I know all the local sushi restaurants, and in fact, live a block away from one of the city's best (and most expensive) — Sushi of Gari. Most of the others are okay, not incredible, but definitely edible.
This weekend Robin and I are out, and she introduces me to her new find. It's a tiny little storefront on East 78th Street (between First and Second) called Sashimi Express. Take-out only. It's been open a week and the owner is a personable young Japanese man named Andy. "It's my real name, I changed it when I got my passport."
Andy is impressive, and seems like a smart business man. He personally goes down to the fish markets three times a week and handpicks the fish. "Most restaurants just order it, but I find there is a big difference in quality when you select the fish yourself." He then explains to me what he looks for. I have no way of knowing if what Andy is telling me is true, but my guess is that it is.
Sashimi Express does not take credit cards, does not make deliveries (fine for me as I live a block away), and no tables. And that's how Andy keeps the prices down. Each piece of sushi or sashimi is $1. The platters look amazing and are incredibly affordable (I'm already thinking next book club).
Tonight Alexander and I try it out. We order the salmon box (4 pieces of sushi and two different kinds of salmon rolls for $9.50 plus $.50 for added avocado.
Forget the fact that the prices are low, the food is excellent and fresh.
I contemplate posting this, for fear that little Sashimi Express could become the next Sushi of Gari. But Andy promises to keep his pricing as is. "I have a two year lease and the menus have already been printed."
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