"My treat!" I told my Auntie GodMom. Asked what she wanted for a Saturday lunch. She responded with, "Sushi." So I did some research a couple of days beforehand and found this gem. There were a couple more places in the running - both not too far from here - but this won out because I personally liked the menu better. Picked her and Uncle up and we were well on our way! It isn't very far from their home (which was another reason I chose this place) so we were pulling up in no time. We arrived within 30 minutes of opening time and every spot on their parking lot was available. "Not a good sign..." Uncle says. Eh, we're early, and I didn't wanna judge based solely on that. First timer customers of the day, so we got our pick where to sit. We were immediately given menus and glasses of water. The sushi bar was open so one can see everything going on there. The overall place was clean and had this homely feeling. I felt comfy immediately. I told my company that I had already scanned the menu and if it's alright, I'll order a bunch of stuff, and if they're still hungry after that, we can always order more. They loved that idea since they didn't really need (nor wanted) to think. EDAMAME: A perfect starter. Boiled soft, not too salty. It got our appetite going! MISO SOUP: Also another perfect starter. The miso and water ratio was a perfect blend. Broth had depth. It was a nice tummy warmer on a cold SoCal day, CRAB CAKES: I know, they're shaped like balls, but still pretty tasty. Maybe it's just me, but I tasted both real and imitation crab (more imitation than real) in each bite. They we're still prepped well and delicious. Mayo dip wasn't needed but altered the flavor on a different level. SPANISH MACKEREL SUSHI: Fresh and tasty. It's not as vinegary as some I have previously had, but delish nonetheless. GRILLED SALMON KAMA: A bit under seasoned but grilled almost to perfection. We all enjoyed this, most especially the fatty parts! The meat came off the fishbone so easily. Get this! SASHIMI SAMPLER: It was a combo of salmon, tuna, yellowfin and albacore. Every single one was incredibly fresh. They all stood on their own. If you're a sashimi fiend, this is for you! DEEP-FRIED SOFT SHELL CRABS: I never skip this whenever I see it on the menu. Neither does my AuntieGM, apparently. We each had a half. The batter was very thin, so it didn't take away from the crabs' main essence. It honestly didn't need the dip, it was great on its own. Dip does give it a different flavor profile which wasn't bad either. SHRIMP TEMPURA: Like the crabs, the batter was also thin so it didn't take away much from the shrimp. Nothing to call home about but delicious. Good crunch on the outside, nice and juicy on the inside. Elevated flavor with the tempura dip. FOOD: 4.5. SERVICE: 3.5. VALUE: 4. Soooo worth it! PARKING: Private lot. Not an issue for a weekend lunch. OVERALL: 4. AuntieGM and Uncle each ordered a chicken and pork Katsu as their mains. I guess their eyes were a lot more hungry than their stomachs because they came into realization they were full by the time they arrived on the table. No biggie, they took it to-go to snack on later. Auntie GM loved the edamame so much, she put in an order to go to have as an app when she has her happy hour at home. The whole place had gotten packed within an hour of our arrival. That parking lot - as big as it was - was halfway occupied during our run. They were impressed. As was I, and that's always a plus PLUS. They loved it so much, there are already plans of a return visit, "Next time, my treat!" AuntieGM said. I will absolutely take her up on that offer! You can bet a follow up visit to happen - hopefully sooner than later!
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"only writing a review because of the current 3.9 stars when they absolutely deserve at least a 4.5. we came here one night when we had to wait for sushi at the spot in the lot and now crave this place regularly. I think we've tried most if not all the appetizers including the 48 hour fries, chips and dip, deviled eggs, tuna tartare, tostadas, and bacon wrap dates. The dates while a common place that many restaurants are so good here for really what stands out is the deviled eggs with the crab. When it comes to entrées, we order the halibut every time, the celeriac purée is so good it will have you licking the plate. Desserts and drinks are also incredible here just truly can't go wrong"
"Went to Baleen to celebrate Valentine's Day. The service was great, the restaurant aesthetics were nice, clean and classy and food was delicious!There's valet parking only BUT it's validated for 2 hours!Definitely new date night spot."
