tobiko nigiri with quail egg
aji nigiri and sashimi
We’ve been to Live a few times since my longtime friend, David, moved just across the street from the place about two years ago. The restaurant is a stand-alone spot with a small to medium sized dining room on several half-floors. We usually sit at a table though there is sushi bar seating too. The décor is as-you-would-expect Japanese style: spare with modern lights, lots of glass around the sushi bar and some abstract art. David and Carlos love it, which might explain why they know the entire menu without even reading it! The last time we went David treated me for my birthday. That was a great gift. Thanks David!
First we met at David’s place for some salty snacks and sake. He and I ended up drinking an entire 75cl bottle of a delicious dry sake, Wakatake, while waiting on Hegui. Afterward we walked across the street to Live. We forgot the camera so David used his Eye-Phone to take these pics. What do you think?
We arrived just in time as there was an open table for us but everyone who came afterward had to wait a while. Live puts a lot of effort into the presentation of their food. And it’s truly amazing! For the most part, we relied on David to pick the menu. We started with some Japanese beer and more chilled sake. We had a few delicious rolls and some nigiri pieces.
Live uni
The tobiko nigiri with quail egg was decadent! Good thing I didn’t have to get my cholesterol measured in the morning! The Live Uni comes on a sea urchin shell floating in a bed of ice. The uni is so soft, mild, and creamy that it simply melts in your mouth.
I think that the Aji is probably the most amazing thing that I’ve tried there. First it comes on a large platter of aji nigiri and sashimi with the fish from which the pieces come from artfully placed in the center. Then, after you’ve eaten your fill, the staff takes the fish back and deep fries the whole thing. It returns to your table accompanied by a delightful dipping sauce. You can then eat everything, bones and all, which is exactly what we did. I popped the entire aji head in my mouth and only wished that I had another one to chomp on after finishing the first.
Live Sushi Bar is a fun neighborhood Japanese with charm and good food. I know that we’ll be back.
deep fried aji
Thanks for an excellent evening, Pino!
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I LOVE japanese food and would be up for trying anything. But I don’t think I’d be brave enough to try live uni. Can’t imagine what that must taste like!