SUSHI-ZEN JAPANESE RESTAURANT, Arlington, VA

     I’m a Sushi lover and have had it many places in the Metro area and beyond. Little did I know that I would find the best Sushi in my own back yard at Sushi-Zen in the Lee Harrison Shopping Center. Not only is the Sushi great, but so is the service in this family operation led by Shoji Mochizuki, his wife, Rosie Gordon and their son, Brian. Sushi-Zen has been open since 1997 and consistently receives well deserved rave reviews. There’s Sushi, Sashimi, Teriyaki and Tempura dishes for both lunch and dinner and carry-out.  Check out the Bento boxes for lunch. Sushi-Zen’s wide variety of  rolls are not only works  of art, but delicious as well. One of my favorites is the President’s roll made with soft shell crab, cucumber, avocado and salmon drizzled with eel sauce. Another favorite is the crunchy spicy salmon rolls. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed  the Tempura dishes—lightly deep fried shrimp and vegetables—really scrumptious. In true Japanese fashion, Sushi-Zen’s Teriyaki is pan seared with their own specially blended sauce and you can choose from chicken, rib eye beef, salmon or shrimp. There’s so, so  much more including Japanese beer, sake and some interesting antioxidant beverages. Thanks to my friend Chuck Toftoy for introducing me to Sushi-Zen. I suspect I’ll become one of their many regulars like Chuck.  For more information, call Sushi-Zen at 703-534-6000 and check their website at www.sushizen.com.