Fighting off carbs? Concerned about those expensive pizzas that are taking a toll on both waistline and wallet? Perhaps it is time to embrace the latest zen food craze – sushi. Oh sure it’s been around for a while but honestly who wants to dive right into ordering raw expensive fish? What if something goes horribly wrong? These probing questions can easily be dealt with if one chooses the right venue and remembers a few tips about the potentially intimidating cuisine.
Try starting out at the lovely Japanese restaurant Bistro Ka a welcoming restaurant that is perfect for a sushi beginner and does not require one’s entire allowance in one sitting. The open and relaxed restaurant is located inside Topanga Canyon Mall enough on the outskirts so that it does not feel like a food-court shopping break. The traditional decorations and well-spaced tables lend an inviting tone to the dining experience; and with broad fresh wood beams this exotic feel is complete.Aside from these spatial luxuries the Bistro also offers the delightful invention of special prices during happy hour.
Whether students find this prospect exciting because of the cheap sake or cheap sushi the results are indeed something to celebrate. From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday – not to mention all day long on Sundays – students can enjoy California rolls for just under $3 and half a dozen other rolls and appetizers for under $5. Just be sure to sit at the sushi bar to get these prices. A booth will force one to order from the regularly priced menu which is still ridiculously cheap compared to Malibu’s own Bui Sushi or nose-in-the-air Nobu.
Sushi beginners should take advantage of the simplicity of the California roll. Crab cucumber and avocado if done right should appeal to even seafood haters. Another key word for novices is “tempura.” The equivalent of “deep-fried” in American culture tempura guarantees two things: The food has been cooked and a delicious crunch is included. Specialty rolls at Bistro Ka fall between $7 to $15 and are among the few intricate and higher priced creations it offers.
Another key dish for a sushi beginner to hone in on is the edamame. Lightly warmed and salted soybeans these treats are a staple in sushi cuisine. Their healthy contribution to one’s protein intake is only one of the few benefits this green and spongy appetizer possesses.
One of the easiest raw rolls to handle is the Rainbow roll. The beautiful crisscross of a variety of fish and avocado artistically spread over the standard California roll filling distracts from the fact that the fish is raw. Just consider starving children across the world when gulping down your first bite of un-cooked fish; odds are you might actually like it.
For the least adventurous restaurant connoisseur Bistro Ka also offers a variety of familiar entrees. It features everything from teriyaki chicken to other “safe” favorites for the non-risk taker. But one should not let this sushi guide approach fool them – Bistro Ka covers the sushi spectrum. It delivers some authentic completely raw sushi and sashimi for the experienced and avid fish consumer and keep the inexperienced comfortable at the same time.
Sushi connoisseurs and newbies alike will find this venue well priced comfortable hospitable and easily accessible. Just one final hint if you see a roll scurry away just ask the waiter to exchange it for tempura – better safe than sorry.