rev:text
| - I'm torn over how I feel about Ichi Ban; I love it for its atmosphere and flavor, but every time I look at their menu (and my subsequent bill) I am constantly reminded that I am not loved in return. It's heartbreaking.
For what they charge for sushi, I want to see the pond where the sushi chef spears the fish himself.
I give Ichi Ban props for making their waitresses wear kimonos. Not to sound like a total bitch, but I find it most distressing when I go into an ethnic restaurant and find everyone dressed like the jerkoff at the Verizon Store. It just seems really suspicious to me; like they expect me to put faith in their culture's cuisine but don't even bother to dress the part. Don't mind me. I'm just obsessed with aesthetics.
Oh, Ichi Ban always plays authentic Japanese music while you get your sushi on. Which I appreciate. Nothing would ruin a plate of tuna rolls like having to listen to Linkin Park while I eat.
If you have a sadomasochistic relationship with your wallet (or manage to hook up with one of the many "money is no object, but it's all I think about" types that are springing up all over our once nice and ghetto west side), the food is pretty damn yummy.
I recommend the Tempura, the Boat, and any of the sushi combos.
Try the Philadelphia Roll if you don't have an aversion to cream cheese.
Don't bother getting a soda. Get the iced green tea. It only costs a dollar and is amazing.
If you want dessert, I suggest you venture across the street to any of the corporate chains. I rarely advocate going chain over local, but for the love of Zeus, 3 dollars for TWO BALLS OF MOCHI?
You get six mochi in a box of Trader Joe's Mochi Balls for about the same price.
Usually when someone wants to screw you over like that they have the common decency to give you their phone number.
Ichi Ban is a good one-time or maybe once-a-month treat. But for those with a budget, I'd suggest any of the lesser known and less expensive alternatives.
And no, I'm not talking about Kyoto Bowl.
Have some dignity.
|