Sushi Itto

No place I had been on this afternoon was busy. At three of the nine bars, I was literally the only customer. 

After that drink on the rooftop bar, I decided it was time for dinner, and walked a few blocks to this Japanese restaurant. 

It was packed.

There were at least a dozen things that looked fantastic. I do not remember the last time it was harder to decide on my order. 

Well, I mean, other than an ice-cold Sapporo. 

That was easy. 

I started with the "Tuna Trio Sampler". 

From the website:

Akami - Topped with masago 

Cha-toro - Topped with ikura

Otoro - Finished with sturgeon beluga caviar

Next up, the Yuzu Ebi: 

"Tempura shrimp tossed in yuzu sauce; served with scallions, sesame seeds, togarashi, and sriracha."

And then, as the entree, Chicken Karaage: 

"Fried chicken marinated in torino sauce and tossed in togarashi with a side of gohan and kushiage sauce."

You know of my love for Japango in Boulder. 

Those of you who have been reading my blogs since 2012 may remember Iron Chef House in Brooklyn, proclaimed by me, Murph, and Elizabeth as the best Japanese food we have ever had. 

This is right up there with those two places. Yes, I was drunk... but I have consumed enough Japanese food in my life while intoxicated to understand that this place is special. 

I would have not expected this in El Paso. 

I considered telling them it was my birthday so that I could have an explosion, too. 

But it would not be my birthday for another three hours.