Report: Isa with Chef Sachio Kojima
I have been a long time lurker on this board, and usually too shy to contribute. Someone mentioned that Chef Sachio Kojima (of Kabuto fame) is a guest chef at Isa, and I was surprised that I did not see any report. It gives me a chance write my experience.
I live in the peninsula, and visit the city often for work. Last night, I found myself in Marina at dinner time, an area I visit infrequently. I walked by Isa, and decided to give it a try. As I was by myself, I chose to sit at the bar. The waiter gave me 3 sheets of paper: 1 regular a la carte menu, 1 prix fix menu, and 1 temporary Sachio San menu. The first 2 can be found at their website.
I first encountered Sachio San's food about 10 years ago at Kabuto, when I was a graduate student in Bay Area with limited means. I recall enjoying the food, but could not afford to visit regularly. I am excited to be able to taste his food again. However Isa is not a sushi restaurant, and the bar is not set up for diner/chef interaction. The nigiri menu is not very exciting, compare to Sushi Sam in San Mateo (my current favorite). I decided to trust the chef and there is a tempting $18 "Sachio's sushi plate", but only 5 pieces. Instead I ordered "Sachio's sashimi plate", priced at $25. It came out with 2 piece each of tuna, salmon, hirame and sunazuri (yellowtail belly), plus generous amount of uni, beautifully presented. All I can say is that every piece is a winner.
I am happy, but still hungry. After all, it's sashimi, not sushi. So I ordered a dish of seared scallops from Isa's regular menu. It's good, but not great. The portion is generous for small plate: 4 large scallops with brussel sprout and potato puree.
Sachio Kojima is guest chef at Isa on weekday night (Mon to Thur), from Jan. 14 to Mar. 27. I will definitely take advantage of it, and focus on their nigiri sushi next time. I have read Sushi Monster's report, and tried Akane, Higuma, and Koma, but none of them can take me away from Sushi Sam's exotic selections. Now if Sachio San stages a come back, I will be back in the camp of traditional sushi.
I think it's a classy for act for Isa to host Sachio San. I only tried one dish this time, and will give them more chances in the future, perhaps after Mar. 27.
foggy_town
foggy_town
Feb 14, 2008 12:21AM
Nice report, thanks! I am already in the traditional camp...
please don't be shy to report on your future sushi adventures...
3324 Steiner St San Francisco CA
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Nice report. We went there as well. I must say I was not all that impressed, I was impressed with how focused he was working at a non traditional set up, one tiny counter in the back. He did make nice nigiri sushi, perfect rice. I am very spoiled and my expectations were too high perhaps. I felt it was very expensive and not that special. But I am glad I did go just because I was so curious as to what people here consider a guru or master sushi chef.
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Lori, what are your current favourites in the city? I really respect your recs, they've always been spot on.
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I am still looking osho. I do like Kiss Sushi
Have you tried Yuzu in San Mateo? The sashimi plate is especially great when there is kampachi and aji, always an interesting variety and beautiful. They conclued the meal with a proper miso, which is very nice full of ocean flavor.
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I have not been to Yuzu. I will definitely give this place a shot. How is the omakase, if you have tried it ?
BTW, you recommended Murasaki a while back and I really liked everything there.
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Funny you ask about the omakase, I have not tried but I am pretty sure I will in two weeks when my Japanese vendor is here.
I will post back if we make it.
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Cynsa and I stopped this week, and the sushi was wonderful. Every piece was fresh and flavorful and distinct--not the typical frozen hamachi you find around town. Not cheap ($2.50-7 per piece, not pair) but impeccable fish, and a fraction of what you'd spend at Sebo, with half the attitude.
It was good to see Sachio in fine form after a long absence.
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I don't see how that's a fraction of Sebo's prices. Their unagi cost $5-8 a pair (more for bluefin or Kobe beef).
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Yes, and you still claim you can get out of Sebo for less than $90 a person. That has not been my experience. My typical check there is $130+
We spent $100 for two at Isas including a glass each of Sake and tax and tip.
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We've spent under $50 per person on food at Sebo. Most I've spent was $250 for two: $87 for food (omakase), $138 for sake, plus tax and tip. And that was way too much sake.
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hhc's report, $80.29 for two before tip:
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/497508
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