Recently in Fukuoka, when I am by myself, often of late go and have sushi.​ ​
As I was also alone this time on the first night, I asked AMEX to try and reserve somewhere notable, but surprising was told that even the credit card company were unable to secure a reservation on my behalf. And not just at one restaurant listed, but 3 or 4 that proved impossible. I wonder if this is due to foreign visitors cancelling at the last minute? Well, after calling somewhere different, relatively new and unregistered, I grabbed the first seat I could.
‘Sushi-Kanbi’ (meaning, ‘to hold rice in hand with respect, each and every day’).
irstly, my thirst is quenched with some draft beer and get given some elaborately prepared fish. Seared bonito is exquisite. ‘Shirako’ (fish roe) which I don’t really like is eaten with pieces of sea bream and orange. ‘Namako’ (sea cucumber) — again, not a fan — and ‘uchiko’ come out mixed together, and in the end taste quite delicious. I nibble my way through Saikyozuke (sea bass pickled in sweet Kyoto-style miso) which is way too good, at which point I change my drink to Sapporo beer (Akeboshi).
‘Onigiri’ (rice balls) are also great. The Akazu vinegar is to my taste and the rice looks fresh. Finally, ’Kanpyō-maki’ (maki rolls filled with pickle) are made in the same way as ‘Inari-sushi’. The sushi master is pleasant enough, with a personality bound to please guests. Since making a last minute reservation is bound to be difficult, I will try and come again soon.