By: Jasmyn Elliott/ Columnist
My friend Zeysha and I have what I’d like to call a “foodie bucket list,” a collection of foods and restaurants to try before we’re six feet under. I am happy to report that we have crossed one of the items off.
For months, Zeysha and I have been scheming to try Akashi, a Japanese sushi place with a great reputation.
We had our hearts set on the location near Sunset Place, but time and circumstance took us, along with our friend Carly, to their little-known second location, 3444 Main Highway, Coconut Grove.
The main dining room at Akashi’s Coconut Grove location is the size of a postage stamp, so we decided to sit on their patio. Though it’s not much larger, it’s surrounded by a low wall of plants, offering some privacy from the street and a bit more elbow room.
Our waitress, though a bit slow on service, was very friendly.
We started out with their vegetable tempura, a fool-proof Japanese classic that is consistently delicious no matter where I go.
Although the usual suspects, such as broccoli, carrots and string beans were in the mix, I was pleasantly surprised to find asparagus, zucchini slices and sweet potatoes were added.
Almost anything that is fried is yummy, but I was especially pleased to find that it was piping hot and freshly made instead of sitting under a heat lamp.
While delicious on its own, the flavor factor was enhanced when dipped in the accompanying teriyaki sauce. In short, I think asparagus tempura is my new favorite vegetable.
Whenever I mention Akashi to a friend that has been there, I am always commanded to try the Alex #2 Roll.
Let me tell you, I am so glad I followed the advice.
The Alex #2 Roll is basically a souped-up dragon roll, or what I like to call a “best of sushi” roll: shrimp tempura, crab salad, and cream cheese topped with avocado, spicy mayonnaise and eel sauce, wrapped in the ubiquitous white rice and topped with tempura crumbles.
Between the slight kick from the spicy mayo, the creamy freshness of the avocado and the savory flavors of the fish, one bite and I was in heaven.
The tempura crumbles were a much-appreciated addition to the meal. Even now, as I type this, I am craving it and no other sushi roll will do.
Another roll of note is the Sunset roll, a combination of salmon, white fillet, tuna, crab and avocado. While the Alex #2 is still in my dreams, the Sunset roll solidified that Akashi serves nothing but the freshest fish.
Although it didn’t have any special toppings or sauces, the Sunset roll was still satisfying and flavorful on its own, perhaps due to the hamachi-grilled white fillet. It was also nice to see that each roll was made to order, even Carly’s vegetable roll.
As with any sushi place, hot meals were also on the menu.
Zeysha decided to order a side of chicken fried rice along with her sushi. With one bite, I was pleasantly surprised to taste fluffy, flavorful rice with smoky bits of chicken rather than the greasy, overcooked versions I often settle for. The serving was deceivingly small, as that tiny bowl actually managed to fill both of us up.
Contrary to the expensive prices often associated with sushi, Akashi’s menu falls under the mid-price range, with its rolls never exceeding $11.95, plus tax, a great bargain considering the portions are quite generous. Between the three of us, our bill barely came out to $50, including an appetizer and tip. When split three ways, it was a great bargain.
Overall, Akashi is a great, casual place for sushi, with a chill atmosphere, affordable prices and great service. Now, go try that Alex #2 roll!
Food for Thought is a bi-weekly column on food. Look for it every other Wednesday.
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