Sushi No Longer a Raw Deal

Not too many years ago, finding quality sushi in the Conejo Valley was difficult. But in the last few years the number of sushi bars has exploded, and there are now more than two dozen from Agoura Hills to Newbury Park and Simi Valley. The key to a quality sushi bar is a specially trained sushi chef who prepares Japanese delicacies with skill and imagination.

Tucked away in the Village Glen Center in Westlake Village, Kaminari Sushi might as well be nestled in a trendy neighborhood in Tokyo. The interior design is clean. The bar itself occupies center stage, with about ten tables filling out the space. The owner, Howard Nemoto, a veteran restaurateur and sushi chef, has operated sushi bars and Japanese restaurants for 30-plus years and has put together a team of professional sushi chefs, several of whom have worked with him for more than a decade.

The traditionalist should try the sashimi. Whether it’s toro, yellowtail, tuna, albacore, uni or Spanish mackerel, your sashimi is framed with beautiful garnishes. The nigri sushi is always cut to perfection in a perfect marriage with the rice. Nothing is precut, and delicacies like the Spanish mackerel are prepared from whole fish at the bar. For the roll fanatic, Kaminari offers exciting versions of traditional rolls as well as their chefs’ new creations. Try the house specialties like avocado filled with spicy tuna, or the delicious Knock-Out Roll filled with shrimp tempura. The tamago (egg custard) is homemade and the miso soup is first-rate. To finish your meal, don’t forget to have a Cho Chu, a mix of plum wine and Japanese vodka.

For those looking for a more traditional dinner, Kaminari offers tempura and teriyaki dinners, which include salad, miso soup and rice and range in price from $15 to $19. Lunch prices are from $9 to $11.95. Prices are competitive with other Conejo sushi bars. It’s not a cuisine for a budget night on the town, but Kaminari will not break the bank. If you’re looking for a sushi bar that sets the standard, I recommend Kaminari Sushi.

Kaminari Sushi is located at 2891 Agoura Road, Westlake Village. It’s open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and open for dinner six days a week, Monday through Thursday from 5 to 9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. Closed Sunday. Phone (805) 446-7001.

Marty Bee is a pseudonym for The Acorn’s restaurant reviewer. To preserve the objectivity of Mr. Bee’s work, his appearance at each restaurant is kept a secret. He could be at a table next to yours.