Akashi — Restaurant in Jersey Village

Huge extensive menu of both American Chinese and Japanese food. Wouldn’t say “fusion”, rather both cuisines offered. We opted for Chinese tonight. Service was on point-attentive and friendly. Food was delivered timely. Tasteful decor and ambiance. Drinks looked good. Current easy American tunes playing, while TVs broadcast American sports. Tables are bussed in a timely manner. Everything worked. For an appetizer, we ordered the salt and pepper calamari. It was served with bell pepper and onions—not all cooked the same consistency—some al dente, others more. It was just the rings. Very salty, yet edible. Not a big serving size. For entrees, there’s an option for a “family dinner” for $14.95. It’s served with your choice of soup—wonton, egg drop, hot and sour. We each got wonton. My date said the broth was too salty and the wonton was ok. However, I liked both. I also LOVE salt, though. It’s also served with an egg roll, fried shrimp and HUGE crab Rangoon. We could take or leave these. Even though we inhaled them, we wouldn’t go out of our way to order them, though. The pepper steak was ok. I typically like more pepper seasoning. The general tso chicken was heavily breaded and over fried—he won’t get it again. The fried rice seemed super “healthy”, not fried—rather steamed rice with soy sauce added to it, a little egg and no carrots or peas. Generous portions and extremely reasonable prices. It seems like everything is fairly solid and you’re not going to get a bad meal ever. Just nothing was exceptional. We’ll go back to try...

Okay, after about my 7th visit I've come to the conclusion that maybe I like this place. No let me come back seven more times because this is one of those places that you could visit at least once every week. It's surprisingly good from A to Z.

The interior is very nice, it does not scream "Leave a downpayment to eat here", here is where I would definitely take a first date. No silent "Guh!" when you are looking at the menu. Be aware that this is a new establishment so you will not be disappointed with worn down anything in here.

The staff on each time have always been on top of things without being intrusive.

From the looks of this establishment, it could readily hold about 50 people comfortably. There is a bar where you can sit at and stare with puppy dog eyes.... Ok, that's a little bit overboard so do as you please. There are regular tables and booths for your seating pleasure. There is even an outside patio which I have not seen anybody utilize yet since this is in the middle of winter time.

The one thing you must, I repeat you must try is the spicy edamame. That is one of those things that every restaurant has their signature crack sauce in. Try it, you will not be disappointed. All of the other foods that I've tried like the cowboy roll, rock and roll, pork and broccoli plate, fried rice and other menu participants have never disappointed me. Parking is plenty here, even during peak times even though it shares the parking lot with adjoining businesses. I would say that Fuji's would be the closest competitor...

I must start with every experience will be different. Depending on the quality of the fish purchased, to the chef that cuts it. On August 18th of 2022 at around 12:40pm we stopped in for lunch. Hats off to the person that selected the fish for that day and the chef that cut it.

I ordered the Sashimi and Sushi lunch special at $19 which included 5 nigiri, 5 sashimi, 1 cali roll, soup and salad. Chef selection, which is usually Salmon, Tuna, Yellowtail, and Escolar. I normally do not like rice and order sashimi. TBH I think I enjoyed the nigiri more than the sashimi. The fish for the nigiri was scored on top which lead to it being super tender. The rice was nothing to write home about, but it was still better than a lot of other places and not so much that it felt like eating a ball of rice. It was one of the freshest sushi assortments I have ever had. I wish I would have taken some pictures to show off the beauty. I hope future visits will be just as good.

I need to point out that I am not a huge fan of tuna. I like fatty fish. Salmon, escolar, chutoro and otoro. Yes I understand toro is tuna, but so much better. Most places it just has this odd fishy after-taste that I do not find pleasant. The tuna served to me today was delicious.

I must mention I also ordered the Lady GaGa roll which was ok. I think I just do not like to many flavors coming together and it has a lot going on....