Tomodachi Sushi Bistro (Hayward)

http://www.tomodachisushibistro.com/
24123 Hesperian Blvd
Hayward

Get to the Point: Didn't like it, but maybe I'm just missing something? Like one of their sake-ternative cocktails?

It's about time I give another review. Sushi is something I'm almost always happy to have (not so good if I happen to be feeling nauseous for any reason), but as my experiences with Japanese restaurants rise in number, it's easier to become critical of, well, everything.

I've been to Tomodachi a few times, always expecting to have something happen that will change my opinion of them. Yesterday evening was either my third or fourth time there, and I'm still not convinced that it's as good of a restaurant as all the patrons make it out to be. The place is always packed with customers - I don't usually make a note of who they are or what they look like - but these happy Asian folk seem to believe it's a great place. I feel I must be the only sour-looking Asian person there, unconvinced by the nice tatami mats and alternative sake cocktails.

Nigiri sushi is my standby, but Tomodachi only offers nigiri a la carte or in a combination with at least 6 pieces of other non-nigiri items. Too much food with the additional soup and seaweed salad. Also, a big strike for me: no ika (squid) nigiri, though there's plenty to be had if I want it mixed into an appetizer or served as a giant grilled squid steak. Which I certainly don't if all I want is one or two pieces of raw squid over some rice. Come on now.

The particular experience that comes with all sushi places is lacking here as well, for reasons that can't be well explained. Perhaps it is the sun-dried tomatoes in the rolls, the strangely creamy wasabi, or the lack of intimate eating quarters. I tend to feel the environment is conflicted about its intention to be exclusive or welcoming. We want you to be open to our sake drinks and not be scared off, Hayward folk, they seem to be saying at times. And then they retort with a little Never mind looking at the menu; we didn't bother explaining what any of those Japanese words mean.

I must admit this has come off as quite a bitter review. One of the diners in our party didn't get to enjoy the meal after being served some undercooked chicken teriyaki, and the returned item remained on our bill at the end of the night. I haven't written off Tomodachi just yet, but the experience has definitely sent me in the direction of the smaller Japanese restaurants in downtown Hayward.