Kaze Japanese
Sushi. You either love it or you hate it. I love it, and I love Kaze’s sushi. The fish is fresh, and it’s molded into traditional, and not-so-traditional, rolls and sashimi plates by Chef Toshi-san of Portland’s Hakatamon restaurant. Sushi size, quality, and execution is a bit better than at Hood River’s other raw fish restaurant – you tell me how this little town supports two – Sushi Okalani.
But more than the sushi, I love Kaze’s miso ramen. I can hear you clicking away from this page now. Don’t do it. “Ramen,” you’re thinking. “That’s what college kids eat.”
This isn’t broke-and starving, college-kid miso ramen. This is the real stuff. This is what freezing cold Japanese people eat during the heart of pipe-freezing, icebox cold Hokkaido winters. Don’t try and eat it in the middle of summer (there are plenty of colder items on the menu then… like sushi), but if you’re cold, nothing will warm you up faster than a big bowl of miso ramen.
The food is very good at Kaze. The service, on the other hand, is unremarkable, at best. The girls look pretty, but lack the ever-searching eyes of talented waitstaff. Be prepared to wait a bit to catch a waitress’ eye, especially if you’re just looking or another bottle of Sapporo or Kirin, or a second round of sake.
Having said that, the not-so-great service is on par with the rest of the not-so-great service in Hood River. It’s more a disease of the whole town than a disease specific to Kaze. Don’t let it scare you away from a delicious dinner.
Kaze is located at 212 4th Street in downtown Hood River.
Feel free to leave your own review below!
As an experienced sushi eater, I can tell you that this is THE place for sushi in the gorge. They have very high quality fish and sushi options on the menu that you often only find in big city Japanese restaurants like buri belly, ama-ebi, and uni. Always ask Toshi what he has on special. Last time I was there, I had a whole horse mackerel sashimi which was the cleanest, freshest tasting mackerel I’ve ever had and they even fried the bones and served them to me as a second course as is the traditional way–awesome!
I also concur with Temira that the ramen is good and authentic tasting.
There is a nice list of sake to choose from.
The decor, ambience, and even the look of the menu aren’t too impressive, but don’t be put off– it’s the fish that matters and in that regard, Kaze delivers!
I’ve also always experienced good service, with apologies from the staff when they are slammed and get behind.
Can you post phone numbers for the lazy people who want to call an order in?
Bob, Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll get to work on that tomorrow during the torrential downpour. -T