It’s been a while since I did a restaurant rant. It’s certainly not been due to a lack of opportunity, but more due to lack of time and enthu to write something up. So, here goes…

Yesterday, the Wife & I decided to try out Sushiman of Issaquah. Located in a nondescript strip mall in Issaquah’s Gilman Village, we went there expecting to find a run of the mill teriyaki/sushi place; So, we were pretty surprised by the modern ambiance and decor inside.

Name: Sushiman of Issaquah

Location:  670 NW Gilman BLVD, Issaquah, WA 98027

Our Order: The Sake Sampler, Sushi Platter w/ the Miso soup. Beef Sukiyaki w/ the Crisp Green Salad.

Pros:

1. The Ambiance: We were pleasantly surprised by the restaurant’s modern decor and warm ambiance. We chose to sit at a table rather than at the Sushi Bar but the tables were a bit too wide for two people to comfortably sit and have a conversation at.

2. The Sake Sampler: At 3 Sakes for $10, this was a pretty good deal. At the time we visited, they had only 3 of their 4 Sakes available, but these three were pretty varied, both in flavor and consistency. I don’t recall their names, but the coconut flavored one was certainly different from anything I had ever tasted before.

3. Fresh Sushi: The sushi platter was fresh and filling. I think they had 6 rolls and 6 nigiri’s.

4. The Miso Soup: The soup was hot and excellent. The only places I had Miso soup before were at local Teriyaki joints and Sushiman’s miso was a cut about the rest. Not to mention the fact that it was served in lacquer bowl and drunk directly from the bowl.

Cons:

1. The salad was lousy and the Sukiyaki was average at best. I didn’t mind the Sukiyaki, but the Wife found it too mild and sweet.

2. The price: The prices were definitely higher than I expected, but not too bad. Not the most expensive sushi I’ve had, but not the best either.

Overall, the food was good , the decor was interesting and it was worth the time. I’d give it ‘B’, will probably visit again.