In sushi news ... 

click to enlarge

The smell of teriyaki fills the air as an eel avocado roll is set down. Did someone’s stomach audibly grumble across the table? Patience is a virtue though, and this eel avocado roll must wait a moment while the customary sake bomb is taken. 

Sake bombs, and deliciously affordable sushi, can still be found downtown, but if you’re looking for Shin’s Sushi Bar, you won’t find it. Shin’s was unanimously known as the spot to celebrate; be it a birthday, friends visiting, or just the start of a great night. Though Shin’s can no longer be found, all is still safe in the sake bomb, half-price sushi lover’s world.

Shin’s is just under new ownership. Though the name and the uniforms have changed, the menu is still the same. Actually, if you can believe it, some of the prices have dropped even lower than they were.

Shin’s is now Aisuru, pronounced I-su-ru, which means “to love” in Japanese. And Aisuru, still commonly referred to as Shin’s, is still the prime spot to have large gatherings.  

Though Aisuru is not the only sushi restaurant downtown, not quite your “traditional” family restaurant like Sumo, and though at first glance the new uniforms make them appear as if they’re trying to compete with Raku, there’s nothing like walking into a lively spot with a long row of tables filled with fellow college students readying themselves for a sake bomb.

Warm, cold, wrapped, or in a bowl, sushi is sushi. Whether you’re a fan of sushi or not, there’s always the Hite beer and sake bomb specials that Aisuru carried over.

So, on the count of three, bottoms up! And all too soon, everyone finishes their food and beverages, and is out the door taking on another night on the town.

Aisuru is located at 1023 Monterey St. and can be reached at 543-2348. They are open Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Intern Lareina Gamboa compiled this week’s Bites. We want a bite! Send your food news to [email protected].