Pure And
Simple
At Izumi
IZUMI: 177-13 Union Tpke., Flushing,
969-8298
CUISINE: Japanese
HOURS: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays,
4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday
CREDIT CARDS: All Major
Named for the purest of all waters, Izumi prides
itself on freshness, cleanliness, and staying true to the traditions of Japanese cuisine.
This same purity is also present in the service, which is not only accommodating, but
truly sincere.
Located on Union Turnpike in Flushing, Izumi
caters to a bustling clientele, both at the sushi bar, and in the main dining area. While
the restaurant was nearly full to capacity, the pace remained delightfully relaxed.
For starters, the chef recommended the Gyoza
($5.75), steamed vegetable dumplings in a tangy sauce. All of the dinner specials are
served with a house salad, and a bowl of Miso soup.
Specializing in both sushi and teriyaki dishes,
Izumi’s menu boasts a wonderful array of hot and cold entrees.
The chicken teriyaki ($11.95) is not only superb,
but it will dispel the fears of even the most sushi shy. Variations on this staple dish
are available with beef, shrimp, salmon, scallop, and tuna.
The Scallop Tempura ($11.95), dipped in batter
and deep fried, and the Beef Negimaki ($12.50), were both justly recommended on the warm
front. All hot entrees are served with white rice, potatoes, and vegetables.
Izumi is also ready and able to please the most
sushi strict, with both specials and dozens of a la carte options.
The Sushi regular ($13.50) is a perfect place to
start, you get eight pieces of sushi, and one tuna roll (six pieces). The chef also
recommended the Izumi House roll ($4.50), crammed with yellow tail, scallion, smelt fish
roe, and Japanese pickles.
With sweltering summer weather on its way, the
Summer roll ($4.50), with spicy tuna, crab, and avocado, is an excellent way to cool off.
The Tekka Don ($12.50), sliced tuna over a bed of seasoned rice, is also masterfully
prepared.
For dessert, the Fried Ice Cream ($3.75) manages
to both marvel and satisfy.
With its reasonable prices and personable staff,
this restaurant deserves to be put on your list.
True to its name, a meal at Izumi, will have you
dreaming of taking a dive into a tropical freshwater lake.
— Jeremy Olshan |
