It took me about 60 refreshes between my iPhone and lap top to get a spot at the sushi counter (after being shut out the night before) but it was all worth it.
The rice is pristine. The quality of fish amazing. Certain fish marinated and cured to provide different textures. Many fish I have never had before. All superb. Even the coronet fish which I usually don’t like was much better here than anywhere else.
Washed it all down with some 1998 Leroy Bourgogne Blanc off the list at a reasonable price.
I can’t believe how well priced the omakase is. Not only is the quality and quantity better than LA’s finest but cheaper by 20-30%. My mind is blown. Did bonus rounds of the tuna trio, added Santa Barabara uni, and had another piece of the 2nd sushi which was a cured Japanese snapper I’ve never had. The hay smoked bonito was also superb. As much as I like my guys in LA, this is another level.
Thank you for posting this. My meal at Nakazawa was by far one of my best for 2014. I haven’t had anything in LA that quite hits their high marks. The piece of iwashi that I was served just might be the best piece of nigiri that I have ever tasted. Chef Nakazawa’s personable and lively demeanor really added to the experience as well. Your pics are making me long to return.
Great report and pictures. I see what you mean about pristine, and I even notice they use the high-quality chopsticks! The uni selection looks divine, too. Nice assortment of fish, and it seems the progression would work well. Was that a tuna handroll, or toro?
Thanks for the response, seeing as how it’ll be my first time in NY, I should try Yasuda first then? Seeing as how it is slightly better and easier to get into.
I did some practice runs with my OpenTable app trigger finger prior to getting the date that I wanted. I had to subtract some hours due to living in PST, but I was able to get seats at the bar on my desired date with relative ease. It was a 5:30pm reservation, which I didn’t mind at all.
Is Nakazawa still taking precut slices of fish from his assistance? I enjoyed Nakazawa but preferred the less hectic, less hyped, one man show at Ichimura at Brushstroke. And it’s way easier to get into.
