Yamato
Good sushi in the middle of the desert. Tucson has many sushi restaurants so we decided to investigate and find the best one. Yamato is the first as it is closest to Sparkman headquarters, an easy bike ride away. Unfortunately it can be found in an ugly mini-mall. Fortunately they have transformed the small space into a quiet retreat from the ugly urban sprawl outside. Colorful paper lanterns encircle the room and the windows are covered with white shades. The sushi bar is surrounded by the fanciest chairs of red leatherette I have ever seen. The servers were very sweet and friendly. Our sushi was beautifully prepared and as fresh as it gets in this desert. Good selections of nigiri and sashimi and the standard americanized rolls are enhanced by the full pitcher of iced green tea ($2.50) and mochi ice cream for desert. They also serve bento boxes and have inexpensive lunch specials. Recommended.
Location: 857 E. Grant Road
Cost: just right
Stars: ****
Bamboo Club
If you are looking for an over-priced “pan Asian” version of TGI Fridays, try this mini-chain with unfortunate wicker chairs and slightly embarrassed staff. I certainly was embarrassed for our perky server as she explained, “the sauces on the table are soy sauce and chilli sauce – our versions of salt and pepper!” The food and sauces were bland, overly salted and certainly not exotically twisted or upscale (as reviewed by the Tucson Weekly). Avoid unless you are stranded at the Park Place mall and the food court has been taken over by hari krishnas.
Location: Park Place Mall, 5870 E. Broadway Blvd
Cost: too damn much
Stars: nada
Chaffin’s Family Restaraunt
My newly favorite breakfast diner has perfectly greasy hangover food. Where else can one find a waffle with fried chicken on the breakfast menu? Fabulous leatherette booths, friendly waitresses with Divine-esque lipstick and free WiFi make me want to stay all day long. It could be the perfect office-away-from-home if it only had outlets. A small selection of books are available to read when your battery dies and all the bad Arizona newspapers plus USA Today can be purchased for a few quarters outside. Next time you are headed for the Waffle House for breakfast or a late-nite snack, check this out instead.
Location: 902 E. Broadway Blvd.
Cost: cheap goodness
Stars: ****
