Bites Nearby: Fujiya's

There’s only one thing better than good sushi and that is good sushi enjoyed with friends.  There’s only one thing better than driving to Seattle to find that good sushi and that is driving to downtown Tacoma to one of the ultimates in sushi and sashimi restaurants:  Fujiya’s.

Whether it is a casual encounter or an intimate date, Fujiya’s offers something for everyone.  It has quaint yet lively atmosphere, loveable and animated sushi chefs and one amazing sake list.  And then there’s the cuisine which in one word can be called incredible!

Between seven of us, we managed to consume every shape, form and color of sushi, sashimi and maki, washed down with (a few) ice cold Kirin beers and hot to the power of two sake.  The best thing is Fujiya’s is now offering all you can eat sushi for the mind-blowing price of only $19.95 during the weekdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with the exception of Fridays. 

Of course we took advantage of this killer deal but could not help letting our appetites and bulbous fish eyes wander over every exquisite choice on the menu. The Mango Tango, a newer creation, was to die for with sweet and juicy chunks of mango popping out between the layers of fresh ripened avocado, sticky rice and a mildly spicy sauce.  The Unagi (fresh water eel) was beautifully seared and laid perfectly a-top the rice.  One of my favorites, the Maguro (tuna) literally melted like newly churned butter in my mouth and was as fresh as if caught right that minute at the pier.

Then there were the gorgeous and artfully presented maki rolls such as the Dragon Roll, (tempura maki, with unagi and masako), the 69 Roll (tempura shrimp roll with spicy scallops and wasabi masago) to the Spicy Tuna Maki (tuna, cucumber, scallion and fish roe). Every bite was a unique flavorful extravaganza—a circus on the taste buds of sorts but with jumping roe, not fleas.

Prices are very reasonable, especially with the $19.95 all you can eat selection and the cuisine, once again, is remarkable.  The sushi bar seats around 17 people and on more than one occasion have friends been made sitting around the bar, sipping and sushi’ing…I know that’s not a word but oh, well.

To find out more about Fujiya’s, check out their website at www.fujiyatacoma.com .  After 26 years of serving the best, these guys aren’t going anywhere, unless of course I win the lotto and can afford to buy their business and have them as personal chefs on my 100 acre ranch in Eastern Washington.  It’s a nice dream but until then, Douzo Meshiagare! (Bon Appétit!)