Recommendations

Superb downtown sushi with service and ambiance to match.

Guide: Entrepreneur (Jack)
Location: East Village

Strengths

• I love the atmosphere. The name means Jewel Box, and it’s appropriate. They’ve created an intimate, serene environment. Even the glasses and glass plates are special and noteworthy.
• Owner Jack Lamb is the P.T. Barnum of upscale sushi. He’s a super natty dresser, and an amazing host. He’s unobtrusive, but if he recognizes you and gets the sense you want a performance, he launches into a dramatic soliloquy about the items of the day. “This chu-toro was caught yesterday in the icy depths of the Sea of Japan, filleted on the boat with a single stroke of a 400-year old samurai sword, and flown directly to this table”. It’s not for everybody, but I love it. He could sell ice to an Eskimo, and his stories make you appreciate the delicious food all the more.

Shortcomings

• It’s very pricey.

Insider tips

• Introduce yourself to Jack and ask him about his French bulldogs (they're descendants from Napoleon's puppies).
• Try the specials and ask the waiter what the best dishes are; they make good suggestions.
• Order the 'Devil’s Quivering Tongue' cold sake.
• Ask your waiter to grate you some fresh wasabi at the table.

Anecdotes

I’m a regular, and Jack always does his best to squeeze me in when he can, and make me feel welcome. He makes the experience delightful. But the real star is the food. It’s consistently excellent.

Perfect for

• Any person who loves sushi will be in heaven when you take them here.

Credentials

• Zagat gives them a 26 for food.