This Sunday evening I made the journey to attempt and expand my taste buds by trying sushi for the very first time. Not the kind of stuff you see at AYCE Chinese buffets that although not bad on the pallate, hardly passes and genuine sushi in any way. I wanted the real deal made right in front of my by real sushi chefs with real Japanese ingredients. I found just such a thing at Restaurant Muramoto on King St in Madison just off the capitol square. I got word of the special they offer on Sunday Monday and Tuesday night from 5-9pm in which diners can try a vast number of side items, rolls and nigiri for just $25.\n\nNow as this was my first formal experience in eating authentic sushi at any time or at any place in my 27 years of exisitance, you could argue that anything I ate could be taken as the best out there since I have no real reference to compare to. Sure, you could make that argument but on the other hand one could say that as someone with no preparation as to the taste, texture, ingredient combinations, or appearances of genuine sushi rolls, it could be very easy for such a contrasting and novel food item to turn someone off to it simply because its a bit too much, too different, too complex for a rookie palate. In that case the sushi had better impress as it would be forming the expectations or aversions from that point on.\n\nI happen to be of the later of the two possibilities as I was a HUGE fan of all 5 rolls I got in addition to the 2 side items I sampled.\n\nThe items I got were\n\nMiso Soup (no picture), Asian Slaw, Duck Roll, Spicy Tuna Special, Viper, Tokyo Picnic, and Gun Smoke. The last two were the best of all 5 rolls (not that any were a disappointment).\n\nI wont write a novel by explaining the dynamic and flavor of each roll simply because every roll will apply to each person a bit differently. The rice, the flavorful sauces, the basic raw ingredients, the accents, and even the look of each roll has its own unique characteristics making for a very unique dining experience unlike that of more typical American fair. Its even more fun when you can watch the 3 sushi chefs right behind the counter (bar seating) make roll after roll right in front of you with real ingredients and sources in traditional Japanese fashion.\n\nEven for a busy night in which most the whole dining area was filled with people (I got in at 7 pm and left just after 8:30pm) the service was good, you may wait about 10-15 minute between each roll (must finish your roll before placing another order) but this also help to analyze, appreciate and take in the depth of eating sushi which is as much artistic as it is nutritional. In About an hour and a half I had my 5 rolls (cut into about 8 peaces per roll) a cup of really good miso soup and a generous plate of Asian Slaw.\n\nWhat would have cost me $71.00 outside of the special only cost me $26.58 with tax (no drinks). That's a heck of a deal for those looking to really sample the menu and expand their own taste buds without breaking the bank to do so.\n\nI suggest anyone from the novice to the veteran sushi fan give Restaurant Muramoto a try during their Sunday-Tuesday evening AYCE special and take in something from a little further East then you might be used to. You wont regret it
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