Robin’s 5-star review:
I FOUND MY LOST SUSHI CHEF!
::side note:: Due to the lack of skill presented by some of the non-chefs who are employed in the majority of casual sushi joints in Vancouver, there are very few that I will actually eat in. This is not the case at Tsuki. It's here that I found my lost sushi chef, a man who has worked at many different spots around the city, most notably at my ultimate jam, Sushi Mart, and my favourite drinking sodium-filled izakaya, Zakkushi on Denman. He worked at both at the same time, always smiling, and always, always producing the finest, freshest sushi imaginable. My heart eased as soon as I walked in to see my lost chef working hard behind the counter of Tsuki. /end side note
So how does this lost chef play into the Tsuki sushi? Amazingly.
The rice, which so very many people have yet to perfect, is perfect here. Not mushy, not too sweet, and with a lovely sheen, it does the rest of the sushi justice. (Rice is the basis of all sushi, after all. Don't mess that noise up.) The sashimi is beautifully cut with many ocean-wise options available (only the brightest, wildest sockeye here, kids), and for the peeps looking for more ridiculous rolls (ie. Caterpillar, Popeye, Monster, et al), they offer a full "Craft Roll" section on the menu. Not my jam, but with just as much attention and care poured into the non-traditional rolls as the more classically Japanese ish, my dining partner was more than satisfied. Also, bonus: an entire vegetarian menu is available with very conscious and very delicious options. I'd order solely from this and be more than happy.
The modern setting, with its exposed concrete and drop down bulbs, is surprisingly chill without feeling too cold, and the staff are all super friendly without getting all up in my space while I'm trying to eat. Complimentary tea and miso, my lost sushi chef, super fresh and skillfully handled ingredients: I think I've just found my new jam.