Etsogo on Merrimack Street has been overshadowed by the Blue Taleh, a block east. But this top-notch sushi den really is a gem. I was blown away last night by the clean, elegant salmon, yellowtail and tuna. We started w/ thimbles of sake and the sushi arrived in a flash. I like designer rolls, gourmet guy wants his w/o the frou-frou. But I think the Etsogo roll may have changed his mind. What's in it? I can't recall, I was in such a state of bliss as it crunched/exploded and danced in my mouth. Think there's a touch of eel and perhaps a thin layer of tempura, avocado and ... drooling into my keyboard here. It made me feel like jumping up and kissing the sushi chef, let's just leave it at that. The friendly woman who runs Etsogo steered us to the Paradise roll, which was a nice visual, but too souped up for my taste. Was that mayo and ketchup drizzled on top?
Seems all this creativity is turning sushi into the new martini. Anything rolled up can pass, the more outrageous the better.
Today's debate: When it comes to sushi do we like it plain jane or all dolled up like a show girl?
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Etsogo on a roll
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I never could really tell one sushi place from the next (I liked them all) until a friend of mine brought us to "Dynamite Sushi" in Hudson, NH. I know, I know, get it out: "New Hampshire?" Yes! Now it's exclusively either this place or Minado (when I really need to get my sushi on) for me. What's so great? Everything had a little something extra to it. Whether it was dusted with something crispy or something extra was hiding in the roll, it was all great!
Posted by Peter Rollins | April 12, 2008 12:28 PM
Posted on April 12, 2008 12:28
I actually like the Paradise roll at Estogo, but agree that it may just be a little over-the-top. But have you branched out and eaten any of their Malaysian dishes? OMG! Mango fish and the spicy eggplant are AWESOME.
I was in there last night (our fourth visit) and heard that the Blue Taleh is taking some of their business, but I find that hard to imagine. Talk about frou-frou! Give me a large, well prepared menu in basic surroundings at a reasonable price, and I am there...often. I don't need mood lighting and martini menus at 8PM on a Sunday.
I hope that people find their way to Estogo - it would be a shame to lose something so good in the downtown.
Posted by Garland | April 14, 2008 11:23 AM
Posted on April 14, 2008 11:23
Just ate here tonight..damn, the paradise roll is tasty. I don't really consider it sushi so much, as just damn good food.
their more simple sushi is fantastic as well.
Wish they would at least update the music...was kind of harmless tonight but it can be straight up awful.
Posted by tim | April 18, 2008 11:27 PM
Posted on April 18, 2008 23:27
I was ETSOGO on Saturday. The sushi was great. We had the Paradise Roll. I also made my own concoction. The tempura was perfect. Had some Edamame too, I will go more often.
The casual ambience, being able to sit by the window and not feel so closed in. Blue Taleh is more frou-frou, but I feel like I could visit ETSOGO more often than the other.
Blue Taleh is more for that special night out.
Posted by Kim aka White Lion | May 19, 2008 11:48 AM
Posted on May 19, 2008 11:48