the strong buzz, by andrea strong

“Matsuri”

December 4, 2003
Located in sexy subterranean space of the Meatpacking’s hot new Maritime Hotel, Matsuri is an Asian wonderland, an ode to the exotic senses of the Far East from the bamboo and paper-lanterned movie set décor to the shimmering sushi and sashimi and the expertly plated haute Japanese stylings of chef Tadashi Ono. Matsuri packs in the crowds (and is rumoured to be haunted), mostly here to see and be scene rather than to dine (and to check out the spirits), but serious foodies make it in as well searching for Ono’s divine and wild interpretations of Japanese fare, and his careful hand with glorious sushi. I have had good and bad meals here, and my friends have reported the same, so my best advice is to check out the sushi bar first and save your money for the real meal until you are certain the place is for you. Matsuri, Maritime Hotel, 88 Ninth Avenue at 15th Street, 212-243-6400.

REPRINTED FROM THE MOBIL TRAVEL GUIDE

Andrea Strong