Blowfish Sushi To Die For

If gluttony is a sin, then I would gladly go to hell for sushi. When it comes to this Japanese delicacy, I have no difficulty indulging. But, in my experience, sushi is sushi is sushi. I love the way it melts in my mouth. I love the fresh slices of ginger, soy sauce and fiery wasabi that accompanies each dish, but at the same time, I am always looking for something better and different. When I heard rumor of a fantastic restaurant located along San Jose's trendy Santana Row combining the traditional with unique and inventive, I became intrigued. The menu at Blowfish is considerable, but not overwhelming. The menu provides its patrons with the usual nigiri (raw fish over rice), sashimi (slices of raw fish), fluffy white rice and miso soup, but what sets it apart from your typical sushi joint are its maki rolls. These hand rolled delights are found at most restaurants, but at Blowfish, the chef takes tradition and adds a twist. The Ritsu Roll ($9), combines two kinds of tuna, avocado, tobiko (flying fish roe), nori (the seaweed that surrounds the roll) dipped in tempura and is served with a citrus tempura sauce and honey aioli. Each piece was extremely delicate and dissolved on my tongue. The rest of the menu is similar and I found myself wishing that I had a weekly allowance set aside for this restaurant alone. It is a bit pricey and rolls range from $6 to $15, but if you are willing to splurge on these succulent treats, then please do. The extensive sake selection is also worth trying if you are of age, and are courageous enough to slurp down a Cucumber Cooler. I did, and with a Tribe Called Quest's righteous beats bumping in the background, I found myself giving Blowfish Sushi To Die For a solid head nod.

-Written by Margaret Murray