Sushi For the New Year
Where to get it in 2020
by Marene Gustin
Need to jump-start that New Year’s diet? Or, was one of your resolutions to eat healthier? Then put some sushi on the menu, there’s a reason the Japanese have lower obesity rates and cardiovascular disease than Americans, and live longer, on average to about 84 years. Diet is a big part of their overall health picture and a big part of their diet is fish.
When most people think of sushi they think of raw fish. Sashimi is thinly sliced raw fish or meat, but sushi — made with vinegary rice — may contain raw fish, cooked fish, or just vegetables. If you have a compromised immune system or other health issues that prohibit you from eating raw fish, a vegetable maki roll or handroll is still a healthy and low-calorie way to dine. But if you’re fine eating raw fish, load up on the salmon and tuna, both full of omega-3 fatty acids that are heart-healthy and lower your risk for some autoimmune diseases as well as depression and memory and vision loss in old age. Nori, the seaweed used as a wrap on rolls, is loaded with nutrients and vitamins and, of course, the rice is relatively low in calories and it would be even healthier if you can get your sushi made with brown rice. Throw in some inflammatory-fighting edamame (steamed soybeans) and some filling but low-calorie miso soup, and you’ve got a pretty healthy meal.
But, beware of being too heavy-handed with that high-sodium soy sauce and watch out for that spider roll with high calorie fried tempura crab and the popular California roll, stuffed with cream cheese. Not the best diet dishes.
Where to head for fresh sushi in The Heights? Here are two popular spots:
Probably the newest sushi joint in town, this Heights spot specializes in chef-created hand rolls. Chefs Patrick Pham and Daniel Lee have over 20 years of combined experience in Japanese cuisine and sushi, and it shows. The rolls feature fresh sushi and other ingredients wrapped in crispy nori. It’s a very intimate restaurant in an old house with bar seating only but that only makes the experience more delightful Order the five-roll item and enjoy the salmon and tuna rolls. No soy sauce or extras needed as the rolls are perfectly seasoned.
Handies Douzo
3510 White Oak Dr.
832.831.0912
handiesdouzo.com
Poke is Hawaiian, not Japanese, but it’s a bowl of diced raw fish mixed with various sauces and flavorings and Pokeworks makes them fresh and right in front of you. Pokeworks has nutritional information listed on its website so that’s perfect for your diet and health needs. You can choose your own ingredients, or go with the Hawaiian Classic. It’s filled with ahi tuna, green and sweet onion, cucumber, spiced with chili flakes and Hawaiian salt. Delicious.
Pokeworks
213 Heights Blvd.
832.271.7392
pokeworks.com
There are plenty of other sushi options in The Heights, but if you want to venture further afield, here are some spots in other neighborhoods to check out.
Sushi Jin
14670 Memorial Dr.
281.493.2932
sushijin.us
One of the best sushi spots in Memorial Villages, if not all of Houston, is Sushi Jin. How fresh is the fish here? Owner Bill Nakanishi once owned a seafood import company that flew in fish fresh from Tokyo, and he still uses the freshest fish he can find.
Izakaya Wa
12665 Memorial Dr.
713.461.0155
izakayawa.com
A casual Japanese owned and operated spot (now with a second River Oaks location) known not only for sushi but also panko-fried and grilled skewers.
Roka Akor
2929 Weslayan St.
713.903.8669
rokaakor.com/houston
The elegant, modern dining room offers a full view of the robata grill and open kitchen. The best bet is to snag a seat at the counter where you can chat with the chefs.
Sushi King
3401 Kirby Dr.
713.528.8998
sushiking.us
The name may make you think of drive-through sushi (never a good idea) but Sushi King in Upper Kirby is actually a sleek, modern restaurant featuring excellent fish and seafood and a happy hour with over 100 items including sushi.