**** Sushi Yaro has closed
Isn't it nice to be able to walk into a place and say, "I'm hungry, can I just get some sashimi?" And get something like this?
I'm not expecting anything mind-blowing, no Michelin star experience. It's been a long week and I want some decent fish, a good meal, to leave satisfied. I get all of the above.
I've known Sam for over a decade now. And he knows me....such is the relationship of the Itamae and his regulars. That is why the term "Sushi bar" seems so appropriate. Like your favorite watering hole, be it here or wherever......it's such a great feeling to walk in after a hard day and have your drink waiting on the counter when you arrive. As a regular customer, I feel that I have some responsibility as well. I'll often request to be served last, new customers are the lifeblood of a small business, I try to tip well, and I never take freebees.. At Tadokoro, I make reservations for the earliest possible time. I know Take-san will do his best and when you're slammed, regardless of your profession, you can't do that. It's about being a good regular customer as well......
The reason I'm writing this is because I've seen various posts on sites such as Chowhound that flaunt this idea of self-entitlement, and have even seen in person cases where folks will say; "I'm a Elite (the four lettered review website) member and I want xxxx". It disturbs me. So I needed a sashimi break......though really....it's not all about just me.
Sushi Yaro
7905 Engineer Road
San Diego, CA 92111
that sashimi looks great!
Posted by: kat | Saturday, 21 March 2015 at 11:48 PM
Sushi Yaro is my favorite SD sushi place. They've treated me well. And like other great food places I've frequent, I found them because of this blog.
Posted by: Denver | Sunday, 22 March 2015 at 05:22 AM
The Sashimi looks awesome!
The Elite member thing sounds disturbing. Can't believe people would do such things, but there are all kinds of bad apples out there no matter where you go... Just terrible behavior.
Posted by: R | Sunday, 22 March 2015 at 05:28 AM
"Elites" that flaunt it are assholes! Especially at establishments that don't have a policy or practice to provide VIP treatment to special customers.
Posted by: Alan | Sunday, 22 March 2015 at 06:45 AM
It hit the spot Kat!
Hi Denver - Thanks so much for reading (and commenting) all these years!
Hi R - There seems to be sense of entitlement with some of these folks.
Hi Alan - I've seen that "behavior" at least a half dozen times. Then there are those who give "discounts" for a good review, and of course, so long the $$$ are rolling in, they'll turn a blind eye - plausible deniability and all that.
Posted by: Kirk | Sunday, 22 March 2015 at 10:49 AM
Those type of people (Elite yelpers) who expect free or discounted stuff and/or better service are obnoxious and self-serving. It's too bad that some restaurants do cater to that type of behavior and perpetuate it.
On a nicer note, that's great that you have a good relationship with your local sushi chef. You don't even have to think about what to order and he already has something delicious in store for you
Posted by: caninecologne | Sunday, 22 March 2015 at 12:25 PM
That looks like a nice sashimi spread, Sammy has always treated us well despite not going as often as others.
You bring up an interesting perspective about taking freebees as a regular customer. We've been going to places like Catalina OP every week, and Tommy will occasionally stop us as we're leaving and throw a hunk of fish or something into our bag. While we always appreciate that he recognizes us as regular customers, there is a guilt as to whether we should accept his gift.
Posted by: Jason | Sunday, 22 March 2015 at 06:41 PM
Hi CC - Knowing Sam for over a decade makes things easy.....
Hi Jason - I try to think in terms of context. At Tasty N Alder, they brought us coffee cake as a thank you for coming back....no strings, they didn't know I had a food blog. On occasion Tommy does the same for me, I kind of take in stride, though I have told him not to do it....he says "it's because I'm a regular and doing this means that if I like it, I'll be buying it." Sam will on occasion serve me something if my wait is long....I don't think he charges me for it, though I really don't know because I mostly don't order....I'll pay for whatever my bill comes out to.
Posted by: Kirk | Sunday, 22 March 2015 at 07:35 PM
Good point Kirk, it's all about the expectation. If you're a good customer who the proprietors appreciate, they'll voluntarily reciprocate based on that.
Posted by: Jason | Sunday, 22 March 2015 at 10:34 PM
Hi Jason - That's a great way of putting it. On both sides...
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 23 March 2015 at 06:43 AM
Oh dear! I'd very much hoped that that "Elite Yelper" thing had gone away. They just have such a rude approach to the customer service people around them. And they can ruin things for the rest of us =(
Posted by: Lynnea | Monday, 23 March 2015 at 08:28 AM
Hi Lynnea - Unfortunately, this still happens. I've seen it several times over the last few months.
More places should do this:
http://www.eater.com/2015/3/3/8140395/restaurant-owner-shames-entitled-yelpers-on-instagram
Though there's the possibility of misuse by the business owners as well.
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 23 March 2015 at 09:01 AM
Good to see Sammy doing well. I am far from a regular,but I'm always treated well and served good stuff, even while he's making weirdo rolls for 8 other people. I forced Tina to look at that sashimi pic and drool along with me.
Posted by: Ed (from Yuma) | Wednesday, 25 March 2015 at 12:51 PM
You should probably pay Sam a visit on your next trip "West" Ed!
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 25 March 2015 at 05:56 PM
This looks like the perfect meal this warm day!
Posted by: jack | Thursday, 26 March 2015 at 11:24 AM
It was Jack!
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 26 March 2015 at 05:38 PM