Sushi & Beer @ Tokyo Steakhouse

I want to begin by explaining the "Sushi & Beer" description of our visit to Tokyo Steakhouse.  When we visit a restaurant for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, we realize that a certain expectation exists regarding speed and quality of service.  Because those expectations are somewhat universal, we can compare one restaurant to another within those categories; lunch at one place can easily be compared with lunch at another, and likewise with breakfast or dinner.  However, when we visit a restaurant outside of a normal meal time, or are there simply to order a limited selection, we feel we should make it clear that the review doesn't necessarily reflect a standard meal at the restaurant.  OK, enough with the semantics; on to the review:


We decided to head over to one of our favorite night spots recently, Tokyo Steakhouse.  Known for their entertaining hibachi-style cooking tables, the restaurant features a  wide selection of Japanese foods and beverages.  While we have been there for several meals (it is a great birthday destination), this trip was solely for the purpose of having late-night sushi and beers.  Not only do they offer numerous varieties of sushi and sashimi, they have a number of items that are half off after 8:30pm-fried rice, noodles, and several of the sushi rolls, to name a few.

Now, I am a huge fan of sushi.  I love the complex flavor pairings, most sushi is fairly nutritious, and the tradition involved with the preparation and consumption is fascinating to me.  However, many of my friends and family hold the view (as I am sure many of you do) of, "Eeewww....raw fish!"  They either don't like the pungent aroma and flavor of the fresh fish and various accompaniments, or the texture is what turns them off.  For some, it is simply the idea of eating uncooked seafood that doesn't bear well.  In any case, I understand that not everyone shares my enthusiasm for it.  As such, it was no surprise that one of my companions was totally repulsed by sushi in general, while the other was curious-but not a huge fan.  As such, I ordered the lion's share of the sushi that evening.