Kappo Suzumaru in Tustin remains my favorite sushi spot in OC. Look, I know it's not the best–not even close. But it's where I took my wife on our first date (even though she says it technically wasn't a date), it's where I've had birthday parties, and it's where they still hang a review I did of them nearly a decade ago. And, most importantly? It's bueno to me.
Work doesn't let me come here as much as I'd like, but I've seen them expand their booze options over the past couple of years–first with some sakes, then wines, and now with a full-blown shochu program.
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In addition to selling individual shots and flights, they'll sell you bottles of hard-to-find stuff at affordable prices, stuff even my beloved Mr. Hi Time doesn't stock. Stuff like Kuro Kirishima Shochu.
This is an imo shochu, which means the spirit comes almost exclusively from Japanese sweet potato. And, wow, can you taste its yamminess. Unlike Korean sojus, don't expect something light and smooth; this is heavy, but irresistibly sweet, almost like quaffing a light beer. Split it among friends, order many rounds of sushi, and try to drink it all before you leave Kappo Suzumaru. And if you can't finish? Take its beautiful black bottle home (as squat as a malt liquor bottle), and enjoy…with more sushi and friends.
Email: ga*******@oc******.com. Twitter: @gustavoarellano.
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