Sushi Saito - My First Michelin 3 Star Sushi Experience

 Friday March 1, 2013

Boulder, Colorado

Gorgeous Winter Day

Happy March 1 from Boulder, Colorado.  Had a very hectic week buy am now relaxing with family a bit before heading back to Tokyo for another busy busy week.  Good thing I love my job cuz its taking over my life.  A woman I admire very much told me in New York, its not about work/life balance anymore, its about work/life integration.  Very true!

Anyhow, meant to post this a month ago.  I was very very lucky to have met Rie-san via Shoko-san who gave away her reservations at Sushi Saito to us where we had the most delicate and exquisite sushi dinner.  At first, since its a Michelin 3 star restaurant, I'd thought I'd be intimidated by the chef but nooo.  The chef was very down to earth and even asked what I could not eat.  The dinner lasted about 2 hours (there are only two sittings for dinner) and was served at just the right pace.  I was actually very sad when it ended.  My sister is planning on visiting in September so told her to give me at least 3 months notice so I can make reservations.  Guys, if you can plan ahead, I highly recommend this place.  It's an experience you'll never forget.

Sushi Saito, located across the street from the American Embassy in a "dumpy" building.  Only seven seats.  But look how beautiful and zen like the interior is.

First dish:  I think it was jellyfish but I can't remember

Marinated Octopus:  I usually don't like octopus but this was tender and delish!

Oysters

Uni:  this was heavenly.  i could eat just this and die

Bad photo of the scallops

Bonito:  the best I've ever had.  Delicate and for the first time, I believe I've experienced "umami" the fifth basic taste that is very hard to create.

The chef keeps his ingredients in a traditional Japanese ice box to keep the right humidity.  Modern refrigerators dry out the fish.

The master chef Saito at work

This was some Japanese fish with a big throat (that's how it was described).  Basically its a white fish grilled to perfection.

Toro!

And so the sushi medley begins

LOVED the miso soup.  I'm going to try to make this at home

Next came the rolls.  We had choices.

I got the eel with shiso

And tuna with green onions

And it ended with their signature egg which was custard like

Dinner with drinks was a bit over 20000yen, a bargain consider the quality of food.  But lunch is supposed to be about 6000yen and if dining alone, we were told the chances of getting a seat without reservations is high.  Sigh, wish I could work from home like most hi-tech companies overseas, as I'd be going here once a month for lunch!

Comments

[S Lloyd]

How did you manage to find a seat there? It is so hard to book nowadays at Saitou (I have been trying for a while now), but I am happy for you since I know Saitou deserves all that success

[S Lloyd]

Also when you write 'if dining alone, we were told the chances of getting a seat without reservations is high', did you have the impression that I could just drop by and see take my chance? Thanks. You make me dream now

[snowlady]

I've been told the chances are good during lunch time if you are alone. Good luck!

[S Lloyd]

Thanks.