Gaijin Sushi Review Thread

[lpecan]

I know there's another thread in the Metro Area Talk section, but that side is typically reserved for Upcoming projects, etc. I figured it'd be more appropriate to post reviews here. So post away.

[lpecan]

OK, so Its probably tacky for me to post in my own thread, but I'm doing it anyway. I went to Gaijin tonight. They are open for dinner, and they were pretty crowded. They didn't do a soft opening and they did WAY more business than they expected. The big problem was the single waitress. It seemed the whole staff was getting pissed at her.

That said, the location is awesome. When you're in there, you get a great view of some pretty nice looking parts, with no eyesores. Its pretty trendy in there, and I think they have a ton of potential.

Lastly, for fish quality, average. I only eat nigiri, so I can't speak to the quality of the rolls. Unfortunately, average is about as good as I've had here in OKC (and I'm not one to knock OKC, its just probably hard to get great fish here). Its certainly better than the crap they serve at sushi neko, and probably on par with Fuji in Edmond. I haven't been to Tokyo on Western, though I've heard they blow everyone out of the water.

Overall, definitely a good experience. $30 a/i. Sushi ain't cheap, and you don't want it to be. It will definitely do much better the RAW, because the location is nice, the inside is inviting, and the service will improve.

CBD needs more restaurants to take a chance like this, and stay open past 5PM.

[John]

Originally Posted by lpecan

CBD needs more restaurants to take a chance like this, and stay open past 5PM.

*cough* Interurban *cough*

Good review, btw. I'm a fan of the Norman location and will give the new store a go sometime this next week after the OKC Marathon.

[metro]

lpecan, it's never tacky to post in a thread you started, as long as it contributes to the topic. I'm glad you posted. The more reviews the better.

I was in the downtown library last night, and when I came out looked over there. It brings a nice, crisp, modern look to a formerly dreary corner of the CBD. It was packed slightly after 7pm and looked hip on the inside. Nice to see it all lit up.

Thanks for the review.

[eataroundokc.com]

Yes, thanks for the review. I was curious about how this place would do. Haven't been there yet but the location and atmosphere look great.

[FritterGirl]

I went in for lunch the other day and have to say I was disappointed, especially because I have really enjoyed the Norman location in the past.

An office colleague and I went last Thursday and when we got there, it was already crowded, although there were spots available at the Sushi bar. There was no hostess, and it took several minutes before we had to track someone down to ask if we could sit at the bar, or wait to be seated somewhere.

We ordered edamame - it was cold *blech* - and not very tasty.

I also ordered 2 rolls: the avacado roll and one of their signature rolls, the Psycha 4 or something like that. She ordered the vegetarian roll, and something else I can't remember.

The Psycha 4 roll was way too hot for my taste personally so I didn't really enjoy it. Neither the avacado nor veggie rolls were anything to write home about.

I might give it another try one of these days, but I find there are much better sushi joints in town.

I still find it really nice that there's a place right in the heart of downtown, though. It's great to drive by it after work and see people in there. It really adds life to the central business district.

[Turanacus]

FritterGirl, I too complained about the cold edamame in my review, someone called me out for being too critical because the edamame is free.

I in turn, offered free sour milk to that person, expecting no complaints about the milk being sour - because it's free.

This place has a long ways to go.

[FritterGirl]

Originally Posted by Turanacus

FritterGirl, I too complained about the cold edamame in my review, someone called me out for being too critical because the edamame is free.

I in turn, offered free sour milk to that person, expecting no complaints about the milk being sour - because it's free.

This place has a long ways to go.

Umm. Not sure where that other person was from. We paid for that edamame, $3.95 to be exact. That might not be terribly expensive, but it was definitely NOT free.

[Turanacus]

They gave us free edamame when we went for lunch about 3 weeks ago.

[SweetNSourPoke]

Maybe I'm an idiot but I always thought edemame temperature was dependant upon the season....sort of like an oshibori.

At izakaya's in Japan, we often had cold edemame in the summer with cold Asahi's......but maybe I was just dreaming that.

[mecarr]

I doubt that the edamame is cold just because they forgot to warm it up. I think they intend it to be cold.

[JerzeeGrlinOKC]

I've always had edamame cold. That is how every sushi restaurant I've ever been to has served it. I think it being served warm would taste kind of gross IMHO. But, I looked it up, and it can be served either hot or cold.

Edamame - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[OKCMallen]

I prefer it warm

[eataroundokc.com]

I finally got over to try it with a couple other of the writers from my site. We posted a joint review last night. Here's the link if you're interested.

Gaijin Sushi: non-traditional, creative sushi in Oklahoma City | Oklahoma City Restaurants

[jungllejane]

Originally Posted by Turanacus

This place has a long ways to go.

Back in 2003-04 this place was rockin.. but I was there a few weeks ago and it had changed quite a bit.. not happy with the quality AND they didnt have the crab cakes.. which were incredible!!

[BailJumper]

I agree with the EatAroundOKC.com review. I can't believe I've missed your sight. We are always looking for new places to visit for lunch/brunch or dinner.

Question: Why did a review of Gaijin pay particular detail to price - yet the review of Whispering Pines mentions no prices at all?

I personally like to know I'm going to get a full review.

[eataroundokc.com]

Originally Posted by BailJumper

Question: Why did a review of Gaijin pay particular detail to price - yet the review of Whispering Pines mentions no prices at all?

Great question. Honestly, the lack of price on Whispering Pines is an oversight and an anomaly. I didn't even realize it until reading your comment. We try to always provide some idea of pricing and this one just slipped by me, as the editor. I think you'll see that most every other review gives an idea of pricing, though often in varying degrees of detail.

Sorry for the oversight on Whispering Pines. I haven't been there (didn't write that particular review) but I understand it is a fine dining place with pricing to match in the $25-35/plate range. I'll see if I can get the writer to add a comment with some pricing information.

[eataroundokc.com]

Originally Posted by eataroundokc.com

I'll see if I can get the writer to add a comment with some pricing information.

She added a comment to the review with some pricing information. The direct link is below. Sorry, everyone, for the discussion off the topic of Gaijin but I just wanted to make sure I answered bailjumper's question.

Carry on.

Click here for the comment

[BailJumper]

Hmmm, I was really surprised tonight when I walked past Gaijin at 7pm on a Friday night and literally nobody was inside eating or at the bar. Just a couple of employees standing looking outside.

[eataroundokc.com]

Yeah, I've heard from others that its been pretty desolate at night. Hopefully their lunch crowd is propping them up. We shall see.

[OKCMallen]

Until there are more people living in the CBD, I foresee darker days for Gaijin, esp when In the Raw is completed in Bricktown.

[Toadrax]

Why would they call it Gaijin?

Reminds me of the second clerks movie where he thought porch monkey was a term of endearment because his grandmother called him that...