Blowfish: Sushi to Die For | A Foodie Review

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Neighborhood: Dog Patch

What to Order

Prepare to have everything from appetizers to dessert here. It’s definitely one of those restaurants where you should try and share as many menu items as possible to get the full effect. While I don’t have a favorite entree or roll from the main menu, I have a favorite appetizer: The Ritsu Roll (shown above with a martini glass of ponzu sauce,) and a favorite dessert: the green tea cheesecake.

The main sushi dishes here are called “creations,” as they’re made of unique combinations of ingredients and flavors. It’s easy to tell that these dishes were made with a lot of love; however, depending on your taste in sushi flavors and combos, they can be hit or miss. I recommend letting your server know what kinds of ingredients you are and are not interested in and allowing them make suggestions for you.

When to Visit:

During its lunch hour, this place can be a bit slow in service. I’d recommend checking it out at dinner time as the artwork on the wall has a chance to pop more at night and the nearby bar scene livens up the neighborhood at night.

But if you do decide to head over for dinner service, for the love of god please make a reservation. The seating hosts are always near the phone to take your call and confirm your table. Because of its reservation-based arrangements, random walk-ins will be waiting – to quote Billy Joel – for the longest time. And it’s one of the few awesome places to eat in its neighborhood, so you’ll be trekking back to the Mission if you admit defeat.

What the Fugu to Expect:

This is one of the few restaurants  you’ll find which actually serves fugu; however, it’s only served in a very small window of time and requires an early in advanced reservation. Word of mouth is that it’s December-January. Which is why this is part 1 of my review. I plan to come back during that window of time and finally try it for myself.

What is Fugu?

For those who are confused about what Fugu is and why it’s not commonly served, fugu is a Japanese delicacy containing blowfish. Some blowfish parts are more poisonous than others, with portions being lethal.  Since the year 2000, 23 people in Japan have died after eating fugu. SO PROCEED WITH CAUTION. Due to the skill-level required in fugu preparation, it’s not commonly served.

Being that my Okinawan grandfather used to make fugu and feed it to my mother, aunt and uncles when they were young, my mother has always advised me not to consume fugu prepared by anyone outside the family. Normally I listen to what my mother says, but my grandfather has since passed and I cannot imagine going even a few more years let alone the rest of my life without trying it. So I’m excited for the chance to try it one of these days whether it’s at this establishment or another.

Sidenote:

A sister restaurant is located in San Jose. And Blowfish is also associated with the Lower Haight’s ever so popular Iza Ramen.

Featured: Four creations, one wrapped in pink soy paper