Matsuoka Sushi

I have eaten sushi all of the US (including a questionable mall place in rural North Carolina that was definitely a mistake -- to this day I can't eat a salmon roll). California sushi is generally far superior to other locations due to our proximity to the Pacific, as well as getting the best sushi chefs in the world to bless our tables with their skills and prowess.

Matsuoka Sushi is part of the Raki Raki Ramen/Yasai/JCK Chicken combo restaurant, presenting four incredible Japanese cuisines in one building. Guests may order any combination off of the four menus -- ramen, vegan sushi, Japanese fried chicken karaage, and of course, high end sushi from Mastuoka. 

I've had food from all four restaurants, and believe me, there are no wrong answers here. It's like a mini tour of Tokyo. 

The miso soup is the ubiquitous starter for many sushi meals, and the miso is a cut above with fresh greens, seaweed, and shitake and enoki mushrooms. It has the salty smooth flavor characteristic of miso, but is so much better than the typical. 

I got into the crunchy rolls in NYC of all places, and I've continued to enjoy them on the West Coast. The crunchy roll served at Matsuoka takes is a step above with freshly fried tempura shrimp, and purple crunchies for the coating. If someone is nervous about trying raw sushi, I always point them towards the crunchy roll to get them started. 

 

This roll, like all of their rolls, is a feast for the eyes as well as the mouth. Following the Japanese tradition of careful preparation and presentation, it really is almost too pretty to eat. Almost. 

I'm usually a pretty basic kind of sushi girl (don't judge), but I do love some of the big, creative rolls when they are done right. 

The Hatsuhana roll is such a specialty. Made with spicy blue fin tuna and avocado roll, then topped with tempura lobster and watercress. 

The presentation, as with all of their gorgeous dishes, is exquisite, with lovely colors and garnish. However, the taste is really to be celebrated. I absolutely loved the tempura lobster paired with spicy bluefin. Topped with a bit of eel sauce, this roll was so flavorful that it didn't require any condiments. 

The California roll is always a classic and always a must. Matsuoka serves theirs as a half and half of American ingenuity on Japanese cuisine: half California and half spicy tuna roll. Both rolls are incredible and probably the best version of these classic rolls that I've eaten.

I mentioned earlier that this is four restaurants in one. A great option for someone who doesn't care for sushi (or really enjoys good fried chicken) is to order JCK Chicken. This chicken set has homemade karaage chicken served with homemade fries.  If you've never tried Japanese-style fried chicken, I highly recommend that you do. 

The last item of our dinner was the enviable toro tuna belly nigiri. The tuna here is so high grade, so fresh, it is incredible. The chef chooses the very best pieces and serves them in such a lovely way. Toro is very pricy, and I don't get it every time I order sushi, but I do make sure to get it from a nice place with a chef who knows what he is doing. Matsuoka is just such a place to sample the very best.

One final piece of our meal was a delicious dessert of matcha ice cream served in a stunning dish with fresh flowers and carrots. The ice cream was homemade, and not too sweet. A perfect end to a perfect meal.