Blowfish Raw Talent

9229 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood (310) 887-3848

 

If not for the throngs packing this hip Sushi bar even on weekdays, Blowfish – with its sleek lines and sexy illumination – could be easily missed  driving down Sunset.  Even the screamingly red fish of the namesake isn’t loud enough to make you notice, as if to say – you don’t end up at this trendy eatery just by a random sighting; it’s a destination worthy of intent.

 

Unfurling in the spot once held by Bar One, this haven, popular with A-listers, Sushi aficionados and discriminating palates, is the quite simply, the place to be.  East and West come together seamlessly so that patrons are treated to the high energy of the Anime unfolding on plasma screens with the sophistication of design elements incorporating plush suede cushioned walls, black leather banquets, subtle age-enhancing lighting, and clean uninterrupted lines.  “In Japan,” says Executive Chef and Managing Partner Ritsuo Tsuchida, “the food culture is very strict.  Chefs have been utilizing the same methods for hundreds of years.  Blowfish brings and element of excitement to the Japanese dining experience, while still adhering to the highest levels of quality, and traditions of the culture.”

 

Once welcomed in by the gregarious General Manager, Sasha, you can start by ordering a buttery pyramid of tartar made of bigeye tuna, atlantic king salmon and avocado.  Once mashed up with sweet ginger soy sauce, you scoop it up with thick-cut chips.  The spicy bincyo, seared medallions of albacore topped with crunchy tempura flakes and roasted jalapeno, arrives artistically in a boat and is tasty.  Another winner from the appetizers, the crunchy ½ dozen tiger prawns tossed in spicy aioli, is served with glazed walnuts and is sure to elicit a moan of delight.  There are so many standouts on the Maki menu.   Animal Style has spicy tuna, snow crab, red onion and shrimp tempura wrapped with white soy paper.  Crunchy California, while sounding run-of-the mill, is anything but.  Crab, avocado and flying fish roe are breaded and then flash fried sumptuously to a golden finish.  And the Ritsu Roll, a combination of two types of tuna, avocado, tobiko and nori in alight tempura batter is also flash fried and one of innumerably noteworthy offerings.  For those seeking cooked items, the menu includes some delectable items including a braised filet mignon over lobster maki with wasabi mascarpone and Dynamite Caps – baked scallops, shrimp, and crab over shiitake mushroom caps.

 

While featuring a premium sake list, the innovative signature cocktails are a must.  The Lychee Sidecar is made of Kan No Ko Japanese whiskey, orange liqueur, fresh lychee and lemon juice and accented with one of the plump, rosy fruits.  The Mango Mojito is one of the best concoctions you will lose sobriety over.  So smooth and tasty, you are sure to keep ordering until you feel a little like the action characters unfolding on the menu and monitors.

 

-GD