It is hard to tell of a recent culinary experience without the sights, smells and tastes rushing back so fervently that my stomach begins to ache with longing and my mouth begins to water. But to keep these savory memories all to myself would be unfair to the throngs of potential patrons of Bluefin restaurant and, of course, to the management itself, who have worked tirelessly to bring authentic japanese cuisine infused with an exciting and varied sushi menu to the area.
[Master Chef] Yong Kim is extremely proud of Bluefin, nestled in a tiny strip mall at 1017 Germantown Pike in Plymouth Meeting, only minutes away from Chestnut hill. Although he is just 23 years old[at the publication, he is 25 in 2003], Yong is an old hand at the culinary market. Having worked for years at August Moon in Norristown, a purveyor of fine Korean and Japanese cuisine, he has "always been in the restaurant business." Yong himself is of Korean States with his family just seven years ago when he was still a teenager.Yong experienced a bit of a language barrier when he came to the country, but after two years at Plymouth-Whitemarsh High school, He quickly caught up to his peers.
Now, it is difficult to believe that Yong could have struggled with anything; his English, like his cooking, seems effortless.Don Kim, Yong's father, purchased the property on Germantown Pike nine months ago. It was formerly occupied by another Japanese restaurant, but the Kim's have taken the space an put their own distinct imprint upon it. When dining at a restaurant located in a strip mall, the expectations of interior decor are always somewhat diminished. That is why entering Bluefin is both a visual and olfactory treat.
There is so much to stimulate the senses.
The restaurant is quite elegant, with soft lighting, soothing music and minimalist decor. The main points of focus are the trellis, which runs up the west wall and features a miniature pond below it, and the large sushi bar that runs along the east wall.
The bar is a traditional Japanese structure, completes with the authenticity and charm of the Asian dining experience. The sushi bar has seating for 10, while the restaurant can comfortably seat about 36. The restaurant is BYOB, so any spirits you may wish to imbibe should be planned beforehand. The rest of the evening, however, can safely be entrusted to Yong Kim and his gracious staff.
My experience with Japanese cuisine- and especially sushi- has been fairly limited, so I was excited to try anything and everything. The meal began plate of edamame beans. Having had them once beforehand, I was not really looking forward to them as a culinary delight...
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