Years and years ago, my brother and Little Sister started a tradition of foregoing birthday and Christmas gifts in favor of a fancy dinner. I’m not ashamed to say that once I found out about it, I edged my way right in there. What better way to celebrate someone than with food – especially food you might not otherwise buy yourself?
Long before Little Sister, Little Brother and I ventured to Japan, the two of them had begun using this tradition as a means to seek out the very best omakase in New York City. I tagged along to Tanoshi for one such meal: memorable, for sure, but with a hefty price tag.
But we’ve stopped our search: now, when we want great omakase, we go to Yasaka.
Yasaka boasts one of the most reasonable omakases we’ve found in the city. This is probably because it’s a restaurant rather than a bar, and the omakase is served on one platter rather than bite by bite. And while yes, there’s something to be said for the experience of being served each piece as it’s prepared, it’s tough to beat the pricetag at Yasaka – especially the lunchtime mini-omakase.Â
My brother and I recently discovered this option, and now, I’m (only slightly) ashamed to say, we don’t even wait for a special occasion to stroll across the park. With six unique pieces of nigiri and a six-piece roll (usually luscious fatty tuna and scallion), it’s the sort of manageable indulgence I have few qualms about allowing myself for no reason at all.
… Of course, on special occasions, we finish things off with a pre-dessert of tamago and eel handrolls before walking two blocks to Levain for our true dessert: a monstrous chocolate chip cookie.
There’s something to be said for tradition.
Sushi Yasaka – 251 W 72nd St, New York, NY 10023