O'shan Sushi

Address: 5809 24th Ave NW

As a frequent sushi eater, I was more than excited to eat here! Unfortunately...even with all my persuasive arguments...I still could not get J to even have a bite of my delicious sushi.

We started off with the Pork gyozas ($5.00) which were about average...I actually have made my own gyozas before, and these gyozas needed a little bit more flavor, but I guess that's why they provide you with sesame soy sauce for dipping. I ordered the Spider Roll ($8.00) which was great, but again I've had better. For the non-sushi people out there; Spider Rolls are fried blue crab, avacado, lettuce and tobiko with sweet sauce. I've had different it made different ways, but the tobiko really set off the Spider Rolls. Also, another thing to note for first time sushi go-ers is a roll usually consists of 6 pieces of sushi. The quality of the sushi was a lot better than Blue C Sushi or another conveyor belt sushi joint. J stuck to his guns and ordered the Kalbi Short Ribs ($7.50), which are Korean short ribs marinated in soy sauce, garlic...and a bunch of other ingredients to make it probably my favorite BBQ food....Anywho, J had this at my house, so he decided it was safe enough to have at O'shan! One thing to to note with their "Small Plate" items...it does not come with rice, so you may want to order a side of rice.

Atmosphere was fun and casual....oh yeah...they also serve Budweiser products...much to J's delight. We'd definitely go back and maybe I can convince him to try some sushi...I mean in my opinion, you're missing out on life without raw fish :)

J&C Rate this: 4 1/2 out of 5... Can't wait to go back!

Check out their full menu at: http://www.oshansushi.com/

Monkey Bridge

Address: 1723 NW Market St.

Monkey Bridge was a pleasant surprise! I'm not too big into Vietnamese food...except for their sandwiches. However, after eating at Monkey Bridge...we're definitely ready for more!

We ate there last Friday around 8 and we had no wait at all, which was a definite plus. The restaurant itself is pretty small, but it feeds a huge appetite! Atmosphere is cozy with a modern touch. There's great Vietnamese artwork on the walls and more Asian inspired decoration, without it being over the top or cheesy.

We ordered two appetizers and an entree. The eggrolls were great...think of a lighter version of a Chinese egg roll and the sauce that it comes with it is a great tangy complement. J played it safe and got the Garlic Mini drumsticks (6.90), which he enjoyed. I had the the Blackbean Tofu (9.40) which was served with vegetables, rice and a vegetable soup. The great thing about this place is they offer brown rice with no added cost, which is pretty rare. The dish itself was very tasty and the tofu was cooked just right where it's not too soft and not overcooked to the point where it's rubbery. The soup was a vegetable soup with I *believe* was dried shrimp in it, I would've preferred it if I had a choice on the soup...but again, it was decent. Also, another plus is they DO serve Budweiser...in CHILLED glasses no less!

We went home with some leftovers and a full stomach...all in all great restaurant and we'll definitely come back!

J&C rate this: 4 1/2 out of 5

Check out their full menu at: http://www.themonkeybridge.com/about/