Sushi and jazz go hand in hand
JAZZ MUSIC and half-price sushi -- what better way is there to spend a Thursday night?
The Newjass Quartet kicked off its weekly gig at Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar Thursday, and it looks like this one could be a winner for D.K. Kodama. While discounted food and drink specials are always a good lure, bringing in Justin James, Ryan Kunimura and Dave Yamasaki to play is a fantastic alternative to some of the music showcased nearby.
Much of the sushi menu remains the same, but we did try the Takah Sushi Special Roll ($10.25) with its combination of shrimp, ahi, crab, avocado, cucumber and masago for the first time. The Seared Ahi Salad ($9.95) was an oldie-but-goodie, with a generous amount of fish plated with fresh greens.
And while there are $3 chilled Crown Royal shots on special all night, take some of that money you saved on the sushi and order one of Sansei's specialty cocktails. "The Crush" and "Main Squeeze" are both in the $7 to $8 price range, but use top shelf liquors that don't disappoint.
Just be sure to look for street parking before you valet your car -- even with validation, you're looking at a $10 charge, not including tip ...
CONCERT NEWS: Tickets go on sale Saturday for the return of Reel Big Fish to Honolulu. They'll play April 5 at Pipeline Cafe, courtesy of Pau Hana Productions ... On Stage Hawaii announced that local bands Crucible and 8MM Overdose will open for Hatebreed on March 11 at Pipeline ... And former Hawaii resident Paul Ogata returns March 23 to headline the "Asian Kings of Comedy" at Hawaii Theatre. Edwin San Juan, Kevin Shea and Shecky Wong will also perform. Call 528-0506 to order tickets by phone ...
NEED A few more options for Mardi Gras tonight, but don't want to wade through the crowds on Nuuanu Avenue or at Aloha Tower Marketplace?
Just down the street at Restaurant Row, the Ocean Club hosts a Fat Tuesday celebration with $2 Coors Light all night and live entertainment by M-Urge. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Anna Bannana's presents "Carnival 2007," with DJs KSM, Saya, Leo and Tara spinning a mix of funk, drum-n-bass and something called "hip-house" from 9 p.m.
And you can get New Orleans-style grinds on the Leeward side at Dixie Grill Aiea, with the Chris Vandercook Band playing live from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. ...