Well, I took everyone's advice and went to Hatsuhanna with a vendor
Tuesday night. I had to wait awhile for the rest of my group, so I
chatted with the Maitre D' for a bit. When I mentioned I read this
newsgroup he nodded his head and said he has several customers that
have mentioned this newsgroup.

He sat us at a table upstairs. I have to say I was rather disappointed
when I opened the menu and the paper ala carte sheet. The sushi was
basic american palette sushi fare, very complete but rather bland for
my taste. My table mates ordered california rolls and the salmon steak
and other dinner items, but I knew what I had read here and knew that
with a little effort, a treat had to be there somewhere.

The Maitre D' was walking by, and I flagged him down and spoke to
him. I complemented his sushi selection, but mentioned that others had
written about the great variety of items, and my particular tastes. He
nodded, and came back with a menu written in Kanji that I could not
read. He went through the list on that menu and asked what I liked/
was willing to try. I told him that if he had something on the
premises that no 'Gaijin' had ever been able to eat, I wanted to try
it. He laughed and told me that most of that was out of season/out of
stock, and said he would cook up something with the head chef.

He came back with a tray divided into 9 compartments. In each
compartment there was a small bowl with a different Item in each one.
I could identify most of them, but he had to tell me what a couple new
ones were.

The bowls contained the following:

1. Tuna Yamakaki - Nice and slimey the way I like it.
2. Ika-Natto - Wonderful as always
3. Shiokara - Wow what a punch.
4. Boiled Fugu skin in Ponzu - Sounds more exotic than it tasted,
tased like small rubber bands soaked in ponzu, and no lip tingle...
5. Some kind of fish roe inside of a white substance that he could not
translate into English. He said the fish was popular in italy. It
definitely was tastier that salmon roe, and not crunchy like Kazunoko.
6. Sea Urchin inside of a piece of anago. This anago looked fresh, was
green and shiny gold, and did not seem cooked.
7. Fish ball wrapped in Duck breast. A very striking flavor, all the
more so as my mouth was set for fish.
8. Ankimo - Very tasty.
9. Ginger Tako - This was okay but really did not belong in this
group of flavors!

I also had the 10 piece chefs choice sampler. Very good.

I only wish I had been able to sit at the Sushi Bar and chat with the
itamae, but that could not be. I am sure he would have had fun feeding
me, most of them do.

All in all it was a most wonderful evening. I had a few new tastes,
the beer was good, and my companions were amazed at what I would put
in my mouth. I have no idea what the bill was, and I really don't want
to know. Thanks for all the recommendations from you folks. I always
do a Google search on he word sushi, and city name, in the groups area
when I travel, and I have not been disappointed with the choices yet.

This restaurant is on my wall of fame!

Ken Meyer wrote:

I only wish I had been able to sit at the Sushi Bar and chat with the
itamae, but that could not be. I am sure he would have had fun feeding
me, most of them do.


I always prefer sitting at the bar, since you can talk with the
itamae and maybe get something special. But I understand its not
always possible if your group is larger than 3 or do not all eat
sushi.


All in all it was a most wonderful evening. I had a few new tastes,
the beer was good, and my companions were amazed at what I would put
in my mouth. I have no idea what the bill was, and I really don't want
to know. Thanks for all the recommendations from you folks. I always
do a Google search on he word sushi, and city name, in the groups area
when I travel, and I have not been disappointed with the choices yet.

This restaurant is on my wall of fame!

Glad to hear your experience was good. I'm kind of surprised they
didn't have more special sushi items. I've been in November and had
a few specials like kohada, aji, and bincho maguro. I went in July
and had California uni, alaskan crab, iwashi.

Hatsuhana remains on my wall of fame as well. I hope to visit again
soon.

--
Dan

"Ken Meyer" wrote in message
...
Well, I took everyone's advice and went to Hatsuhanna with a vendor
Tuesday night. I had to wait awhile for the rest of my group, so I
chatted with the Maitre D' for a bit.
snip


I only wish I had been able to sit at the Sushi Bar and chat with the
itamae, but that could not be. I am sure he would have had fun feeding
me, most of them do.

I haven't sat at a table in Hatsuhana in ten years. Haven't seen a menu in
longer than that (except for the sake one).



All in all it was a most wonderful evening. I had a few new tastes,
the beer was good, and my companions were amazed at what I would put
in my mouth. I have no idea what the bill was, and I really don't want
to know.

I was taken there last month and the bill for two was around $300.

Thanks for all the recommendations from you folks. I always
do a Google search on he word sushi, and city name, in the groups area
when I travel, and I have not been disappointed with the choices yet.

This restaurant is on my wall of fame!

IMHO it is the best in the US.

I missed the beginning of this thread, so I do't know if you are
speaking of Hatsuhana in New York or Chicago. I live in NYC, and as
wonderful as Hatsuhana is, Chicago's is even better (hard as that may
be to believe). Everything is exceptional. DOn't skip the spicy
octopus salad.

I concur with Ken's point: always at the sushi bar; a menu is only
needed for the Saki.

On Mon, 08 Dec 2003 14:25:02 GMT, "Michael"
wrote:


"Ken Meyer" wrote in message
.. .
Well, I took everyone's advice and went to Hatsuhanna with a vendor
Tuesday night. I had to wait awhile for the rest of my group, so I
chatted with the Maitre D' for a bit.
snip


I only wish I had been able to sit at the Sushi Bar and chat with the
itamae, but that could not be. I am sure he would have had fun feeding
me, most of them do.

I haven't sat at a table in Hatsuhana in ten years. Haven't seen a menu in
longer than that (except for the sake one).



All in all it was a most wonderful evening. I had a few new tastes,
the beer was good, and my companions were amazed at what I would put
in my mouth. I have no idea what the bill was, and I really don't want
to know.

I was taken there last month and the bill for two was around $300.

Thanks for all the recommendations from you folks. I always
do a Google search on he word sushi, and city name, in the groups area
when I travel, and I have not been disappointed with the choices yet.

This restaurant is on my wall of fame!

IMHO it is the best in the US.

Jessica wrote:

I missed the beginning of this thread, so I do't know if you are
speaking of Hatsuhana in New York or Chicago. I live in NYC, and as
wonderful as Hatsuhana is, Chicago's is even better (hard as that may
be to believe). Everything is exceptional. DOn't skip the spicy
octopus salad.

I concur with Ken's point: always at the sushi bar; a menu is only
needed for the Saki.

The Chicago Hatsuhana has closed. I do not know the details behind the
closure, and I will say I had one of the best sushi meals there. I've
eaten at both NYC and Chicago restaurants and agree the Chicago meal
was much better. I was sorry to hear they closed, even though I'm
not likely to get back to Chicago for quite some time.

--
Dan

"Michael" wrote in message
...

"Ken Meyer" wrote in message
...
Well, I took everyone's advice and went to Hatsuhanna with a vendor
Tuesday night. I had to wait awhile for the rest of my group, so I
chatted with the Maitre D' for a bit.
snip

Based on the reccomendations of this group I went with some friends when I
was in NYC a month ago. It was AMAZING.


I haven't sat at a table in Hatsuhana in ten years. Haven't seen a menu
in
longer than that (except for the sake one).

We were lucky enough to get a seat at the downstairs bar which. We had the
bar and chef all to ourselves, with the exception of three young girls. It
just happens that they were the Olsen twins and a friend. Now, the sushi was
amazing, but the company wasn't bad either!

We did not oder from the menu either. The first thing we did was ask for
some super fatty Toro (not in those words, don't worry) and ponzu. After
that we said "we'd like you to create anything you'd like". He asked if
there was anything we were adverse to and we said that we'd try anything he
made. It was all wonderful. I am planning a trip back to NYC with my fieance
just to take her there.


IMHO it is the best in the US.
It's my 2nd fav, doesn't beat Taka Sushi in Aspen (unless your unlucky
enough to have an American chef there).

Nick wrote:

We were lucky enough to get a seat at the downstairs bar which. We had the
bar and chef all to ourselves, with the exception of three young girls. It
just happens that they were the Olsen twins and a friend. Now, the sushi was
amazing, but the company wasn't bad either!


I liked being downstairs at that bar, since it was a more quiet and
intimate setting. The Olsen twins. Sweet! 178 days until they are
legal Were they drinking?


We did not oder from the menu either. The first thing we did was ask for
some super fatty Toro (not in those words, don't worry) and ponzu. After
that we said "we'd like you to create anything you'd like". He asked if
there was anything we were adverse to and we said that we'd try anything he
made. It was all wonderful. I am planning a trip back to NYC with my fieance
just to take her there.


WHat else did you have? Anything special or in season? Uni?

It's my 2nd fav, doesn't beat Taka Sushi in Aspen (unless your unlucky

enough to have an American chef there).

It's my top favorite place that is still open. Kantaro in SF was my
top favorite, but closed.

--
Dan

"Dan Logcher" wrote in message
...
Nick wrote:

We were lucky enough to get a seat at the downstairs bar which. We had
the
bar and chef all to ourselves, with the exception of three young girls.
It
just happens that they were the Olsen twins and a friend. Now, the sushi
was
amazing, but the company wasn't bad either!


I liked being downstairs at that bar, since it was a more quiet and
intimate setting. The Olsen twins. Sweet! 178 days until they are
legal Were they drinking?

Funny enough, thats the FIRST question everyone asks.... In fact they were
not. We offered our chef a drink (which I always do) and he politely took us
up on it. We asked the Twins if we could get them anything and they delcined
(also politely) and said that they really don't drink.



WHat else did you have? Anything special or in season? Uni?
Unfortunatly my comrads were not as hungry as I was so we only had a few
courses.... I'll try and remember
He did a seared toro with some kind of house-made garlic sauce, chives and
ponzu
Fluke with lemon and roe (and ponzu)
Flounder sashimi with (you guessed it, ponzu) and something else... can't
remember
I had some GREAT uni and fresh octopus, but on one else joined
ebi and the heads (one of my faves, but a little too "menu" )
Horse Mackeral which was AMAZING, first time I've had anything other than
atlantic Spanish mackeral... WOW!




It's my 2nd fav, doesn't beat Taka Sushi in Aspen (unless your unlucky

enough to have an American chef there).

It's my top favorite place that is still open. Kantaro in SF was my
top favorite, but closed.

Just got word that I may have to be in NYC next week for work. I'll call
asap for a reservation with Keisan.

-N

Nick wrote:

"Dan Logcher" wrote in message
...


I liked being downstairs at that bar, since it was a more quiet and
intimate setting. The Olsen twins. Sweet! 178 days until they are
legal Were they drinking?

Funny enough, thats the FIRST question everyone asks.... In fact they were
not. We offered our chef a drink (which I always do) and he politely took us
up on it. We asked the Twins if we could get them anything and they delcined
(also politely) and said that they really don't drink.


It's funny, cuz my coworker was commenting on how people have websites with
a ticking clock of when the Olsen Twins become legal. I guess when you're
as publically known you have to be careful about such things.

WHat else did you have? Anything special or in season? Uni?

Unfortunatly my comrads were not as hungry as I was so we only had a few
courses.... I'll try and remember
He did a seared toro with some kind of house-made garlic sauce, chives and
ponzu Fluke with lemon and roe (and ponzu)
Flounder sashimi with (you guessed it, ponzu) and something else... can't
remember I had some GREAT uni and fresh octopus, but on one else joined
ebi and the heads (one of my faves, but a little too "menu" )
Horse Mackeral which was AMAZING, first time I've had anything other than
atlantic Spanish mackeral... WOW!


We had California uni that was awesome! Everything we ate was great, with
the exception of the Alaskan King Crab Maki. I found is was lacking in
flavor.

Just got word that I may have to be in NYC next week for work. I'll call
asap for a reservation with Keisan.

Lucky you. I'm jelious.

--
Dan

"Nick" npdweb@nick-dawson.[removeme]com writes:
"Dan Logcher" wrote in message

I liked being downstairs at that bar, since it was a more quiet and
intimate setting. The Olsen twins. Sweet! 178 days until they are
legal Were they drinking?

Funny enough, thats the FIRST question everyone asks.... In fact they were
not. We offered our chef a drink (which I always do) and he politely took us
up on it. We asked the Twins if we could get them anything and they delcined
(also politely) and said that they really don't drink.

I thought that it was ### days until they become _eighteen_ not
twenty-one. Not so much drinking for 1274 days...

It's my top favorite place that is still open. Kantaro in SF was my
top favorite, but closed.

Just got word that I may have to be in NYC next week for work. I'll call
asap for a reservation with Keisan.

It's been a couple of years since I've been there. You guys
are making me think that a trip is in order...


--
Plain Bread alone for e-mail, thanks. The rest gets trashed.
No HTML in E-Mail! -- http://www.expita.com/nomime.html
Are you posting responses that are easy for others to follow?
http://www.greenend.org.uk/rjk/2000/06/14/quoting

wrote:

"Nick" npdweb@nick-dawson.[removeme]com writes:

"Dan Logcher" wrote in message


I liked being downstairs at that bar, since it was a more quiet and
intimate setting. The Olsen twins. Sweet! 178 days until they are
legal Were they drinking?


Funny enough, thats the FIRST question everyone asks.... In fact they were
not. We offered our chef a drink (which I always do) and he politely took us
up on it. We asked the Twins if we could get them anything and they delcined
(also politely) and said that they really don't drink.


I thought that it was ### days until they become _eighteen_ not
twenty-one. Not so much drinking for 1274 days...


Oh you could be right. It may be X days until they are legally
doable.

Just got word that I may have to be in NYC next week for work. I'll call
asap for a reservation with Keisan.


It's been a couple of years since I've been there. You guys
are making me think that a trip is in order...

It will be a while before I get the chance to get back to NYC.
Just too busy with work and home. But I'll live out my sushi
fantasies thru you.

--
Dan

It will be a while before I get the chance to get back to NYC.
Just too busy with work and home. But I'll live out my sushi
fantasies thru you.

Hey, I'll be in NJ Christmas week.. it's just a short hop into Manhattan.. I
can take the train right from my mom's house.. so if anyone wants to meet at
Hatsuhana, I'm up for it.

(That would be my Xmas present to myself).

--Art

"Usenet is like a herd of performing elephants with
diarrhea -- massive, difficult to redirect, awe-inspiring,
entertaining,and a source of mind-boggling amounts of
excrement when you least expect it."

- Gene Spafford, 1992

Art Hannah wrote:

It will be a while before I get the chance to get back to NYC.
Just too busy with work and home. But I'll live out my sushi
fantasies thru you.


Hey, I'll be in NJ Christmas week.. it's just a short hop into Manhattan.. I
can take the train right from my mom's house.. so if anyone wants to meet at
Hatsuhana, I'm up for it.

(That would be my Xmas present to myself).

Bring the big wallet. Cuz I know you and your appetite.. *cha-ching*

--
Dan