ICHIMA

I feel I must give a shout-out to my favorite Sushi restaurant ever! Ichima - tucked in the back of Hastings Ranch in Pasadena, next to the bowling alley and Ralphs. A little Ichima background. We've been going here since before the owners & name change. Once the new owners came in [around July 2005] they slowly started changing things up. Fresher fish (they don't use anything from the day before, only fresh stuff that has arrived that day), wider selection, new name, new staff, modern decor.

The place was dead in the beginning, so we really got to know everyone from the sushi chefs to the wait staff. Now, you have to wait for a table on week nights! Forget about weekends. You can count on at least a 30-45min wait. But it's worth it. You'll find this place is full of regulars. If you ever go in and sit at the front of the sushi bar, you'll most likely have Jimmy as your sushi chef (he's the tall guy). Jimmy is a super sweet and talented sushi chef. Really young too! Late 20's/early 30's. He basically runs the place and takes pride in providing the freshest fish at the lowest prices. He took the time to get to know his original customers by name. He now knows all our friends and family [most by name]. So does the wait staff. Myself, my brother, and my sister are there at least once a week. Not always together, but you'll always find Jimmy or one of the staff asking for how the rest of the fam is. I won't forget to mention Ryan. He's like #2 sushi chef when Jimmy is off. Super sweet and talented. Loves to make cool designs with oranges. So if you're ever in search of some damn good sushi at a low price, Ichima is top notch! Try the Ichima roll. A combo of tuna, yellow tail, and salmon rolled in soy paper and topped with avocado.