Sushi Yama

DC, says:

• Food:

  4/5

• Vibe:

  4/5

• Service:

  4/5

• Value:

  4/5

• Overall:

  4/5

Solid old Sushi Yama. We recently took the trip out here and I realized I have never really related our food experiences at this place.

Of course, I'll have to start with the disclaimers. First, you know if I am willing to drive to somewhere close to 635 I'm probably going to like it. Secondly, my schedule is a less than predictable one. As a result, anyplace open past midnight is going to get some props.

This venue is tucked into an unassuming strip mall, right beside what appears to be a rather obnoxious bar called something like O RLYs. Other than the awning and the wooden ashtray outside there is little to distinguish it from the income tax places and other strip mall inhabitants.

There is no shortage of reading inside. The menu is extensive and large portions of it are recreated in Sharpie on large construction paper sheets on the wall. Some of it is also in Kanji, so unless you are very good with your characters, I'd suggest occasionally ordering something simply by pointing at a character you like and see what you get.

Tuesdays are dollar sushi nights, which come with a 10 piece minimum proviso and Wednesdays are the infamous bento box nights. The bento box special is a real crowd pleaser. Typically, the place is packed, the servers are grouchy and the food is not really the best they can offer.

Thinking over the visits we've had here, I would say that I am less impressed with the special nights. The sushi, even, is very good, don't get me wrong. Everything is fresh and nicely prepared. However, what sets the dishes apart here are the offerings not well done in many other Dallas Japanese restaurants.

In one of my other reviews, I lamented the lack of a decent noodle shop around. I should have qualified that by saying that there are decent bowls of ramen, udon and soba to be had at Sushi Yama, it's just that the drive from downtown is coma inducing. Transplant those dishes someplace in proximity to the nightlife and this will further add to my sleep disorders.

Other than the noodles, there are always daily specials and the odd crazy plate. I suggest you take some of your more squeamish friends and ask for a yaki plate with the shaved bonito flakes. You might think this is akin to a yakitori, however, this is more of a cross between a pancake and a pizza served with a mayo based dipping sauce. The shaved bonito flakes are think enough to move from the heat of the plate, giving it the appearance of being alive. Cool.

The crowd varies from asian families, men reading Sabra and total nerds presumably from TI. You know, the unshaven types who knit up the middle of their eyebrows trying to look eriudite despite the fact that they're playing air drums with their chopsticks much to the chagrin of their japanese hosts.

We have been there when the stars and stripes karaoke machine has been on. It's more Tara Reid than it is Scarlett Johansson quality, but perhaps I've never been in the right state for it.

Drink selection is serviceable if not stupendous. Somehow I think they're holding out on me.

Insert comfortable cliche here: old jeans, shoes, shirt and combine with simile. Conclude review...