Andrew Block, a 25-year-old preppy, had just spent $160 to feed five friends and himself with all-you can-eat sushi and half price drinks. Although one friend only had chicken teriyaki with drinks, the experience was still memorable.
High-end sushi restaurants are the latest trend in city dining. Masa in the Time Warner Center, and Nobu in TriBeCa both offer all-you can-eat sushi. It’s a bit like all you can wear diamonds. A single soft-shell crab roll at Nobu costs $9.50. However, a group of six can easily cost $1,000.
Mr. Block was an events coordinator at a speakers’ bureau. He had his raw fish at Eastern Sushi which opened March at 72nd Street & Second Avenue.
Although bargain sushi was introduced to New York in late 1980’s, such deals are very rare. Yuka at 81st Street & Second Avenue was the only option for Upper East Siders for many years. This was until Eastern opened a few blocks further south.
Yuka’s blue curtain entry allows patrons to enjoy unlimited sushi for $17.95. They must eat it within two hours. Customers will also have to pay a la carte for any uncooked fish or rice. Eastern its all-you can-eat special is $19.95. However, patrons who eat food that would cost less than this amount a la carte will pay the lower price.
Tim Zagat, a restaurant guide publisher who is a fan and advocate of sea urchins, said that all-you can eat does not go against the trend among sushi purveyors. However, he explained why such deals exist. These deals tend to include cheaper its such as tuna and salmon which are readily available in the country.
Eastern’s manager William Tan said that around a dozen diners eat the sushi special every day. This makes up three-fourths the restaurant’s sushi customers. The majority of the customers are either couples or large groups.
There is very little risk for the restaurant’s financial health. Mr. Tan stated that in order for Eastern to lose money, diners must consume 30 pieces of sushi and 20 hand rolls. He said, “New Yorkers have slim bodies.” “They diet. We’re not afraid.
However, Mr. Block doesn’t seem to believe that diet is the best guideline. He said, “I will eat until I feel full and sushi doesn’t fill me up much.” “I don’t eat sushi because of the Japanese culture. I eat because it’s good for me.” RICHARD MORGAN
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