Zento Means Future

Can non-foodies write foodie reviews? We are not a foodie, but if there's one thing about us, we love to eat. So this is less a review and more a puddle of drool translated into words.

Last week we had dinner at Zento, the hot new sushi place that's been blowing up ever since the Inqy blew it.

Let us begin at the beginning. Our reservation was at 8:30 on a Friday. We were seated right away, which was a good thing because the place is so small there's absolutely nowhere to wait. Unless you'd like to wait at the bar at Eulogy, which is next door. It's what we'd suggest if you forgot to make a reservation.

We began with the Zento salad, which comprised calamari and Zento's special dressing drizzled lovingly over a bed of mixed greens. Light and delicious. Our date had the Ramen Noodle Soup. Because it's totally funny to go out to a perfectly nice restaurant and pay for something you used to buy in college at a price of 10 for $1. He said it, too, was delicious. Watching him try not to slurp while sipping it out of the ceramic spoon was slightly endearing.

Next we ordered our sushi rolls. He had the spicy tuna and we had the shrimp tempura. He seemed happy with his and we could barely talk, it was so good. Mmm, the spicy mayo. And oh, the wasabi. We must admit that trying to fit one of the somewhat large pieces into our somewhat small mouth was slightly mortifying. Like trying to look inconspicuous as you shove a giant Jawbreaker into your mouth while sitting across the table from someone you might make out with later.

Don't forget that Zento is a BYOB. Should you forget your alcohol and find yourself at a loss without the usual amount of social lubricant, be sure to position yourself within view of the plasma television. At some point during the dinner something cool will catch your eye and add to the conversation.

Our only issue with the staff at Zento is that they were pretty obvious about trying to turn over table as quickly as they could. It's hard to linger over dinner when your waitress is breathing down your neck, asking if you're finished while the last ring of calamari is barely off of your plate.

Strongarming waitstaff and tight quarters aside, we'd definitely eat there again. The place has turned us into a sushi addict. We've had it elsewhere twice, but neither time was as good. Perhaps that's because the restaurant's chef is so well trained. So Zento, get ready for us. We'll be back.

Zento
138 Chestnut Street
Reservations: 215-925-9998

Image Credit: Flickr user itselea