By Nick Brancaleone

OLSO

Every big city has sushi bars scattered throughout town. In Detroit, finding one is like trying to use chopsticks to catch a fly. Difficult. If you can find Woodward Avenue, however,  OSLO awaits you patiently.

Inside, a sleek interior, with dark wood for warmth, welcomes customers. Sushi is tightly rolled, nice in size, and served in minimalist form, with simple detail. The flavor is there and that’s what counts. While Spicy and White tuna are common, seeing it offered together in a roll put a boyish grin on my face. Detroit is the unofficial music capital, so try the OSLO rocks Detroit roll while you’re at it.

There’s a “spin” here, OLSO offers Thai food. And, while I didn’t try it I thought you should know. Plenty of colorful cocktails from sweet to savory – Sake, Junmai, Ginjo – are shaken or stirred nicely to compliment the Asian food selections. Domestic beers, Internationals, Asian’s and IPA’s abound, including a Michigan shining star, Bell’s Brewery.

What sets OSLO apart is the lower level, which has housed some of the worlds most famous dj’s, Kevin Saunderson, Pullen, and Von Stroke to name a few. Techno, house, and hip-hop are featured on the weekends.

1456 Woodward Ave Detroit Mi. 48226 313.962.7200 – oslodetroit.com 

 

NOBLE FISH

Noble Fish sushi bar and Japanese market serves up sushi in a super-relaxed, yet professional, atmosphere. General manager, Gucchi, runs his place with fine precision, welcoming guests with a meaningful smile, quaint wink or warm ‘Konnichiwa’.

A treasure chest for sushi fans – including aficionados – Noble ducks extravagance, preferring the realism of an authentic Japanese sushi bar.

Though, Noble considers sushi an art form, this is not the place to go for a selection of 50 tasteless rolls, that look more like candy, at a price that burns like wasabi. This is the real deal. The Michigan Roll – a special version of a spicy tuna roll – is fabulous. Futomaki is large, colorful and delicious, and any one of the hand rolls generously delivers flavor.

For the experienced, the staff will satisfy with opulent Ikura (salmon roe), Uni (Sea urchin) and other exotics. Green tea and filtered water are self-served and complimentary.

The market delights with Japanese sodas, imported beers, Sakes, anime candies, video rentals and cooking goods. Noble is small, cozy and, though it’s off the beaten path, worth the trip no matter your point of origin.

45 E 14 Mile Road Clawson MI 48017 | 248. 585. 2314