Guy Talk w/ Chopperz-the NON Salon

I once said “if you stranded me on a desert island with one thing to eat for the rest of my life it would be Mexican food.”  Well I lied, because I’m pretty sure if you stranded me on an island with only sushi I’d be perfectly happy. It is also a more likely situation, since in three seasons of Lost and I have yet to see anyone eat a burrito or taco. Luckily, however, we in Portland are far from stranded when it comes to excellent Sushi. Below are some of my favorite spots to grab a slab. 

Masu Sushi – $$$
406 SW 13th Ave (Second Floor)            
Portland, OR 97205
(503) 221 6278  If you were to bump into the “trendy hipster guy” from the Mac/PC commercials eating sushi in Portland it would be at Masu. The second floor restaurant has low lit a dinning and lounge area which are partitioned by sheer curtains. The hybrid lounge/restaurant/bar is often supplemented by music from live DJs.   Atmosphere aside, Masu is a great place if you are looking for something beyond your traditional sushi experience. They have a list of signature rolls that exceeds some sushi restaurants regular menus. Some of my personal favorite is the “Japanista” – spicy crab, spicy tuna and sprouts with seared hamachi, cilantro and red jalapeno on top. served with hana and sweet chili sauces. I would also check out their “St. Helen’s Volcano” which is actually served with a flaming volcano in the middle. In addition to a fun cocktail menu they also have an above average sake menu. So if you want to develop your sake pallet, they will gladly walk you through the sakes without making you feel like you should have studied in Tokyo for a year. Oh, and there’s now the added bonus that Intel’s discount card (The Vault Card) is accepted at Masu. Buy one entrée get one free or 20% off sushi. Just another reason for me to go to my favorite sushi place in Portland. Domo arigato Intel. Syun – $$
209 NE Lincoln St
Hillsboro, OR 97124
(503) 640 3131 The best kept sushi secret in Portland is not actually in Portland. It is right here in Intel’s backyard. In downtown Hillsboro, what used to be the old Hillsboro Library, lies Syun. It was twice voted Portland’s top sushi restaurant, once in ’03 and just recently in ’06. And the best part is, you can make it back in time for your 1pm.Syun takes full advantage of the quaint nooks the former library offers. Traditional Japanese lanterns, hand crafted wood tables, add charming character. The rows of large Sake bottles seem like a strange deviation from the traditional décor, but that’s because you can order a bottle of sake from their menu and if you don’t finish it, they will hold on to it for you for 90 days. So no pressure to guzzle down a great bottle of sake in one sitting. (Although I am often guilty as charged)The sushi chef’s are friendly and open to requests. They also prepare a chef’s special and have over 70 appetizers on a daily basis which gives great opportunity to try something you’ve never had, even if you are an experienced sushi eater. I also think that Syun’s tempura udon is the best of any restaurant in Portland. They usually add some fresh clams, or mussels as well which is a nice twist. 

Special shout out to A. Grossman, Foodie.  Mucho Gracias for consuming the calories, so I can avoid another triple bypass.