**** Sushi Yaro has closed
Well, as if things couldn't get bad enough. On Tuesday my good friends sent me a bunch of text messages telling me that Sam, owner of Sushi Yaro had a stroke. Which was really hard to believe since he's fairly young. I don't do Facebook, so I quickly went to the Sushi Yaro's Facebook and found that it was true.
Good lord, 2021 isn't turning out to be so great so far.....
I've known Sam for almost 20 years now, from his time working at Katzra, to when he opened Sammy Sushi, to Sushi Yaro. While not fancy......it's always been what I've envisioned as the neighborhood sushi bar, unpretentious, all are welcome, and regardless if you wanted rolls or sashimi, there was something for you.
I've always harped on the importance of the relationship between the Itamae and the customer and no where else was it so true then at Sushi Yaro. I could always waltz in and just order "some sashimi" and get a nice plate of well cut, fresh fish.....the best that was available. And, I've actually met some "FOYs" at Yaro!
I usually don't do this, but times are different right now. I have been alerted to a GoFundMe to help Sam. Especially with rent to keep him afloat. So, if you've been to Sushi Yaro and enjoyed yourself...….well......
Here's hoping Sam recovers....though having a stroke can't be great for the motor skill you need making sushi....but I'm hoping for the best.
Get well Sam!
Wishing the best for Sam and his recovery, remember reading all of your wonderful posts at his restaurant...
Posted by: Hangzhou Hero | Friday, 22 January 2021 at 09:57 PM
Sushi Yaro is one of my favorite sushi places. Used to go regularly for lunch back in the day. I've always been meaning to do some take out during the pandemic but didn't get a chance to. Praying for the best for Sammy. I made a donation
Posted by: Denver | Friday, 22 January 2021 at 10:10 PM
oh no! hoping he’ll have a speedy recovery.
Posted by: kat | Friday, 22 January 2021 at 11:20 PM
You’re right, 2021 sure is starting out tough—sorry to hear about Sam having a stroke, but I’m so glad he has friends like you who are supporting him. And thank you for sharing the GoFundMe page so we can all help pitch in! Here’s to hoping 2021 gets better from here.
Posted by: Lynnea | Saturday, 23 January 2021 at 03:17 PM
Doh! Nice of you to support Sam.
Seems like just a week ago I was wearing shorts but I notice it was 45F outside and 65F inside before I went for my morning bike ride.
Posted by: Soo | Sunday, 24 January 2021 at 07:54 AM
I hope so too HH! Hope all is well and it's good to hear from you.
I'm sure Sam appreciates that Denver. I'd been meaning to do takeout as well; but it's hard that they stopped serving lunch.
I'm hoping so as well Kat!
Yes, it's been a pretty rough January Lynnea. Hoping things turn around soon.
It's the least I can do Soo. Yes, seems like we went from winter to summer then back to winter in two weeks!
Posted by: Kirk | Sunday, 24 January 2021 at 08:53 AM
I am very saddened to hear this. After reading one of your old posts about his joint in my college days, I went to Sammy Sushi and had one of my first omakase experiences eating at the bar. I think he could tell I was just a dumb college kid who didn't know anything, but he was friendly and kind. I hope he recovers uneventfully.
Posted by: sawyer | Monday, 25 January 2021 at 08:42 AM
I hope he recovers as well Sawyer!
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 25 January 2021 at 02:33 PM
Sushi Yaro opened back up on a few days ago per Facebook page. He’s stil not 100% but at least good that he can reopen
Posted by: Denver | Saturday, 06 February 2021 at 07:35 AM
He has a couple of tables and working by himself Denver. A couple of my friends went over to check things out.
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 08 February 2021 at 05:56 AM