Sushi Zo - great fish quality, technique less so.

[Sgee]

I'm probably one of the few detractors on this board.

Had dinner there last week, the fish quality continues to be very good, however his technique leaves much to be desired. Pinkie size rice, with barely there slices of fish that get lost in your mouth, just not a fulfilling mouthful. Fish slices are hit or miss, some are sliced too thin and torn in the middle. A lot of pre-sliced fish behind the counter. Several instances of mushy rice.

For $150 per person, there are just better options in town IMO.

[Servorg]

I've only been to Zo 4 times, but my experience with the look of the sushi in terms of both the slicing and the rice ratio is consistent with the nice close up photos shown here in the review by Kevin in his Kevin Eats blog: http://www.kevineats.com/2009/01/sush...

I've always had the sense that the thinly sliced fish was being paired with less rice as a "philosophy" of taste and texture by chef Keizo. I've always enjoyed Zo. My experience at Mori and Zo have been very similar in terms of overall happiness with both the freshness of the fish and taste profile of each bite. Zo does tend to hit some of the sauces harder, but I also have found that enjoyable.

[Porthos]

Something like photo 17 vs photo 15 is what we've talking about. 17 being a thinner strip, ratty edge, minuscule rice (which some carb watchers in LA may love).

[Servorg]

And what I'm saying is, over all, when having had omakase the 4 times I've been there that one piece may have had that issue. But 99% were spot on, both from the artistic sense as well as (most importantly) the taste sense.

[westsidegal]

+1 servorg
i've enjoyed the omakase at zo many more times than 4
(in the old, flush, days i used to eat there 3 times a month)
and have always been more than pleased with the entire experience.

[foodiemahoodie]

I've been a few times myself - I've never had any issues with his sushi cutting technique.

[Porthos]

I agree.

On my last visit over a year ago I thought the rice had improved from my initial 2008 visit.

The irregular knifework and unusually small pieces of rice was part of the reason why I have always preferred Mori over Zo over the years.

[aventinus]

I agree.