A sushi bar and lounge with attitude, Blowfish Pan Asian Restaurant pairs rock 'n' roll with sushi and sashimi, all in a catchy location perfect for Saturday night. Blowfish is located on the first floor of a high-rise office building in the space formerly occupied by Goodbar, wedged between a bank and a place called Muscle Down Under. Teak woods and panes of glass grace the entrance with a logo of a menacing Blowfish. The restaurant is divided between a main sushi bar and minimalist tabletops arranged in amusing fashion. Rock 'n' roll as well as DJ house music acts as atmospheric wasabi to all that enter. Later in the evening, the sushi bar turns into a hip lounge, catering to more of a sake and beer crowd than true diners.Like a bit of food with that sake? Sample appetizers like Flying Shrimp and Ostrich Portabello, each prepared with plenty of spice. A selection of seafood salads includes portions of tuna, crabmeat and seaweed as well as just a plain green one. Unlike in San Francisco, where Blowfish hailed from, seasoned LA diners prefer the Atkin's-minded sashimi to the sushi rolls. Albacore, white tail and salmon sashimi are all generously prepared with pepper garnish and a succulent sauce. For diehard sushi lovers, the namesake Blowfish Roll offers layers of tuna and tempura bits, while the Rock 'n' Roll combines yellow tail with eel and avocado for a sweeter taste. While Blowfish is hardly the Matsuhisa of the sushi world, the atmosphere, thanks to its youthful vibe and affordable prices, make for a fine meal and loads of fun at this Pan Asian Restaurant.
