It’s an embarrassing thing for an Angelino to admit, but I don’t really like sushi. There, I said it. That said, I was greatly – and happily – surprised the first time I went to Hamasaku, tucked into the corner of a mini-mall near the 405 Freeway. Their interesting mix of Japanese flavors with a bit of Mexico/California influence hit the perfect spot for me.
The salmon was paper-thin and melt-in-your-mouth. The creamy sauces mixed beautifully with the flavors. There was wasabi, of course, but what about a touch of sriracha? And whoever heard of wrapping a roll in thin avocado slices??
One of my favorites is the CHARLIZE TACO – which contains spicy tuna combined with guacamole and creamy wasabi, served in a fried wonton skin shell. (It’s the taco-thingy in the photo.) The CERVICHE ROLL has lobster, miso, sriracha, serrano, and cilantro wrapped in avocado. Sushi purists may scoff, but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.
I never was a sake drinker either but was pleasantly surprised by the Chrysanthemum Mist, described on the menu as CLEAN – smooth richness, faint fruitiness, slightly dry. I tasted it with trepidation then went on to drink two cups. I would have had more but the bottle was empty by that time, darn it.
Hamasaku strives to use sustainable seafood whenever possible. As their menu states: we want to help take pressure off wild stock for future generations to enjoy. Guilt-free sushi!
If you love sushi – or even if you don’t – give Hamasaku a try!