Sushi-Sake

After a late night at the office, my coworkers and I headed to our usual late-night standby.  You might think of a sports bar or taco stand, but in our case, we eat sushi.  That's pretty common at my company and I have always been a sushi person, so I was greatly looking forward to it.

Sushi-Sake is located at 2150 N. Collins Blvd in Richardson, TX.  It is a standalone building just behind Campbell Rd near N Central Expy (Hwy 75).  The building is fairly easy to spot with a Japanese-inspired exterior.

I have been to Sushi-Sake nine or ten times, but I made myself promise to judge it based solely on this visit.  We arrived at 10:00pm, 30 minutes before close, but they were happy to seat a party of seven.  The traditional Japanese styling is readily apparent across the entire restaurant.  Wood is the featured material and the atmosphere has a nice homely feel to it.  Tables at Sushi-Sake are actually benches with a thin cushion and a bit shorter than normal tables.  On one visit, we ate in the back room where we were instructed to remove our shoes and sit at a ground level table.  I highly recommend it.

Now to the important details.  Sushi-Sake is not the normal sushi bar.  Sushi-Sake has many fine types of Sake to choose from as might be expected by the name.  While I am not all that fond of sake, I admit that drinking from a wooden box is interesting.  There is also a good selection of Japanese beer, including Asahi Black, one of my favorites.

Sushi-Sake has a very traditional (Japanese-style) menu.  Sashimi and Nigiri are the features with a very limited roll selection.  If you prefer fun, creative rolls with cream cheese, jalapenos, or other American-style ingredients, stick with your favorite sushi place.  Those types of creations will not be found here.  You will however find a large selection of fish that you may not have even heard of before.  The special menu on the blackboard is always changing, but tonight they had "sliced sea snail" and "hamachi kama" (yellowtail collar).  I always make a point to try a new type of fish, especially when the company is handling the bill.  :)

We ordered edamame and a large array of varied sushi entrees for our group of seven, including Toro Sashimi (Fatty Tuna), Octopus Sashimi , Salmon Sashimi, Yellowtail Sashimi, Japanese Oysters, Tuna Nigiri, Yellowtail Nigiri, Tuna Rolls, Sea Snails, Yellowtail Collar, Seabass Sashimi, and Japanese Snapper.  There were a few other types ordered, but with only two pieces to an order of nigiri, I am sure I missed a few that were scarfed down.  I snapped a quick pictures of one of the plates before too much was eaten.  You can see the Oysters on each side in the iced bowls.

I cannot recommend a specific fish here since everyone has their own tastes, but I can say that you may find a new favorite here.  For example, octopus is normally something I avoid because at most sushi joints it is tough, flavorless, and a chore to eat.  Not so at Sushi-Sake.  The octopus has a clear flavor and while tougher than most fish, it was certainly chewable (and enjoyable.)  Everything ordered was similar.  Toro melted in my mouth, while sea snails had a bit of crunch to them.

I can say with certainty that the fish at Sushi-Sake is of the highest quality and is served with excellent preparation.  Everything ordered was superb (as usual) and service was subtle and considerate.  Still, it may not be for everyone due to the limited roll selection, so be aware before you visit that you won't find Volcano Rolls or Philadelphia Rolls on the menu. For fun, creative rolls, I recommend Piranha Killer Sushi in Arlington.

Verdict: Sushi-Sake is the best restaurant I know of for ultra-traditional sushi.  The fish has amazing flavor and has never disappointed. 

Food: 4.5/5
Service: 4/5
Atmosphere 4/5