08/09/17
Live Sweet Shrimp at No. 1 Kazoku in San Gabriel, CA. Somehow, I randomly went into this sushi restaurant and had some of the most incredible sushi I've ever had! Typically I'm not a fan of sushi places that carry bento boxes, teriyaki, and other basic Japanese items, but this place offers the best of both worlds if you're in the mood for that stuff as well, or if you're dining with someone who's not a sushi connoisseur. They have several different cuts of unbelievably fresh toro as well as unique fish not found in typical sushi joints such as halibut fin, golden eye red snapper, and live sweet shrimp. I loved this dish, as the head was still moving a bit when they brought it to me. The shrimp has a tinge of sweetness to it and needless to say, since they're grabbing the shrimp from their tank after you place the order, you won't find anything more fresh. Because it is so fresh, there was a light "crispness" to each bite, unlike some versions of this dish (often called amaebi) at other Japanese restaurants. Once they bring it to you, you can have them deep fry the head or put it into miso soup (I like the deep fry version). Sit at the sushi bar and speak to the friendly, knowledgeable chefs, and tell them I sent you!