Courtesy of Sushi Den
Audio By Carbonatix
Omakase experiences are all the rage in Denver right now, but reservations at spots like Michelin-starred Kizaki can be tough to come by. Being able to just walk in for an omakase-style meal is a rarity in today’s well-planned, digitally curated dining environment. But chefs Toshi and Yasu Kizaki of Sushi Den and Izakaya Den fame are taking steps to bring back at least a hint of spontaneity.
There was a time when a sushi omakase experience didn’t require a reservation made months in advance. Back in the day, simply taking a seat at the sushi bar, buying the chef a beer, and letting him serve whatever he wanted until the bill hit $100 was enough.
Understanding that securing a same-day reservation at either of their flagship restaurants is nearly impossible, the pair has introduced a standing omakase menu specifically designed for walk-in guests seated at their sushi counters.
The four-course menu, offered during select dinner hours for a flat cost of $85, includes four pieces of nigiri per course, all featuring the same fresh seafood flowing in directly from the Nagahama fish market and selected on-site by the family’s younger brother, Koichi.
Courtesy of Sushi Den
Examples include a tuna flight course featuring bluefin tuna, fatty toro (belly) zuke maguro (a mix of soy, sake, and mirin), and negitoro gunkan (finely chopped tuna wrapped in seaweed); or a seared-sushi flight (aburi), highlighting Osaka-style sockeye, scallops, seabream, and other cuts. There will also be an amuse-bouche to start the meal, and a rotating selection of fresh-caught specials that will vary from night to night.
It may not be as spontaneous as the sushi chef choosing what to make in the moment, but at a place as busy and large as Sushi or Izakaya Den, that experience is going to be hard to come by, no matter what. Sometimes it’s enough to just take a seat, ask for the prix fixe menu, and enjoy.
Sushi Den is located at 1487 South Pearl Street, with dinner service from 4:30 to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 5 to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday. Izakay Den is located next door at 1487-A South Pearl Street, and is open from 5 to 9:30 Tuesday through Thursday, and 4:30 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, visit sushiden.net or izakayaden.net.
