What To Expect at the New Blowfish: Sushi To Die For
Earlier this year, after over 20 years in business, trendy sushi restaurant Blowfish: Sushi To Die For announced it would be closing its Bryant Street doors so that its owners could focus on other restaurant endeavors such as Iza Ramen and Hell’s Ramen. Ritsu Roll fans all over the city mourned its loss, but were relieved to later find that they’d be reopening in a new location at 2193 Mission Street. Friday November 8th was its first day back. So this weekend, Steven and I decided to check it out for ourselves.
When first approaching the new location, my mouth dropped open. The last time I visited Blowfish: Sushi to Die For at its original location, it still had its swanky club vibe to it with Asian-inspired sculptural modern art pieces on the wall, pendant lights over every table and purple and blue lighting. The feel was that you had to talk to one or two seating hostesses before taken to your table and that there were flurries of couples dressed up and ready to be dazzled by sushi-themed spectacles.
So when I realized that the new location had a much more casual vibe in a much smaller location, I almost thought I had the wrong place. The place seemed really young and hip. The kind of place you’d hit up with friends before doing drinks at Dr. Teeth, rather than a place that you’d go for a birthday or anniversary dinner. So why the change in atmosphere?
Many speculate that the reason for the restaurant’s rebranding was because of the direction sushi restaurants are headed. Back in 1996 when the sushi was not as commonly consumed by Westerners, it was kitschy and exciting to go to a swanky restaurant in the city and see what this sashimi stuff was all about. And Blowfish really stood out with its nightclub vibe, specialty drinks and unique ways of displaying the food. But in recent years, not only has sushi has become incredibly commonplace, but so have kitschy restaurants. And while the novelty of strange sounding sushi rolls has sort of worn off, people are always itching to check out a sushi restaurant that boasts a casual dresscode, little to no need for reservations, and fresh quality ingredients.
So Blowfish: Sushi To Die For now caters to that audience. It has now filled in the restaurant space that used to be Hell’s Ramen. At this time, Hell’s Ramen’s website notes that it will be under construction starting October. If, when or where it will be opening in the future has yet to be announced. But Blowfish: Sushi To Die For representatives have stated that they chose to replace Hell’s Ramen with the new Blowfish because they felt that that Mission Street location suited it better.
While I’m not sure as to whether or not Blowfish: Sushi To Die For will still serve the deadly delicacy of Fugu once a year like they used to at their old location, I can tell you all about our experience at the new location and what you can expect when you make your way over.
The Menu
The new smaller location features a fittingly smaller menu. But not to worry as many favorites from the original menu are still fair game! Steven and I ordered pretty much everything that appealed to us on the menu to give you as much of an idea of what to expect.
According to Steven, the fish in his salmon nigiri and spicy tuna rolls were very high quality. I tried the shrimp toast appetizer. It was pretty good, although I was expecting crostini-like toast and was presented with a softer and sweeter bread than I expected. And the super dynamite roll is as hot and spicy as I remember it being! And finally, if you’re anything like me, the Ritsu Roll was the main event of every trip to Blowfish. The pieces of the roll would be served in a circle on a plate with a martini glass of ponzu sauce in the center. But now, even our deal Ritsu Roll has gotten a makeover. Where before she had a trendy and complex appearance, the martini glass has been switched out for a dip in the bowl that fits the ponzu sauce just fine. Again, more casual and less kitschy than it was before. I personally am happy that the roll is still presented in a unique way.
The only thing about the menu that bummed me out was its lack of desserts. I remember loving the green tea cheesecake at the old Blowfish. It was always the perfect way to end my meal. Accompanied with a scoop of green tea ice cream and a crispy cookie, I was looking forward to being reunited with it. But if you know anything about the restaurant industry, desserts are a whole other ballgame from dinner and appetizers. Many restaurants source their desserts from local bakeries or dessert artists. Or have special staff creating them in-house. So the fact that they didn’t have dessert available on their second day of business in their new location did not surprise or offend me at all. I can’t wait to see what they come up with! I wonder what the casual version of green tea cheesecake will look like! Only time will tell.
See For Yourself
The new Blowfish: Sushi to Die For is a whole new experience. I can honestly say that I recommend it for both fans of the old location, and those who skipped visiting the old restaurant out of a preference for casual eateries. While they won’t have every single roll, appetizer and dessert you loved and remember, there’s still a lot to check out and take in. To check restaurant hours or make reservations via Yelp, click here.
Until next time!