big, including the sashimi.

Some of the dishes may be "americanized" but the service is excellent. (Which I must admit is a problem with several of the popular sushi spots around the city). Oh, and they are finally serving beer and wine. Overall, I'm always excited to have another sushi joint around.

[Robin Garr]

The portion sizes are rather big, including the sashimi.

Some of the dishes may be "americanized"

Really I'm being a bit of a sushi snob here. Traditional Japanese sushi is relatively small - literally bite-size - and typically has a ration of at least as much rice as fish.

Now, Asahi and also Oishii (which I love!) make it in what I consider a more "American" way - less rice and a big piece of fish, often making a single piece too large to eat in one bite without looking like Bozo the Clown.

There's not anything really wrong with generosity of portion - in fact, some might consider it a desirable adaptation, and I can certainly eat a lot of it.

But at some high level, sushi is about the art, and the art contains a lot of tradition, and the size and proportions I mentioned are traditional. In my review I sought to let people know that without really picking on the restaurant.

Traditional Japanese sushi is relatively small - literally bite-size - and typically has a ration of at least as much rice as fish.

So true. And an unfortunate problem at most american sushi joints. I know my wife would appreciate smaller size bites... being a petite person, it's often impossible for her to eat a piece of sushi in one bite as intended.

Does anyone know where to find an online menu for Asahi?

Thanks!

With all the Japanese places around the area Im surprised that nobody makes a good(or any)bowl of ramen. No, not the stuff thats 10 cents a pack that you add hot water to,Im looking for the real deal.

[Robin Garr]

With all the Japanese places around the area Im surprised that nobody makes a good(or any)bowl of ramen. No, not the stuff thats 10 cents a pack that you add hot water to,Im looking for the real deal.

Doesn't Tokyo on Lime Kiln have ramen? It's in the back of my mind that they do.

As for the original post, sorry, but not every restaurant puts its menu online, and ethnic restaurants where there may be some language barrier quite often don't. I'm not aware of an Asahi web presence and didn't find any in a Google search. It's a nice place, though.

Thanks. A friend recommended it but I wanted to check the menu. One kid loves sushi, the other does not so I was wondering if there would be something he would like.

[Robin Garr]

Thanks. A friend recommended it but I wanted to check the menu. One kid loves sushi, the other does not so I was wondering if there would be something he would like.

Bonnie, they do have lots of Japanese dishes other than sushi - teriyaki and noodle dishes and such. Here's a link to my review from July 2008:
http://www.louisvillehotbytes.com/say-k ... ushi-bar-2