Week 1: Sakura Bana

Restaurant of the Week: Sakura Bana (Ridgewood, NJ)


Amidst the clutter and ever growing expansion of the "sushi phenomenon" lies a rare breed of traditional, authentic, no-frills staple of Japanese cuisine in Bergen County. Sakura Bana, one of a plethora of Ridgewood Japanese eateries, hides quietly off "restaurant row", beneath the trendy weekend crowds, with a finger to its lips as if it knows something know one else does. And it just may.

I chose SB as my virginal blog being that this seemingly 'just another sushi joint' stood where it stands decades ago when sushi was still a question mark, a forethought, an odd, "uncooked!?" cuisine only frequented by the indigenous or the brave. I remember walking through the still nondescript entrance when I was 10 years old, some 21 years ago, and walking out marveled and changed. I felt the same just last night, even knowing what I was in for... or maybe I never really know.

Sakura Bana has stood the test of time, serving the best quality fish to an ever-faithful fan base for several decades. While other nouveau-americanized newbies come and go, Sakura Bana (and its 4 chefs!) have been pushing only the freshest, rarest of sushi, sashimi & rolls since I can remember. Ranging from your classic tekamaki (tuna roll) prepared traditional style (not inside out, glittered with tri-colored caviar) to their Japanese imports like shima aji & iwashi (only found in select establishments), SB continues to wow current and future generations of potential addicts.

While Sakura Bana has your Spicy California Rolls, Rainbow Rolls and other jazzed-up transitions from the old to the new, the chefs pride themselves on simplicity & tradition, keeping true to classic form and frowning upon substitutions. This gem is truly for those inspired by the art of authenticity, those who appreciate the velvety feel of even a basic piece of salmon melting over an impatiently waiting tongue, as well as the rare species seekers in pursuit of something never tried. Just this week, SB has rarities including blue shrimp, aji, king crab, kanpachi, oyster, monk fish liver, and beef tongue all smudged sloppily in blue highlighter on a who-cares dry-erase board. It's within that blue-inked mess where the pearls lay. Be sure to order the always orgasmic uni (sea urchin) with quail egg. It really will change your life, and so will Sakura Bana... or at least your take on perfectly simple sushi.