yeah, i’m not sure what “hoity toity” means in this context.
for example, i wouldnt consider mori “hoity toity.” i found it very relaxed, non intimidating and comfortable.
we were treated well.
i kinda don’t understand the whole “intimidating” thing about sushi bar in general. what are they going to do, slice your throat? yell at you? hell, be polite, and you’ll be treated politely back.
i’m also going to respectfully disagree with the notion you wouldn’t enjoy or appreciate mori – just an example – or some of the other higher end sushi spots if you sat at the bar. i know sweet f.a. compared to the sushi mavens on this board, and that never stopped me from thinking the food was delicious.
it sounds like you’ve HAD raw fish before, so it’s not like you’re some bumpkin who’d ask for a fork and some ketchup.
one other thing: in my opinion, enjoying shunji does not require sitting in front of shunji. i totes dug my meals there, and did not sit in front of shunji.
this post is not to diminish or denigrate the advice from people much more learned than i. it’s just another opinion.