How can I make a review of a place like this? Part of me want to share with you the amazing experience I have every time I go there and another part of me wants to keep this place far from the crowds and the curious.

If you walk down Carl street, you might not notice this hole in the wall with no name. I entered this sushi temple a couple years ago, while pushed by a few critics like Patricia Utterman, raving about it. I also knew, as soon as I set foot in there, that this place was not what I know of a sushi bar. This is a very unpretentious place run by a man, master of sushi for over 50 years, chef Tetsuo and his lovely wife Junko. The first time there, our new face got us to wait 45 minutes before being served. I wasn’t in a rush and I always know that one always have to wait for the good things in life. Our first dinner there was the best sushi experience I ever had in my life and the BF felt the same way. Even better than the place he went to in Japan.

This is without a doubt the best fish you will find in town. Everyone I have brought there as agreed, even a person that use to work for Nobu in LA. The quality and the freshness is outstanding, Chef Tetsuo, still goes every morning around all the fish markets to find the best of the best, if he can’t find it, then he won’t serve it!

You can’t go there with the idea of wanting something else than sushi and sashimi. As Chef Tetsuo always say to the new faces entering the restaurant: “Here no crazy rolls” and yes, don’t go there to insult him in asking him if he has a vegetarian roll!! I don’t go in a vegan restaurant to ask for a T-bone steak, do I?

Oh yes they can be rude, especially if you answer your phone in the restaurant, or not understand what this is all about. This is like being invited at someone house and you have to respect their customs.

What to order? Well everything, as I said he will only serve the best, so you know you’re in good hands. What did we order last night? We started with some Edamame. Yes sometimes you have to wait for a while because he has other costumers and think about it, he is the only one to make the sushi, so chill out and enjoy!

We got served some Miso soup. Then lovely Junko gave us a taste of, I don’t know the name but thinly slice raw squid marinated in its stomach juice. Don’t look for it on the menu, this is a treat you get when Chef Tetsuo understand that your palate is worthy of his specialties. It was great!

Then we ordered some Ankimo (monkfish liver, steamed in sake) this is the foie gras of the sea, it is so delicate, it’s a amazing!!! Major foodgasm!!!! It came on the plate with one order of hamachi Toro, it was melting in my mouth like butter.

I ordered the Sushi deluxe plate, nigiri style sushi with 2 unagi, 1 toro, 2 Maguro, 1 ebi, 1 thai snaper, 1 scallop, 1 halibut, and 1 maki roll.

The BF ordered the sashimi deluxe, came with thai snaper, toro, maguro, scallop, smoked salmon, squid.

You have to try his smoke salmon, this is the best I ever have, it’s so good, not greasy as most are, tender and flavorful, just talking about it makes my mouth water.

Then we had 2 orders of oysters.

This is a lot of food but trust me once you start you’ll never want to stop.

A few rules: turn off your cell phone, don’t complain if you have to wait, after all he is by himself there, don’t ask for a vegetarian plate or a cream cheese roll, it’s like putting water in your wine: It’s an insult!!!!

Do ask Junko what’s the special of the day. You’ll see they are the sweetest couple and one day you’ll feel proud to be part of that big family of fans they have.

Be aware: if you eat sushi there, you’ll never be able to eat sushi somewhere else!! Trust me I have friends coming from Paris for Chef Tetsuo’s sushi and I have seen costumers, coming from Texas for a sushi fix.

As for me, the spirit, the kindness and the talent of Chef Tetsuo bring me there anytime I can. Every time I leave, I feel like leaving my parents house after a family dinner, my stomach is full, my senses are satisfied and a feeling of happiness has invaded me.

Summary: This is my favorite restaurant in town and I would highly recommend it but I don’t want crowds of spoiled customers going to bug Chef Tetsuo and his wife! Please go there only if you know you are a foodie, ready to wait if needed. Bill for 2: $112.13 (not including tip, but including beers)