Hamasaku - Los Angeles, CA

I was just about to finish up a client meeting when we decided to end the meeting with lunch. My client recommended a sushi restaurant across the street that she used to take her clients to when she was working on the provider side as well.

It was nestled into what seemed to be a mini strip mall but upon entering the restaurant that whole feeling disappeared quickly. It was a very typical sushi joint decor, very serene and quiet and a perfect place to have the last part of our meeting take place.

We ordered some Green tea, Edamame, Sushi Moriawase, Gainor Sushi Pizza (the Gainor Family) and the Green Dragon (Christina Aguilera). The sort of funny but very cliché thing at this place is that all rolls are inspired by the "STAR" clientele and therefore usually carry the stars name along with the name of the roll. One thing that stood out to me at this place was the crunchy rice. I have never had crunchy rice and it was just fantastic as it added a nice texture contrast to the normally very soft texture of the roll.

The food was excellent but the price was just that, very over priced. The total bill for two with no alcoholic drinks was $90+. These lunches will be far and few between but then again, I do recommend the place and be aware of the small portions and the big prices.

Overall Rating: 3
Food Rating: 4
Cost: $$$

11043 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025
http://www.hamasakula.com/

Takashi Sushi - Salt Lake City, UT

I forgot my iPhone at the hotel this night so unfortunately no picture this time but that shouldn't stop you from visiting this restaurant as it is probably one of the best sushi places I have visited in my life.

I had a seat at the bar which was very entertaining as I got to watch every intrinsic sushi compilation be created. It is truly an art form and I could only whish to one day even make a decent Maki roll. The place was packed and had a great pulse to it.

I ordered the Miso Soup, the Chef's Choice Sashimi platter and a cold Budweiser and it all came together in a very eye and stomach pleasing manner.

This is definitely a place to visit when in Salt Lake city but make reservations if your party is more then "one" as it gets very crowded and the line outside only gets longer.

Overall Rating: 5
Food Rating: 5
Cost: $$

18 W. Market St.
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
http://www.takashisushi.com/

RA Sushi - San Diego, CA

Late night dinner with a friend with no time to look for a place. We both felt like sushi so in passing we saw RA Sushi which also became the choice.

The menu is pretty extensive with a good beer list. Notable: Hand Rolls and Dynamite Scallop Roll (one of their signature rolls). The Dynamite Scallop Roll was a warm dish and a bit of a surprise when it hit the table. This is what i would call the the Japanese version of Italian Fettuccini Alfredo. It was creamy, rich and probably hit the 1500+ calorie count....but excellent!

Overall Rating: 3
Food Rating: 3
Cost: $$

474 Broadway
San Diego, CA 92101
http://www.rasushi.com/