I Love sushi.  It is one of my favorite foods.  Prior to my move from Wisconsin to Georgia, the thought of eating raw fish, much less raw anything, would have frightened me something terrible.   Consider that fish have to travel across alot of land to get there (that big lake next to Wisconsin is pretty much unfit to eat from, thanks to industry).  Fish tastes “fishy” in the midwest.  There are probably some premium vendors but I never tasted such things growing up. 

My first experience with sushi was at “Harry and Sons” in the Virginia Highlands (that's in Atlanta, not Virginia). 820 North Highland Avenue - 404-873-2009.  I was hooked.  I discovered that nothing is quite as powerful in combating a hang-over than some raw fatty tuna.  Well, actually, a bunch of water, some excedrin, loads of sleep, some good lovin and an early morning beer - then some fatty tuna....   I digress

I don't do alot of hang-overs these days but I sure like me some sushi.  I tried Nakato last night.  It was pretty good.  I can't say that it was all that spectacular.  I dined in the steak frying, flying knife, flaming onion room.  Perhaps the atmoshpere detracted from the overall experience but I would give it 4 of 5 stars.  The shrimp and chicken on the grill by the egg spinning chef was 5 of 5.   So, overall, a great restaurant.  Perfect place to go with a large group.  Jackson (my 8 month old mini me) loved the fire.  He was about to get cranky when, 'poof' the grill was on fire and he was mesmerized...  The early birs before 6:30 special is a steal.

Ru-san's, in midtown - 1529 Piedmont Road -  is pretty good.  I have always liked their spicy tuna.  It's cheap and they play music that doesn't annoy me.  Its a cool place to hang out.  The Buckhead location is ok but not as good.  I have been to the Marietta location and it SUCKS.  It truly sucks.  I don't know if they are owned by the same family but they are far from consistent.  Further, the Buckhead location treated a friend of mine like shit because she is white.  That's wrong.  Just because a girl ain't asian doesn't mean you need to be angry with her.  Of course, she is blond and, well, she's blond...   So maybe they just didn't understand why she kept forgetting things.  Regardless, it is quite the converse attitude of what I have experinced from asian culture.  I have always admired eastern cuture and philosophy and will forever be intrigued by its values.

I have tried sushi in many places.  I work in norcross and have to endure the sushi up there for lunch.  Nothing is noteworthy.  Buford highway left me questioning my sanitation safety.  I was hitting a buffet for a while until one day it smelled a little ripe and a comrad got badly, badly ill.  Buffet, bad.  Unless appropriately expensive, how can they afford the american buffet professionals? 

Back to “Harry and Sons“!   They rock.  Always exceptional.  It is not a pillow and shoeless adventure.  In fact, I usually take it to go.  I love down the street so its just easier to take it home than pack up the baby.  They have a volcano roll which is awesome.  Big pieces of really fresh, tasty raw fish. 

...and now for something completely different.  Yoshino!  They have something that is probably heresy to a sushi traditionalist...  I don't know sushi rules but I know this is the first I have seen of this and all I can say is: mmmmmmmmmmm.