Sushi Zuri chef Zuri Lifshitz has added tea-infused sushi to the L.A. branch of T Salon. Every day but Sunday, the experimental Israeli native can be found behind the bar of Miriam Novalle’s Melrose counter, preparing 18 different signature dishes made with T Salon’s staggering tea selection.
Lifshitz is a self-taught sushi chef who met Novalle at an event he catered. She was inspired by what she saw and gave him some tea to take home. Two days later he resurfaced with some recipes. Novalle liked what she tasted and green-lit Lifshitz’s lunchtime service.
“From the beginning I took sushi to the fusion side, with different spices and the way I decorate it,” says Lifshitz, who infuses tea into soy and ponzu and even adds tea to sushi rice.
“It’s not like you’re coming to the bar and directing the sushi chef,” says Lifshitz. Instead, he developed 18 signature dishes that are delivered to the table, including the T-Sushi Squares (6 for $9), which is reminiscent of the ubiquitous spicy tuna over crispy rice, but with steamed rice and a seaweed base.
T-Tartars ($13) are available with options like spicy red tuna, spicy blue crab or spicy yellowtail. You’ll find T-Hand Rolls (3 for $15), a T-Wonton Tower and T-Sushi Salads ($13) - tea cups filled with mixed baby greens, homemade wonton crackers and a sculpted scoop of tartar made with either blue crab, salmon, yellowtail or albacore. There’s also T-Sashimi with options like white tuna with ponzu, smelt eggs and chives; and seared albacore with sautéed garlic, onions and jalapeños.
Zuri is currently crafting T-Sushi at T Salon Monday – Saturday from 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM. In a couple weeks, he hopes to add dinner service. [Feast LA]
