Asakaze, George St, Sydney

Asakaze, George St, Sydney
Friday 21 December, 2007

Located in the retail space of the recently refurbished 259 George St complex, Asakaze offers Japanese cuisine including a sushi train on the lower level.

We finished work early today and a work buddy & I decided to give it a try. On arrival we were welcomed inside and invited to take a seat on the high chairs around the sushi train. With drinks ordered we watched the different coloured plates go past. My lunch buddy opened a brochure on the table which revealed the price attached to each plate ($3.50 - $5.00 each). We also prepared our own sauce concoction of wasabi and soy sauce - I love it with some kick.

Sushi is vinegared rice topped or mixed with various fresh ingredients, usually fish or sea food. I wasn't aware of this but there are several different terms for the types of sushi:

Nigiri-zushi - This is sushi with the ingredients on top of a block of rice.
Maki-zushi - Translated as "roll sushi," this is where rice and seafood or other ingredients are placed on a sheet of seaweed (nori) and rolled into a cylindrical shape on a bamboo mat and then cut into smaller pieces.
Temaki - Basically the same as makizushi, except that the nori is rolled into a cone-shape with the ingredients placed inside.
Chirashi - Translated as "scattered", chirashi involves fresh sea food, vegetables or other ingredients being placed on top of sushi rice in a bowl or dish.

The process for ordering at Asakze is simple:

1. Simply select the plate of your choice
2. If you can't see what you want, you can order through any of the staff members
3. When you have finished dining let the staff know, so they can count your plates
4. Take the bill and proceed to the register

We tried some salmon and tuna sashimi first and it was just delicious - the freshness and thick cut slices was truly delightful. We pondered our next move, watched the plates roll past and then selected some:

- Salmon rolls with spring onions
- Teriyaki rolls with chicken, avocado and cucumber
- Tuna rolls with mayonnaise

We were both impressed with the quality of the food. The place was buzzing and each time any guests leave all the staff sing out in unison a Japanese farewell. Once or twice is fine but when you hear it repeatedly it gets a little tired.

Asakaze - 259 George St, Sydney