Having recently spent nearly three weeks in Japan, I can tell you that Syun is the closest thing to the real deal that I've ever found in Oregon. I've been to a majority of the Japanese places downtown and up and down the I-5 corridor. I never thought that I'd find the best experience so close to my own backyard. Opening the front door and stepping in was just like being hurled back to some of my favorite little spots in Kyoto. It even smelled the same. The sushi is definitely higher end, on par with the best I've had in the States. But it would be a shame to miss out on some of the other dishes, you simply must try the steamed clams, heck, even prawns in curry. But it was a lot of the little touches that reminded me so much of Japan. The way the food was presented, the closed in small quarters, some of the flavors in the food. Now, I must say, what truly makes a Japanese meal great is good sake and good friends... and a lack of financial apprehension. Syun is not one of those places I hit every week because when I go there, I expect to put out some serious coin, especially for sake. I happen to know how extremely good sake should taste and Syun has a couple of impressive daiginjos that are on the list. The best daiginjo that I've ever had was a bottle in downtown Tokyo that was brewed to commemorate the birth of the new male heir to the throne. It was a $250 dollar bottle and I've never had it's equal. But there are definitely some great sakes on the list here.
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