Northampton's newest sushi place is splendid
Kate Robinson
Issue date: 9/26/02 Section: Features
The steamed veggie gyoza was a smooth combination of vegetables cradled in a spinach noodle dumpling. The petite bowl of miso soup was chock-full of seaweed and tofu, perfect for whetting the palate. My futo maki entree consisted of crabmeat, avocado, cucumber, egg custard and tobiko. Seaweed is usually too much for me to handle, but this was light and not at all overpowering. The subtle essence allowed the other elements to come through, making for a deep, rounded final flavor — the kind you savor.
Of the 28 choices on the sushi a la carte menu, I picked a classic favorite: the white tuna. Again, the flavor was light and distinct, with a smooth consistency. For you daredevils out there, Osaka offers everything from eel to sea urchin in the price range of a $1.50 to three dollars.
In addition to sushi, Osaka offers a unique hibachi dinner. "The chef prepares everything [on a grill] in front of you – chicken, lobster, steak, vegetables," said Marc. This at-your-table presentation includes a bit of "trick show," he added with a smile. I didn't witness Osaka's hibachi display, but for those of you who aren't familiar with the term, it involves fancy slicing and dicing and tossing of knives — an exciting way to spend a Friday night. Hibachi dinners run in the range of $11 to $18.
If you're veggie-inclined, Osaka has you covered. "I know a lot of people are really vegetarian, [especially] Smith students. We have a lot of vegetable maki [to choose from]," Marc said.
When you've got a Friday or Saturday night to spare and dinner just doesn't look so hot, head down to Osaka, and give it a try. If you like good sushi, this may well be your new favorite restaurant.
Osaka is open Mon.-Thurs. from 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Fri.-Sat. from 11:30 a.m. to midnight, and Sun. and holidays from 12:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The restaurant is located at 7 Old South Street, Northampton.
Of the 28 choices on the sushi a la carte menu, I picked a classic favorite: the white tuna. Again, the flavor was light and distinct, with a smooth consistency. For you daredevils out there, Osaka offers everything from eel to sea urchin in the price range of a $1.50 to three dollars.
In addition to sushi, Osaka offers a unique hibachi dinner. "The chef prepares everything [on a grill] in front of you – chicken, lobster, steak, vegetables," said Marc. This at-your-table presentation includes a bit of "trick show," he added with a smile. I didn't witness Osaka's hibachi display, but for those of you who aren't familiar with the term, it involves fancy slicing and dicing and tossing of knives — an exciting way to spend a Friday night. Hibachi dinners run in the range of $11 to $18.
If you're veggie-inclined, Osaka has you covered. "I know a lot of people are really vegetarian, [especially] Smith students. We have a lot of vegetable maki [to choose from]," Marc said.
When you've got a Friday or Saturday night to spare and dinner just doesn't look so hot, head down to Osaka, and give it a try. If you like good sushi, this may well be your new favorite restaurant.
Osaka is open Mon.-Thurs. from 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Fri.-Sat. from 11:30 a.m. to midnight, and Sun. and holidays from 12:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The restaurant is located at 7 Old South Street, Northampton.