My Two Favorite Japanese Restaurants in Walnut Creek, CA

There are two Japanese restaurants in Walnut Creek, that I have patronized recently. The First restaurant is Tatsu Sushi located in the Ignacio Valley Plaza OutDoor Mall near Bancroft Rd just down John Muir Hospital.

  

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For Details Visit Tatsu Sushi website: https://www.tatsusushiwalnutcreek.com/

The second restaurant, I just discovered recently ( via recommendation of Fellow
residents here at THD)  is Tanoshi Bistro in Oak Grove Rd and Citrus.  Ditas and I 
had dinner there last Sunday night. We were impressed by the Food Offerings and
the prices were very reasonable compared to Tatsu. 


I took some photos during our dinner as follows:

























Ditas and I came into the restaurant ONE minute before 5PM. We were seated in a
more private area. We were served immediately our green tea with toasted rice💚.
After 5:15PM, 
the restaurant was filled with diners. By the time we finished our
 
dinner at around 6PM, there was a line of 10 diners waiting outside and another 
10 diners were waiting inside. For Details, visit their website:  


https://www.tanoshibistro.com/


Meanwhile, here are the Japanese food terms you should 
know: Nigiri, sashimi and 
 sushi 
rolls. 


Nigiri is a type of sushi consisting of a hand-pressed oval of vinegared rice topped with a slice of raw or cooked seafood or other ingredients. The name "nigiri" means "hand-pressed" in Japanese, and it is a classic style of sushi known for its simplicity, showcasing the balance between the rice and the topping.  
• Construction: 

  A chef uses their hands to shape a small amount of sticky, vinegared rice into an oblong mound. A slice of topping, most often raw fish like tuna, salmon, or yellowtail, is then pressed onto the rice. 
• Ingredients: 

  The topping is often fish, but can also include cooked seafood like shrimp or eel, or even vegetables or egg. A small dab of wasabi is sometimes placed between the rice and the topping, and a garnish may be added. 
• Distinction from other sushi: 

  Nigiri is different from sashimi, which is just raw fish without rice. It also differs from sushi rolls, which are typically wrapped in seaweed and contain multiple ingredients inside. 
Artistry: 
Nigiri is considered a true test of a sushi chef's skill, as it requires years of practice to consistently shape the rice and press the topping together to create a perfectly balanced, melt-in-your-mouth piece. 


💚Green tea with toasted rice is called 
Genmaicha, a popular Japanese green tea 
that combines green tea leaves with roasted brown rice. The toasting process gives 
the rice a nutty flavor that balances the grassy notes of the green tea, creating a 
unique, comforting taste that is often described as having hints of popcorn or toast. 


Meanwhile, My Photo of the Day_ Trump ( Banksy Art)

Finally, My Food For Thought For Today: