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On the morning of the first significant snow in Annapolis, I had an insatiable craving for sushi. Perhaps the snow reminded me of the white rice that encompasses spicy fish, avocado, and masago in my favorite sushi roll. Regardless, I headed downtown with a friend for fantastic sushi from Joss’s. In my opinion, Joss’s is the best place for sushi in Annapolis, and I love the downtown, slightly cramped feeling the restaurant provides. A big window in front lights up the wooden beams that line the ceiling. Like the ceiling, the floor, chairs, and sushi bar are wood. Aside from the pleasing ambiance, the staff greets you with “rashai,” which is “welcome” in Japanese. Let’s just say I was glad I decided on Joss’s that day, as always.
Once I sit down near the front of the restaurant, my friend and I peruse and debate over the multitude of sushi rolls offered. We settle on four rolls: Joss Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Salmon Avocado Roll, and Cucumber Roll. Most of the rolls we ordered are self-explanatory, with the exception of the Joss Roll, which is comprised of crabmeat (cooked), asparagus, roe, and scallions. The outer layer of the Cucumber Roll is dried seaweed, which adds a salty bite to the otherwise clean-flavored cucumber filing. All the other rolls were covered with white rice and sesame seeds on the outside–absolutely delicious. The squishy rice mixed with the crunchy seeds hit the taste buds first, and then in comes the tangy avocado, spicy fish, or sweet crab. Not only were the rolls incredibly delicious, but they were out ridiculously fast. This is not an overstatement; the rolls were on our table within five minutes.
My friend and I also ordered Grilled Tofu Teriyaki and Edamame. The tofu dish included four hefty slices of lightly fried tofu with grilled vegetables in a homemade teriyaki sauce. The chefs brilliantly drizzled the savory sauce over the dish for sopping up with tofu and veggies. The edamame was steamed and served in a circular, weaved basket–functional and adorable. Interestingly enough, both of these dishes–the tofu and edamame–are made of the same substance. Edamame is the natural (a.k.a. unprocessed) version of soy, which is later made into tofu. The importance here is that both are fantastic for your health, as is most sushi.
After an ultra-satisfying meal (though I was not gluttonous enough to unbutton the top button on my jeans), I spoke with Heather Lee, the general manager for Joss’s in Annapolis and Baltimore. She shared that Joss’s has daily lunch specials (which you can find displayed online) from the sushi bar and the kitchen. The majority of these specials include a deal on certain rolls and/or entrees. Don’t sweat it if you can’t make it to Joss’s for lunch specials; the menu is extremely affordable, especially considering the wide variety of ingredients used in many of the dishes. While looking over the menu, I saw eel, crab, tuna, smoked salmon, and a plethora of veggies.
Not sure what to order as a first-timer? Try one of Lee’s recommendations. She says the Crunchy Ebi Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, and the Dynamite Roll are among the most popular. Any of the dishes that include dressing or sauce would be incredible as well. Lee proudly boasts that all of Joss’s sauces and dressings are made in-house.
Joss’s also has plans for the future. Lee remarks that the Annapolis restaurant is soon to be renovated and the website will have online order capability. “It’s tough with sushi to order online because there are so many kinds,” Lee says. Although the website and restaurant are waiting on updates, there is no reason to wait to visit Joss’s. The restaurant has been there for over 20 years and has established itself as one of the greats downtown.
Quick Info:
What: Joss’s Cafe and Sushi Bar
Where: 195 Main Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401
Who: A friend and I
Ordered: Spicy Tuna Roll, Joss Roll, Salmon Avocado Roll, Cucumber Roll, Grilled Tofu Teriyaki, and Edamame
Cost: $34.87
Dining Style: Casual and fun
Service: Quick and kind
Contact Info: 410-263-4688; josssushi.com
Rating: 5 stars and fabulous
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