Local Eats: Sushi Bistro 24th Street, The Mission

Some weeknight pre-Labor Day we visited Sushi Bistro.  Its facade is non-descript from the front, the darkness inside is visible outside.  The service was prompt and friendly from the start and we got a nice dark table in the corner.  Pretty good contrast to 24th streets plethora of florescent and neon lighting.  A slight problem for the pictures - my apologies in advance.  Its a big menu, sushi-specialty rolls, apps, fishy entrees, salads, sashimi, I may have even seen some soup / udon bowls.  I have to say I was relatively thrilled lots of the menu had a hawaiian theme (waikiki, aloha, big island etc).  Overall, it was solid.  Not exceptional but in no way bad.  It strikes me as a neighborhood place where you find a few favorites and stick to the script when you return - only trying one new thing per visit.  Its a resto that def needs another try so consider this a prequel to the true review. 

What is nice is that they start you out with a lil bowl of pickled thin sliced cukes.  We paired that with some  pints of Sapporo and started the meal added and abetted by the diversified reggae soundtrack that easily could have been ripped from my own ipod.  We're off to a great start.

The Poke - Fresh but not delicious.  Sexy scallops Top Left - not that spicy or sexy.
Aloha 101 Top Right, "garlic" sauce in the middle.  On the right track but misses the mark.

We ordered:
ALOHA 101 9.95                                            

AHI TUNA, MANGO & CUCUMBER WRAPPED IN SEAWEED, FLASH- FRIED, SERVED WITH SPICY GARLIC SAUCE

SEXY SCALLOP 11.75

SPICY WHITE TUNA, SALMON, AVOCADO AND TOPPED WITH SPICY CHOPPED 


SCALLOP, TOBIKO AND SCALLIONS.

AHI TUNA POKE SPECIAL 13.5

CUBES OF FRESH AHI TUNA MARINATED IN SPICY SAUCE, SERVED WITH ORGANIC


 BABY GREENS

We also got the Agedashi Tofu.  Its was technically ordered as an appetizer but it came as the last course in the meal.  As I mentioned it was good, but it wasn't outstanding in any particular fashion.  The poke was fresh but missing the sesame oil to make it as rich and delicious as it can and should be.  Perhaps I dont like raw scallops as much as I thought, but the sexy scallop was sort of too soft and non-descript.  I really liked the idea of the Aloha 101 with Ahi and Mango but the sauce was not as garlicky as expected, for something called "Spicy Garlic Sauce."  Hey, I ate it, all but the last sexy scallop, however I've had fresher, funner and fruiter sushi elsewhere.    Sushi Bistro, thanks for moving to the 24th Street corridor.  I truly appreciate your presence.  But the truth is I would travel to eat here if I didnt live in the hood.   Despite the cutesy hawaii names that I want to love.


I'll be back, no doubt. But if you are searching for sushi in the Mission AND have read this far - well, I'm sorry you must be really lost and bored by now.  Maybe try Blowfish?  [Disclaimer -I've yet to try Blowfish myself but I've had food from former Blowfish chefs and loved it - if that counts]


On a Kau Kau Hotel rating scale this place gets 2.5 mangoes.

The Bacon and Maple Latte

Its Monday: That means its time for some serious coffee. This pirate radio & cafe spot is close to my house. I'll try this concoction soon and report back. Until then, enjoy this virtual cup care of Tony B.

A Sweet new Burger Spot in da Mish

 

BIG KAHUNA

Urbun* Burger has just opened on Valenica.  After my first meal - I'm ready to get back there and try the rest of the menu.  This visit, I wanted to try the Breakfast Burger (Patty, Fried Egg, Applewood Smoked bacon and Fries) but I went "healthy" for the Big Kahuna.  Since I grew up in Hawaii I've had my share of great teriyaki burgers.  Most of them because of "ono" teri sauce, not necessarily a good meat patty.  This one was solid all around, nice meat - medium size - not a griddle slim patty like I-N-O and not a 1/2 pound of meat found at most "Ruby Tuesdays" esque places.  I liked that the meat fit inside the bun - didnt come bursting out of the sides.  That is important for a burger with sauce - so that the liquid (in this case extra good teri sauce) is retained.  Well grilled and sweet pineapples and if I recall a slice of tasty swiss.  Comes with a giant salad or fries - I mean these are Flintstones sized plates.  The burger was on the pricier side but its pretty easily shared with two, both people would be happy.  I mean, I'm not going to share but you could.  I shall return when they bring in the beer possibly next week.  Here's to hoping they have some variety (KONA BREWING) and value (TECATE).

Its a sit, order at the counter and wait for your food place.  Great before or after going out but not so much to linger.  I will say, they did a nice job in a small room and I particularly like the great variety of sauces available displayed pop-art style on the condiment counter.  

*Update 9/1/09:  

"Urbun" is correction.  Originally named "Urban Burger" due to trademarks the new biz had to change its name.  For the record, I have not been back to this place yet but I need to remark in pleasant retrospect that it was a juicy burger in addition to a meaty and a messy one.  I also liked the (standard) bun more than expected but since they have had to change the name to "urbun," it might be cool to offer an even variety of breads.   Currently it stands at classic bun, 9-grain bun or texas toast.  I vote for sweet roll (Portuguese), sour dough bun, and some jalapeno bread or chipotle challah - some 'spicy and unique' selection would be fitting @ Da UnBun, er Urbun.  

Neighborhood: Mission
581 Valencia St
(between 16th St & 17th St)
San Francisco, CA 94110

(415) 551-2483

urbunburgersf.com

http://www.yelp.com/biz/urbun-burger-san-francisco