Shin Kushiya (Jem)

We were glad we chose to dine here as we were shown to a fairly large sitting area laced with wooden separators for privacy and comfy seats with ample space for our bags. Yes we girls do carry a little more than a kitchen sink in our little expensive handbags...

The menu was impressive with a good choice of raw, grilled, soup, boiled, skewered and pan fried items complete with a one for one deal on Sapporo draft beers and set meals. We took quite a while to decide and the friendly staff was kind enough to wait on us with patience (You know Girls and their Girlie talk...). So we decided to go for a omelette don set, one sashimi on rice set ($23.90) and two ladies (24.90) set which like us, is a little of everything, pretty, petite yet fulfilling. While we were told we actually qualify for a free 3 types sashimi, the girls became ecstatically happy... (you know squealing girl kinda happy).

So while we gladly chatter on a competition to the other tables of girls on our right, I realised the sound containment was pretty good. We could never hear what other tables were talking about, perhaps just the occasional exclaiming squeals of Joy. The deco was really nice, a mix of modern designs using traditional materials like wood and bamboo, recreating a traditional japanese cottage. While we appreciated every small detail of the deco entangled with bits and pieces of our life, the food arrived. First the free sashimi platter which was beautiful placed in a bowl the shape of an ingot (how auspicious) atop shaved ice and radish, then the sets. Beautifully designed with lots of little side dishes.

The sashimi is fresh, succulent and juicy while the omelate rice tasty and creamy. I love the sides the best. Each set came with a small portion of grilled boneless fish in teriyaki sauce which was extremely yummy. The ladies set ($23.90)is a pretty big set with a fruit jelly as dessert. Small petite dishes that contained a few sushi, some takoyaki, some grilled fish and a little bit of rice.

While we were about to finish our set, the staff was eager to remove our plates and bowls. I must say the service was really quick but rather we felt rushed to finish our food. Refilling of tea was a quick and prompt affair with frequent rounds made, we were very pleased with the service. Efficient and Friendly. 4 Set meals for 4 ladies cost us a total of $110. Which was pretty worth it as compared to the nice environment and free sashimi.

Good dining place for big groups as well.