Whether you’re a traditionalist or like it when sushi chefs get weird with their fish, there’s something for everyone at sushi restaurants in the D.C. area.

In the world of nigiri sushi, fish is king, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other delicious options—like fried tofu.

With today’s cold, dreary weather, a sidewalk cafe is likely the furthest thing from most people’s minds. But when we walked by Kushi Izakaya & Sushi last week, we noticed that they had applied for a permit for an unenclosed sidewalk cafe in front of their location on 465 K Street NW.

What’s going on at popular izakaya and sushi restaurant Kushi? Well, that’s been a source of some contention this afternoon. A passerby spotted this notice in the restaurant’s window, indicating that its retail license has been suspended. But according to Kushi’s public relations rep, they have spoken with owner Darren Norris and “all is fine” at the restaurant.

Photo by yospyn While several local Japanese businesses have started to reach out to help support relief efforts in Japan, KAZ Sushi Bistro Chef Kaz Okochi, who was born in Nagoya, Japan, has called upon his fellow brethren in the DC Chefs’ Club to chip in. Starting yesterday, several D.C. restaurants are donating meals, classes and other packages to be auctioned on eBay. According to WeLoveDC, more than 20 restaurants will be participating in…

Photo by Mr. T in DC. While I’ll certainly write this feature more often once the seasonal farmers markets start opening up for the Spring, the underground market – at the restaurant Kushi Izakaya & Sushi (465 K Street NW) and happening right now (12 to 5 p.m.) is an interesting development in the farmers market scene. Named the DC Grey Farmers Market, the market is a “private membership club that serves as an…

Chawanmushi topped with sea urchin, caviar, and shiso leaf. Photo by takaokun. Dish of the Week: Chawanmushi Where: Kushi, Sushi Taro The first thing most people associate with Japanese cuisine is sushi, but the wide variety of dishes beyond the usual bites of raw fish and rice are equally tasty. Chawanmushi, a delicate egg custard, is one such example. Eggs are beaten with dashi stock and then steamed until the custard is barely set,…

Dish of the Week: Shaved ice dessert Where: Shilla Bakery (Rockville and Annandale), Malaysia Kopitiam, Penang (D.C. and Bethesda) Some of the biggest food trends have had their origins in Asian snack and street food. Stuff like tart frozen yogurt, banh mi, and pork buns have all gained cult-like popularity. Shaved ice may go by many names in Asia, such as patbingsoo, ice kachang or halo-halo, but the premise is always the same. Take…