Blue Ribbon Sushi

When you think of great sushi, the name Blue Ribbon does not come to mind. But when you're in one of the greatest food cities in the world, some of the best places are off the radar. The original Blue Ribbon down the street has been a late night oasis and destination for industry insiders for almost 20 years. BR Sushi opened a few years later in 1995 and won the hearts of New Yorkers almost instantly... And in 2011, they're still kicking ass and taking names.

The menu is extensive and the fish is among the best and freshest in the city. The decor is simple chic and elegant... But you come here for one thing and one thing only, amazing fucking fish. I came by for a quick snack before my next culinary destination. I know you wished you did, too.

(No signage)

You're SOL if you don't know where it is or walk passed it. More fish for me, suckaz!

(Sushi bar)

The sushi bar is relatively small and behind it is commanded by 4 kick ass sushi chefs working elbow to elbow. How they didn't kill each other with their Yanagi knives I don't know because that shit was tight back there. Every dish that I saw come out looked better one after another. I smell fucking trouble for my wallet. Hold me back!

(Aoyagi Sashimi- Giant Orange Clam)

No, it ain't from between the legs of some oversprayed tan cougar from Jersey. Whatever your thoughts about overcooked, rubbery, clammy bi-valves, you can wipe that fuzzy lap flounder idea from your tiny brain... This tasted fresh from the sea, extremely melt in your mouth goodness, like little medallions of fatty foie gras from da sea.

(Sushi & Sashimi Combo, Hokkaido Uni and Shima Aji)

This picture doesn't do it justice because the colors of the fish were so much more vibrant when it's 5 inches from your snout. Speaking of snout, if the fish smells fishy you know it ain't right but this platter didn't have one whiff of dirty canned tuna. Almost every piece melted like buttah. The hard to find Shima Aji was top quality and ultra fresh. The highly prized Hakkaido Uni straight from Japan was some of the best I have ever had and I paid the price for it, too. Totally worth it.

With all the flashy and shiny big name sushi joints in the city, Blue Ribbon Sushi gets kinda lost in all the noise... And that is perfectly fine with me and the other sushi fanatics who care more about the cuisine than the glitz and glamour of the "it" joint of the hour. Blue Ribbon Sushi has been tested and proven. You know it's good when you're still thinking about it a week later... Like a great piece of snatch.

Pump.

Pump.

Squirt.

4 Stars.

119 Sullivan Street
New York, NY 10012
212-343-0404
http://www.blueribbonrestaurants.com/