196265 Fri Aug 02 14:45:22 -0700 2002 5 18 Manhattan 0 1047713 I came across this place in New York magazine under Cheap Eats. Any comments on the food and atmosphere? Fri Aug 02 14:45:22 -0700 2002 0 jumi 1 1047717 It is a reasonably priced fairly high quality sushi restaurant in the West Village. The sushi chef there trained the sushi chef from Taka (also right down the street from Aki). I believe his wife is the hostess. The place is very small (30 seats) and can get very crowded. The chef used to work in Jamaica so some of his creations have a Jamaican twist (unusual). I enjoy eating there during the week when I have a sushi craving! Fri Aug 02 15:14:55 -0700 2002 1047713 0 villagechow 2 1047727 I went once and we all laughed when my plate was delivered, as it was miniscule for the money. It's surprisingly (for the street) nicely done and tasteful, but the sushi seemed ordinary - and we agreed there's much better sushi for the money downtown. Fri Aug 02 16:34:51 -0700 2002 1047717 0 sybil 3 1047983 I highly recommend this place. The fusion dishes rock my planet. I am way into uni(sea urchin) and lots of their dishes contain it. It is the perfect place for two people who are into exploring. Their vegetarian sushi is also a must. Try something new- enjoy it. Robin Wed Aug 07 09:36:46 -0700 2002 1047727 0 Robin Snead 4 1052467 This place is amazing. The owner, Shigeaki (hence the name "Aki", Japanese for Spring) is simply amazingly inventive. Originally at Hasaki in the 1980's he became the chef for the Japanese ambassador to Jamaica. Upon returning to the states, he opened up Aki a few years ago. The dishes range from traditional Japanese to his own amazing creations such as King Crab with truffle sauce - or a killer dessert such Green Tea Tira Misu. His sashimi and sushi are on par or above Hasaki's as well. Best to get there early - the Early Bird special is a good deal! It's very good, did I mention this? ;-) Wed Oct 15 16:27:40 -0700 2003 1047983 0 Bohdan 5 1052468 One more thing - don't confuse this Aki with another restaurant on the upper East side with the same name. Aki is on 181 W. 4th street ('twixt 6th and 7th avenue, easily reachable by subway at Sheridan Square)..... Wed Oct 15 16:29:52 -0700 2003 1052467 0 Bohdan