Thursday, July 29, 2010

Kyodai - Rotatin sushi bar

If you are hungry and you need to be fed immediately, this is the place to go.
Kyodai is what I consider as instant gratification.
Is like a MacDonalds for Sushi, in and out we go. Except with way nicer food choices (unless you are a burgerphile)
Kyodai is the only rotating sushi bar in Baltimore, and it is perfect for people that want to try something new by looking at it first and pulling it off the conveyor belt.
Yes I said conveyor belt!! The way it works is you sit down at the counter and sushi plates are transported on conveyor belts around the table to multiple people.
Put this way, is like picking up your luggage at the airport.
Different color plates mean different prices.

The sushi is decent, but nothing extraordinary. I noticed that the choices on the conveyor belts is mostly rolls, nice rolls, but still rolls. Crab rolls, spicy tuna roll, rainbow rolls, salmon roll, tempural roll, california roll, cucumber roll... ok you get the point.The good thing is that you can also order lets say inari roll or anything else off the menu. The taste was fairly good, but the execution and final appearance of the sushi was not as fine-tuned as other places I've been to.

Everything tasted very fresh. The other cool thing about about the rotation system is that you can monitor how much you spend, as different color dishes mean differest cost. With the same token it can get pricey if you pick a couple of the expensive items and you are a big eater.

Only negatives are: large crowds on Friday nights, and no liquor other than sake is serve.

PS: You can park in the garage for free. Early reservation is recommended during busy hours.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Matsuri Japanese Restaurant

1105 S Charles St
Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 752-8561


I first bumped into Matsuri's sushi at an event at the Hilton in Baltimore (NAFT). I fell in love and I had to have it again.
The lady serving at the time, thought I had gone crazy, I even gave her a hug and said the best sushi I have tried outside of Japan!!
I am not kidding!!
Other than the freshness of the fish, the number one important ingredient is rice and Matsuri's rice is phenomenal.
So I finally made it back to Matsuri, located in a very happening area of Baltimore (Federal Hill). Tons to do within walking distance.
The place reminds you of a little sushi bar in Tokyo, the tv playing Japanese cooking shows, all they need is Kareoke right there and there!
The service is delighfull and if you sit at the bar, as I often do (just to admire the art of sushi making) the chefs are super friendly.
The food super fresh just like a high end sushi bar in Japan and possibly even better (yes I just said that).
They have cooked food as well, like teriyaki and even soups, their menu can fulfill almost any appetite, including non sushi lovers.
Bill Tien, (owner) is really a phenomenal guy! I am kinda glad they do not have Kareoke, because if they did they would have to kick me out every night.

Ambiance : 7 stars
Service : 8 stars
Food: 10+ stars

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Don Gallo Peruvian Restaurant

2728 North Mall Drive, Suite 117
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
757) 431-0005

Category: Latin American


I have learned that there are two types of ethnic restaurants.
The ones where the general masses of americans eat, and the one that mostly the people of the origin of the restaurant eat.
Authenticity doesn't to the customer you are trying to cater, but relates to the proveniance of the food style itself.
If the food is truly authentic the followers will be mostly people that miss their home cooking.
With that said...and I am not Peruvian, I found this place thru Yelp and decided to give it a try.
The parking was extremely easy. The people, true Peruvians, the customers 90% latinos, wich speaks for itself.
Having travelled in latin america most of my life and having Peruvian friends has blessed me with great latin food. And this place blesses the Virginia beach area with some truly authentic Peruvian delicacies.
The lomo saltado is like the country's national dish...this one was delicious. I did not try the grilled chicken, but as other reviews it is on the expensive side, specially since as a Washingtonian/ Baltimorean it goes for less around me.
They even have Chica morada, wich is considered the Peruvian table wine (except is not alcoholic).
The place is clean and service was outstanding and fast.
When you are craving true Peruvian, this is the place to go to in VA beach!

Ambiance : 5 stars
Service : 8 stars
Food: 8 stars

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Roxy Delicatessen

1565 Broadway
New York, NY 10036
(212) 921-3333

Come in hungry!! 'Cause the sandwiches here are HUGE! Probably the biggest sandwiches I have seen in NYC ( I almost feel like I am in Vegas). I have been to plenty delis in the city and this place beats them all. Generally packed due to its famous name and location, but not to worry, usually lines go pretty fast. The pastrami sandwich is to die for, with what it appears to be as much meat as a small calf. Freshly sliced right there in front of your eyes. But wait...when you think they only thing you are getting is meat, think again, the flavors go hand in hand with what made this place famous. I usually get a half sandwich or a full one to eat the rest later. The prices seem absorbitant at first, but honestly for what you get (size and flavor) and the locations (next to Times Square) in my mind you are getting a deal!!