No Choice Sushi

There's a notorious sushi place on Ventura Blvd. called Sushi Nozawa I have been afraid to go to for over 5 1/2 years. As legend goes, there is a scary "Sushi Nazi" who forces you to eat whatever he wants, heckles inexperienced sushi eaters, and kicks out anyone who orders California rolls. For all the sushi I have consumed while living in Los Angeles (reaching Piven-like mercury poison levels), I've never had the guts to bring it to the big leagues -- until tonight.

Meet Chef Nozawa ...


He's intimitdating. He's all business. He's exactly what I expected him to be. Today's special is "Trust Me" -- every day. Steve (the bf) and I walked in and were immediately given the choice of table or sushi bar. We decided to go bar, and as we approached, The Master sternly said, "Sushi Bar. No Choice." No choice? Really? Oh shit, it's true.

After yellow tail, halibut, tuna, albocore and so much more -- we scarfed down one yummy bite after the next -- barely peeping a word. Two ladies sat next to us and made the HUGE mistake of specifying no octopus or eel. Finally, The Legend was shaken from his slumber. Sushi Nozawa had fire in his eyes, sternly scolding them. "No choice!"

After witnessing that, I knew there was no way in hell I was going to brave asking for a glass of water.

All in all, the meal was unbelievably delicious and after racking up quite an unbelievable bill, Steve and I rolled ourselves out the door.


Proud to say, I no longer fear the Sushi Nazi.