by Regine Zamor

INAGIKU
111 East 49th Street (Between Lexington and Park Aves.)
212-355-0440
What becomes a legend most? When you’re at the Waldorf Astoria, it’s your very own elegant sushi restaurant adorning your façade like a jewel — recently renovated with a redesign by the renowned Adam Tihany. Inagiku Chef Haruo Ohbu serves up what he calls “new style Japanese cuisine” — which means Tuna Sashimi Three Ways (tartar with avocado, seared over daikon, minced with asparagus) and what is called a sashimi extravaganza — the freshest and most rare, served in a manner to make you wish you’d brought a camera. Sushi and sashimi of all kinds are also available a la carte. Other non-sushi signature dishes of the house include Eel Hakata — napoleons of barbecued eel layered with shitake and spinach, and Waygu beef served either as sushi, shabu shabue or as a steak. The drink of choice at Inagiku is a classic Bloody Mary with wasabi, but there’s also an extensive wine and sake list. Another wonderful Inagiku feature is the private tatami rooms — each classically styled dining room - for two, for four, for six or more, has a low table with a well underneath so that diners of any age may sit at upright at their meal while enjoying traditional Japanese service.