The unimpressive standard pre-placed paper menu had me fearful of what i was about to experience - particularly after a 30 minute wait. I had set foot out of my cold apartment intendning to eat a big all you can eat meal at Midori only to find that it was closed - luckily on ventura you can bet that a sushi store will turn up in less than a five minute walk, and Katsu-ya did. We were offered beverages during the wait - which adds points to my experience. Once the hot towels were set and the waitress set up the portable specials menu I was able to breath easier ... the special menu items were new, unique and inticing . I typically like servers to recommend more popular but also risky dishes - i let the waitress go to town and homegirl was ON POINT. I had albacore topped with crunchy, almost burnt, onions in terrific sauce (but not too overbearing so as to enjoy the fish, unlike i find the too thick and too sweet ponzu to be), the crispy rice special, shitake mushroom clams, mozarella crab (i know its not quite right to eat dairy with sush - i cringe at the thought of a philly roll - i but it was actually good), an excellent crab roll and the lives-up-to-every-good-review honey roll. Ah, and the fried calamari that is comprised of about 6 thick and juicy pieces accompanied by a light sauce. All were MOUTH WATERING. The server actually managed a great meal for the four of us, stopping us when she thought we had ordered enough for our first round, and suggesting one last hand roll (the honey) when we were borderline full, but wanted one more dish - we even did dessert. Great pairing of green tea ice cream and warm chocolate flourless torte-like cake. .The fish seemed of good quality - although I find it more difficult to review when eating in rolls and such. Overall I was impressed and look forward to returning - this week. Four of us each had a beer or sake, all of the above (and a standard caterpillar roll) and dessert paid $40 each. Well worth it, to me.
Pros: Not your average sushi dishes
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