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Finding Sushi that Hits the Spot at Yama Zakura

You can’t talk about sushi in this area without somebody bringing up Yama Zakura. This month, the Foodies visited and found that Yama lives up to all of that hype.

Tucked in an unassuming strip mall in Northborough (369 W Main St), Yama delivers….and delivers big on the promise of beautiful, creative and delicious sushi and other Asian Fusion cuisine.

“Yama’s presentation was literally of work of edible art,” Evan said. When the sushi was served, there was a moment of awe during which the foodies found it almost too pretty to eat. But, in true foodie style, the group dove in and tried a little bit of everything.

“Sure, you can get traditional standards like sashimi and lots of sushi rolls, but Yama’s menu includes so many other mouthwatering offerings,” said Evan. “The tempura shrimp of the Rock-n-Roll roll had a wonderful texture to it, while the sauce and flavors of the Blondie roll made me wish I had gotten a second one,” he added.

Joe enjoyed a variety of Sashimi including the Sake, Hotatega and Hamachi, and noted it was very fresh. “I tasted a few other items on our table including the buttery smooth Hamachi Kama. Very well done,” he said.

David, not new to Yama Zakura, noted the restaurant “never disappoints and as always the sushi rolls were fresh, creative, and offer a complexity that are masterful creations with the freshest ingredients,” he said.

Patrick tried different sushi rolls and sashimi also noting “The rolls were delicious, especially the Belichick Roll, and the maguro sashimi was fantastic!”

Julie noted the large portion size of the roll left her so much, she was giving some away. “I got the Jaxson Maxi in a soy wrap, it was spicy tuna and cucumber topped with seared shrimp, baked crab meat, panko and spicy Zakura sauce. The shrimp and crab topping was delicious, I just wish they had put a little more crab meat, I was trying hard to find any but the shrimp was great!” Julie said.

Others tried some different appetizers and entrees also on Yama Zakura’s menu.

“I had the fried gyoza to start and they were cooked nicely, with a nice balance of dumpling and pork filling,” Dana said. “For dinner I had the Bourbon Beef Tips, with mixed vegetables and ginger. Everything was cooked nicely and the ginger was a nice counter to the slightly sweet beef tips.”

Robyn found her order of Chilean Sea Bass a bit small for the 10 ounces it was advertised as on the menu. “While the sea bass was cooked to perfection with a nice char along the top, I thought the quantity was no were near 10 ounces, more on the lines of 4 ounces. It was a pretty small amount of fish for a dinner meal I thought,” Robyn said. She did say she’d recommend the place for sushi, though.

Overall, the Foodies found Yama Zakura definitely lived up to the hype as one of the best sushi spots around.

Importantly, Patrick noted that Yama’s take-out menu is on par with their dine-in experience. Good to know!

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A Look Inside Sonoma’s New Home in Worcester

Sonoma, formerly of Princeton, is now located at 363 Pleasant Street in Worcester.

Sonoma’s official grand opening in Worcester is slated for next week, but Mass Foodies stopped by a few days early for an admirable preview.

Sonoma, formerly of Princeton – now of the Beechwood Hotel – managed to retain all of its staff as well as that of the previous tenant, Ceres Bistro. The space itself looks largely unchanged, preserving a sense of social inspiration by virtue of highly captivating aesthetics. The bar is still aglow. The stained glass rotunda still serves as a dining room centerpiece. The sunsets are still just as striking on the patio as they’ve ever been. But, the menu looks a little bit different. Given the precision and expertise of Chef and Owner Bill Brady, we’re certain that 363 Plantation Street is about to see a whole new side of Sonoma.

Sonoma has built a reputation on its wine selection; during our visit, we asked our veteran server for some guidance. I wanted something “big, deep, and red,” and found what I was searching for in the Provenance, Rutherford Cabernet ($18). My date asked for a tannic wine to “grip the tongue” and arrived at the 2014/2016 Elsa Bianchi Malbec ($9).

Grilled Breast of Duckling and Boneless Korean Short Rib of Beef at Sonoma in Worcester.

Appetizer options included a very diverse selection, ranging from the Mediterranean Meze Platter ($14) to the Peppercorn Crusted Loin of Ostrich ($18). There was a distinct Asian influence that accounted for dishes like Kung Pao Cauliflower ($9) and Ahi Tuna Sashimi ($14). We began accordingly with Chicken and Foie Gras Dim Sum Dumplings ($14) served in a Sauternes Shiitake broth with Sriracha ponzu. The combination of decadent Foie Gras and rich, floral Sauternes played on a classic pairing. We found our four dumplings expertly steamed and indulgently bathed in a nourishing broth.

The Beechwood’s signature stained glass rotunda serves as a dining room centerpiece for new tenant, Sonoma.

Entrees ranged in price from an $18 pasta dish to a $44 Prime Rack of Colorado Lamb Persillade. I opted for the Grilled Breast of Duckling ($30) and my date ordered the Boneless Korean Short Rib of Beef ($32). My duck was cooked to succulent perfection and served with a maple demi-glace, sweet potato puree, and spinach. The short rib was browned and juicy with a charred exterior rendering bite after pleasing bite. It was accompanied by sake-braised bok choy, jasmine rice, and miso aioli. We finished our meal with a coconut shell packed full of refreshing sorbet ($5).

Sonoma will, without a doubt, draw regulars from Princeton, welcome hotel guests to Worcester, and attract a traditional city crowd for special-occasion-dining opportunities. We feel confident that this is only the first in a long line of memorable visits by Mass Foodies.