Midtown Lunch

Above Sansom Kebab House lies Jay’s Favorite Sushi Bar, which has been open for a year and half now. The signs on the Sansom Street advertise roll specials, 2 rolls for $7.95 or 3 for $10.25 and I was in a sushi kind of mood. But it ended up the “Japanese Pizza” that will have me rushing back.

At Jay’s, the list of rolls included in the advertised combo is small, but includes some decent options. My first choice was clearly the one with lobster in it- the Lobster Avocado Roll- which was my favorite; it came with shreds of actual lobster and flakes of tempura that managed to stay quite crunchy. The shrimp tempura roll was what you would expect of such a roll.  That gorgeous looker in the middle is the Hawaiian roll, with cucumber, avocado… normal so far right? But then there is also asparagus, mango sauce, and mango slices on top. Refreshing on a summer day, and an alternative to California Rolls for those seeking a less seafoody option. It also seemed to me that the accompanying wasabi was fresh and spicier than you might find elsewhere.

Jay’s also has a list of sashimi (you can do 3 choices of 2 piece sashimi for $8.50) and fancy rolls (like the Volcano Roll, which is baked and stuffed with King Crab).

I really liked the sound of that pizza appetizer, which can be topped with spicy tuna or salmon. I chose the spicy tuna, thinking it could potentially be like the tuna nachos I loved so much at Makiman.  This is definitely a better deal than Makiman’s, here you get 4  pieces for $6.50, at Makiman it’s 2 just slightly bigger ones for $9.

Pieces of something resembling pita bread are covered with generous portions of spicy tuna, slices of avocado, flakes of tempura and drizzles of tangy sauce. This is absolutely, completely delicious.  The combo of velvety tuna and avocado feels rather luxurious.  You must order this when eating at Jay’s, I insist.

THE + (What somebody who likes this place would say)

• 3 rolls for $10.25 is a decent deal
• The spicy tuna pizza is amazing!

THE – (What somebody who doesn’t like this place would say)

• I want my sushi combos to come with miso or something

Jay’s Favorite Sushi Bar, 1526 Sansom St (@ 15th St), 215-564-0526