Tataki (Japanese for heaven?)

I'd like to introduce you to one of my top 3 favorite restaurants in San Francisco; Tataki.  Dining at Tataki is never anything less than a trip to heaven for my taste buds and I'm happy to support a business that has the following eco-friendly mission;

"...to showcase the beauty and delicacy of Japanese cuisine while respecting the sanctity and fragility of our environment. If we are to preserve the art of sushi, we must also safeguard the health and biodiversity of our oceans. With this in mind, we strive everyday to integrate the concept of sustainable dining into our menu options."

My first visit to Tataki was probably my most memorable; while munching on edamame I suddenly felt a small *thunk* on the back of my head.  Turning around to see what the deal was I realized I'd just been hit with a flying piece of sushi.  The chefs were slicing and dicing right behind me and immediately were mortified that a stray piece had somehow bounced its way off the table and into my noggin.  Never being one to take this kind of thing seriously, I naturally began to pick the caviar out of my hair and quoted Pretty Woman, "Slippery little suckers!".

Getting hit with sushi turned out to be really beneficial for my future with Tataki.  Since the incident, each time I visit the restaurant when head chef Raymond is working I'm gifted with a free dish.  I love being on a first name basis with restaurant/bar/shop owners in my city--it makes me feel like quite the little local and admittedly has its perks!  My friends often tease me for introducing myself (and sometimes embarrassing myself) to business owners and managers but I can't help it.  I like feeling connected.

Monday night was another super night at Tataki.  I was excited to indulge in my favorite sushi as well as pretty excited over my cute outfit (please excuse the crappy phone pics again, I really need to invest in a high quality/small digital camera)...

Head chef Raymond being super shy as I ask him to take a photo for my blog :)

Crab croquettes (crab, sweet potato and veggies) that make me drool and our free appetizer (thanks, Raymond!!) of baked muscles that also make me drool....

3 different sushi rolls; Rainbow, Pacific Sunrise (cucumber wrap with 4 fish varieties, garlic ponzu and no rice) and Mix-it-Up (spicy albacore tuna, crab, avocadocitrus sauce).....

The food here always tastes incredibly fresh and flavorful and Monday's meal was no exception.  Thank you, Tataki, for another satisfying dinner!!

If you come to visit me in SF, chances are we will dine here :)

In Sustainable Sushi Gratitude,

Trish