Sushi and Noodles.
So says the headline at the top of Sakura's dinner menu. But as we found on a wet Monday night, this Corner establishment, specializing in all forms of Japanese cuisine is much, much more.
Located adjacent to Frank's Pizza on 14th Street, Sakura has a flare for both the traditional and the exotic as its chefs master the art that is sushi and sashimi making. And while the menu offers an extensive array of raw fish, Sakura also features vegetarian and cooked sushi, as well as a wide selection of Japanese noodle dishes for those unwilling to take the sushi plunge.
The interior experience is elegantly Japanese, with walls of ecru, dimly lit paper lanterns and light oak tables. Customers have three seating options -- the typical table or booth, front and center at the sushi bar where they can study the skills of the Sakura chefs, or in the tea room. It is here where real Japan is felt, as customers sit on the floor, legs crossed, enjoying their meals as those in the Far East do. (This area is most likely seated by request or reservation. We discovered this after we already had ordered).
This dining experience is not only unique in its appearance, but also in its options and tastes. Regardless of preference, Sakura's menu offers something to everyone's liking.
We decided to try one item from each of Sakura's menu sections: Soup, salad, appetizers, entrees, noodles and sushi.
We began with Miso soup ($1.50). This rather small cup of the traditional starter came complete with the usual soy beans, tofu, seaweed and scallions. And although nothing made it stand out from others we have tried, Sakura's Miso was delivered piping hot (just the way we like it) and without the salty aftertaste that many Misos leave.
In addition to the soup, we wet our palettes with a traditional Japanese Garden Salad ($2.50). Again, this small bowl complete with lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes and onions was just the right size for a few bites -- the perfect start to what is always a very filling meal for us. The dressing on the salad was superb. Tossed to our liking, it was a perfect blend of carrot and ginger coupled with a touch of sesame oil and a light citrus finish.
To top off our appetizers we went for Daniel's favorite, Edamame ($4.25), or lightly salted steamed soybeans. The beans, with just enough salt, were steamed to the perfect texture, as the pods popped right out from the firm outer shells.
Presented on top of a gorgeous bamboo steam plate with thin slices of orange for decoration, this starter was large enough to last throughout the entire meal.
Not knowing what to order for our main dishes, we turned to our waitress, who by the way was the most friendly and pleasant of those we've encountered thus far. She suggested we try the Sakura Bento Box: Chicken Teriyaki and the Shrimp Tempura Udon. And we followed her advice.
For only $14.95, the Bento Box is a great entree to share, as it comes complete with your choice of main dish (our choice of chicken teriyaki), California roll, salad and soup (which we had before), and of course steamed white rice. Combine all that with a beautiful presentation inside a compartmentalized wooden box, and you have what we called "The Sakura Sampler."
The shrimp tempura and the vegetables that accompanied it, although fried, was not greasy, but rather crisp and light on the outside. The broccoli, yuka and sweet potato tempura helped to temper our first true fish tasting of the night.
The chicken teriyaki was of the right temperature and texture, but it lacked an edge to truly call it a great choice. On further review, we would have liked to try the shrimp and scallops or the negimaki (sliced beef-wrapped scallion) instead.
Closing out the Bento Box were a few pieces of a delicious California Roll. We chose to dip ours in a wasabi/soy combo -- a move that added a layer of kick to the conservative Californian.
Outside of the usual sushi plates Sakura offers a wide variety of bowls, or noodle dishes. Again, our waitress recommended we try the Shrimp Tempura Udon (in soup) ($9.95), and we complied. The bowl consisted of thick Udon noodles swimming among carrots, onions, bamboo shoots and, of course, shrimp, all over a light broth. The combination of liquid and starch did not sit well at this point as we neared our limit. Yet on its own, a noodle selection is another perfect choice for a customer looking to sample all Sakura has to offer.
The flavors of fish, the ambiance of the Far East, the blend of textures and the attentive wait staff all make Sakura a sure bet for any and all Corner-goers. Best picked for a calm and relaxed evening, Sakura matches plentiful portions with affordable prices, not to mention an ideal location for students and faculty. Just request the tea room if you can.
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