:: The Fat Cat Skinny ::
Tsuru Japanese Restaurant dishes out mouth-watering sushi at an affordable price, and the tapas are a classy touch. Grab a seat at the sushi bar to get an entertaining birds-eye view of the master sushi chefs at work.
:: :: :: ::

While hitting the grand opening of the new Trader Joe's in Hartsdale NY, Aristo-Cat Monica and I spied Tsuru, a quaint Japanese restaurant nestled inside the Marshall's shopping mall (or should it now be called the Trader Joe's mall?).

Located in Westchester County, Tsuru is everything a Fat Cat looks for in a sushi restaurant: a cozy Japanese motif, delicious fresh sushi and a first-rate staff.

After elbowing our way to the 15-seat sushi bar like we owned the place, a friendly waitress brought us hot towels (I love those things) and tasty tapas. We ordered the obligatory Sapporo beer, the best way to enjoy sushi in our book.

To get the maximum sampling from the menu, we ordered the sushi deluxe, which includes 8 pieces chosen by the master sushi chef and 1 roll. The miso soup was rich and brothy, not watery like you find at most sushi joints.

And the sushi was buttery soft with the right amount of spices that give your tastebuds a nice workout. And the dishes were classy, with the chopstick logs a unique accessory.

We were satisfied with the food, but the true test awaited: the bathroom. We have a simple equation at the Fat Cat Headquarters:

clean bathrooms => clean kitchen => safe food handling

If the restaurant doesn't take the time to clean the restrooms and make sure they're stocked with the basics -- paper towels and soap -- you can bet they don't take care of their kitchens either.

Well, good news: everything was well stocked and clean, though a bit outdated. (Then again, we're not in the business of judging architecture, just food, so ignore the outdated thing...)

Tsuru is long and narrow, with the bar up front and about 12 tables nestled in the back. For atmosphere, we recommend the sushi bar, it's adds a nice entertainment value to your meal, but we'd shy away from the tables in the back, they're just not as cozy.

Overall, Tsuru Japanese Restaurant is a great way to get your sushi fix. A first-rate staff tops off the no-frills, affordable dining experience.

:: More Fat Stuff ::

Tsuru Japanese Restaurant
259 N Central Ave.
Hartsdale, NY 10530
(Located in the Marshall's and Trader Joe's mall)

T: 914-761-0057
F: 914-761-0414

Hours:
Lunch 12-2:30p
Dinner 5:30-10 M-Sat, 5-9 Sun and holidays

Menu (pdf)

Tsuru also caters parties and events --

Map of Tsuru Japanese Restaurant