Sushi clean and smooth
Rich moist flesh melts into tongue
My brain sighs in joy
Haikus, though childish and cliche, are fun to write. Sushi bars, though common and often cliche in L.A., are also fun to write about.
I often get cravings not for specific foods, but for new tastes and experiences. Whenever I get the urge to explore something culinarily new, I either turn to Yelp, or my mental arsenal of places I've wanted to try for a long time.
Today, my mind rested on Sushi Gen, and would not let go. I knew it'd be a costly trip, but once my mind was set, there was no turning back.
I'd first heard of Sushi Gen sometime last year, reading an article in the Food section of the L.A. Times. A well-regarded chef mentioned it as the ultimate example of authentic, quality sushi in L.A. Then, just last week in another article of the Food section, ANOTHER chef mentioned it as a must-go restaurant while in Los Angeles. Can you see why Sushi Gen has been on my mind?
Right in the heart of Little Tokyo, Sushi Gen seems to always sport a long line. Behind the bar, the sushi chefs (generally young) work carefully but quickly, serving out perfectly portioned morsels of tender hamachi, buttery toro, and other delectable sushi. Their snapper has a limey kick, served with a dot of bright green marinade on top.
The cherry on top of my meal was their iteration of the spicy tuna roll: small pieces with a big spicy punch. Also, this roll was the first time I ever appreciated the flavor of the nori while eating sushi; theirs was a perfect balance of toasty chewy crispiness. Served with the rich nuttiness of toasted sesame seeds sprinkled inside, rather than outside, of the roll, the spicy tuna was a perfect way to end the meal.
Though it was a quick in-and-out stop by for lunch, I can see why top chefs and neighborhood families alike can't get enough of Sushi Gen. Some of the original sushi creations by the chefs looked intriguing, and I definitely will try on my next visit (which of course there will be).
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