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KiKi: Tasty Sushi, Low Prices
By Charles Liao
What do you know! Good Japanese food does exist at low prices! The 9th Avenue
Japanese restaurant, KiKi is grabbing the attention of several Synapse readers
with their catchy ads, picturing their sushi platters and lunch combination
specials. Admitting my shameful weakness for Japanese food, I decided to give
KiKi a try.
KiKi is open seven days a week from 11:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. and is located
at 1269 9th Avenue between Irving and Lincoln. Interestingly, it is located between
two Japanese restaurants, Ebisu and Hotei, so apparently KiKi's is confident
in the presence of competitors.
Regarding the décor and atmosphere of KiKi, it is not as elaborately
decorated with ethnic symbols or sashimi posters that we are accustomed to seeing
in most Japanese restaurants. Aside from a few modern-art light fixtures and
ceiling drapes, KiKi presents a very casual and clean atmosphere, perfect for
large parties and casual dining rather than the intimate date with your significant
other.
Upon inspection of the menu after being warmly greeted and seated by KiKi's
staff, we noticed immediately that it was cheap! Well … compared to other
Japanese restaurants and not your local Taco Bell. The special rolls range from
$2.99 to $7.99 rather than the typical $5.99 to $11.99 at other locations. I
would have liked to have sampled all the various rolls on the menu (about 21
different types) but I just don't have the stomach capacity. I ordered
the rainbow roll (crab, mayo and avocado wrapped in varieties of raw fish),
Alaska roll (raw salmon, avocado and crab sesame mayo sauce, topped with tobiko
(fish eggs), the tiger roll (shrimp tempura, with lettuce and tobiko cream sauce),
and a plate of sliced tuna sashimi. The food came promptly (roughly 10 minutes
after ordering) and the portions generously sized (what I ordered is perfect
for two hungry people). Regarding the taste and quality, the rolls were great
and on par with more expensive locations. Additionally, based on my friend who
claims to be a connoisseur of the Japanese cuisine, the tuna sashimi had the
right texture and freshness.
To sum up my visit I would rate Ki Ki as a restaurant with good service, causal
atmosphere, and inexpensive, good quality food. If that is not convincing enough
for you, perhaps the 15 percent off coupon waiting to be cut out in Synapse
will! Hope you have a great lunch or dinner!
KiKi Japanese Restaurant
1269 9th Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94122-2306
551-6622
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