I have never been one for wasting time. I don’t have cable TV. My Facebook activity is limited to minimal stalking twice a day. And although my day planner doesn’t break down each day by hour, I write in times myself to make sure each minute is accounted for. This generalized OCD is even more evident in my food planning. When traveling, I will spend hours checking and double checking menus, reviews, and interior photos of potential dinner spots to the point where I won’t even have to open up a wine list. This overly controlling part of my brain directly tied to my stomach does just fine until I start thinking about sushi.
Although the technique of preparing traditional sushi is quite regimented (watch “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” if you haven’t seen it) the act of enjoying it is more of a unpredictable process. Specials change daily, the whole dinning experience is at a bar, and one of the most common ordering techniques, omakase, translates to a meal chosen by the chef. Rarely do I consciously ignore my homework, but often when it comes to sushi, I will let it roll. This might seem like an exceedingly risky proposition given our proximity to the ocean or enclave of Japanese culture but nonetheless, the sushi scene in Jackson is one of the best places to throw any preconceived cautions to the wind.
Otoro from King Sushi, the most decadent sushi you could ever dream of
King Sushi: I can’t think of a restaurant that embodies Jackson better than high quality sushi served in a quaint log cabin. King Sushi has turned into the place to eat and be seen as crowds flock to sample some of the freshest fish around town. It is izakaya dinning at its best, but be sure to get there early to snag a table. Along with their creative sushi rolls and happy hour deals, try their rice bowls and ramen for a belly warming treat.
Sudachi: The restaurant in the Aspens has been cranking out great sushi, and great sushi chefs, for years. Focusing on super fresh ingredients and modern compositions, Sudachi is a must for any Japanese cuisine enthusiasts. Their menu varies throughout the week, emphasizing sushi from Tuesday through Friday and izakaya or more Japanese “pub style dinning” Saturday through Monday. You can also find grab and go sushi from them at Pearl St. Market and Aspens Market supplied by them.
The Kitchen: Although not devoted to sushi, This Fine Dinning Restaurant Group establishment features a great selection of raw seafood. Their crudo of the day is a great place to start with the cold smoked hamachi and escolar being two great second choices. With their $12 menu coming up for offseason, be sure to stop by for some seafood freshies.
Looking to whip up some sushi of your own? If you haven’t tried making sushi in the comfort of your kitchen think again. It is really fun and pretty easy. If you are looking to source fish locally, go for sashimi grade options. The Jackson Whole Grocer, Aspens Market, and Pearl Street Market all have options as well as sushi rice, mats and nori for your next culinary adventure. Another benefit of shopping at Whole Grocer is that you can choose to bring home rolls to go as well. The sushi chef there makes exceptional rolls.
