A couple weeks ago, I was invited to attend a pre-opening media dinner for Bamboo Sushi. Formerly Masu East, Bamboo Sushi is the first restaurant in the U.S. serving certified sustainable sushi. What that means is that, when possible, the fish served is caught from certified wild fisheries, and the fish can be traced back to its origin. This promotes sustainable fishing practices and provides the consumer with the ability to choose fish that is sustainably caught.
The restaurant has a relaxed, understated atmosphere that is comfortable and pleasing. I particularly like how the bar divides the dining area into two smaller areas with the sushi bar is off to one side. While it may seem odd not to have the sushi bar front and center, the layout works.
Most importantly, the food is delicious. We were served a set menu of sushi, sashimi, and cooked items. Ten courses were condensed into 5 servings so we could taste a wide range of offerings. Each serving included a cooked and a raw item. The fish was fresh and flavorful, and if a sauce was added it was done with care to not overpower the fish. The cooked items were similarly fresh and cooked just right.
Two dishes that were not quite spectacular were the spicy scallops and the grilled kobe flank. The spicy scallops lacked spice and were a little bland, but the chef assured me that they could be ordered to taste. The kobe beef is domestic and not as tender as one might expect for "kobe beef". On the other hand, using domestic kobe keeps this delicious dish at a price that everyone can enjoy.
Those are minor points in an otherwise delicious meal. The menu is sure to please most everyone, making it easy to bring people who don't east sushi to a sushi restaurant. Vegan and vegetarian options are available. Everyone will enjoy the desserts, so save room.
Prices are moderate with nigiri or sashimi in the $3 to $5 range for 2 pieces, rolls from $5 to $17, and entrees from $6 to $15. Bamboo Sushi also has an extensive sake list and will happily give suggestions on which to have with your meal.
My dining companions and I enjoyed the evening and would recommend a visit to Bamboo Sushi. I'm looking forward to a return visit soon.
Learn more about the Marine Stewardship Council and their efforts to promote sustainable fishing practices.
I'm thrilled to see you are writing about Bamboo Sushi. It is my favorite new restaurant in town! I just wanted to take a moment to correct a comment you made regarding their sustainability practices. ALL of their fish is sourced from sustainable sources and meet the Monterey Bay Aquarium guidelines, rather than just "whenever possible". Now I can finally eat great sushi and contribute to a great cause (instead of feeling guilty). Thank you, Bamboo Sushi!
Dagny, thanks for your comment and clarification. My reference to whenever possible was to Marine Stewardship Council certified fish. Bamboo will source fish that meet this standard whenever possible.
Pearlgirl and I went to Bamboo on Sunday evening to give it a try on a regular night. It was every bit as good as the media event I wrote about. Plus, it was more relaxed so you could talk to the sushi chefs.
I'm visiting Portland next Saturday. Would you say that this is the best place in town for sushi?