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| - Tragically hip sushi joint, semi-attached to TI's Tangerine nightclub (which is quite awful, avoid at all cost). The decor is modern and trendy, as is to be expected of a place trying to market itself to the young and beautiful. The main room looks a little bit crowded and is very loud, but sitting in one of the smaller side rooms is pleasant and comfortable.
The chef worked at Nobu for years, and while his sushi is just slightly above average (nothing bad, but also nothing to write home about), the sake selection and appetizers were by and large very tasty and interesting.
We sampled a wide variety of appetizers, and the garlic-oil seared fluke, whitefish seviche and scallop and giant clam dynamite were truly delicious. Well balanced flavors, first-grade ingredients and great preparation. The salads were fresh and tasty, but nothing new or awe-inspiring. A noodle dish arrived completely overcooked - not only far away from al dente (as it was described by the server), but complete mush.
The service is laid back and casual, maybe a bit too casual at times. While every staff member we met was very friendly and enthusiastic about their food, they definitely seemed to have been hired more for their looks than professional experience. Be prepared to meet some handsome, charming, food-loving kids who sometimes fly a bit by the seat of their pants.
All in all a very enjoyable place, but I am giving it only three stars because of the botched dish, the varying quality/creativity of the food and the slight lack of professionalism in the service. For the price, you ought to be able to expect more.
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