Moriyama Sushi

 

8/2/24 Moriyama Sushi, Eastlake neighborhood (Although this is hardly worth mentioning, if I have anything critical to say, it's to question that small compartment in the center of the bento box that was left empty. It seems natural that the ginger and wasabi would go there, but the generous servings came on a separate plate. The sketch kit organizer in me wants to fill that space!)

The Seattle Times recently gave a favorable review to a restaurant that was new to me – Moriyama Sushi. Even though Eastlake is only about four miles away, during rush hour (which is apparently all day except maybe midnight), it can take half an hour or more, so I rarely go that way for a meal. I had another errand in Eastlake, though, so I decided it was my opportunity to give Moriyama a try.

As noted in the Times review, it was pleasantly quiet on a Friday for lunch. After ordering, I used the restroom, then thought I’d still have plenty of time to sketch the sushi chef making my bento. He was so fast, though, that I barely caught him before my food came!

So lovely! A sketcher like Mike Daikubara would do this colorful
bento justice. Me? I was too hungry to do more than scribble hastily.

Though pricier than I would typically spend for lunch, the Deluxe Chirashi Bento Box was a splurge that was absolutely worth it – and beautifully presented, too. I was so eager to dive into it that my sketch is a quick, wonky mess (as all my food sketches tend to be). The server, however, made a bit of a fuss, which is how I came to be photographed with sushi chef Richard (for their Instagram).

I’m happy that they like the sketch, but honestly, I felt a bit like I had blown my cover. Seriously! I have never yet been caught sketching an individual, and I rarely get caught sketching my food, either . . . I must be getting cocky. Still, that fantastic meal was worth it!

Sushi chef Richard and me

If you’re not a sashimi fan, you probably wouldn’t want to go, as I don’t recall seeing anything on the menu that’s cooked. However, considering that, they have an impressive number of vegetarian and vegan sushi options that looked lovely. I might even try one next time (unless they have otoro bluefin on the menu again, in which case, forget it).

Across the street, I added a tiny sketch of some orange public art that looked like Calder having a bad day. Suddenly, the Blue Angels roared overhead, prompting me to stop and hold my hands over my ears. Ahhh, summer in Seattle!

I like a restaurant with a sense of humor.