Saturday, December 25, 2010

SHIRO (Japanese Cuisine) Berlin, MA

We had found this place completely by accident on the internet when I was having an overwhelming craving for sushi. I have not been that impressed with the local in-town selections and wanted to find something out of town ... but not too far. If you live in or near Leominster, MA it is about 20 minutes to 30 minutes travel time to Shiro, which is located in Berlin,MA.

As we pulled up to the restaurant, which the only indication of its location is a modest white sign with black lettering lit by two flood lights... it was a house! A large house, but nevertheless... a house. As we went in I was surprised to find a warm and home like atmosphere. The woman who greeted us was a little old Japanese woman and I immediately wanted to put her in my pocket. The entire bottom floor was the restaurant and the family lived on the second and third floors. It was very clean and simple in its decor. There was no "flashy" stereotypical Japanese touristy decor... it was really just nice. There is a sit-at sushi bar and a 5 seat lounge. The dining rooms collectively could fit 20-30 people at a time which gave it a very intimate atmosphere.

If  you are someone who wants quick and fast service this is NOT the place for you. Each item is individually prepared and is served as such. Expect to wait 10-15 minutes before the first item arrives if it is busy. They are open Tuesday-Sunday 5pm-9pm and we suggest arriving 5 minutes prior to opening since the parking is limited and they fill fast. Especially Thursday-Sunday nights. They do have take out available an accept all major credit cards.

The menu selection is quite surprisingly large and tends to seasonally change, but they keep there most sought permanently. Specials change weekly and you can request special orders as well. They have everything from traditional Japanese cuisine which is  NOT Americanized and very FRESH selection of Sashimi/Sushi/Maki.
-Sashimi : usually raw fish/sea food displayed on a ball of white rice with little or no additions.
-Sushi: hand rolled or roll raw fish/sea food in seaweed or soy wrap with rice and vegetable.
-Maki: cooked fish/seafood rolled in sea weed soy wrap with rice and vegetable

Our suggestions for appetizers:
- Green muscles : cooked muscles in half shell toasted with a spicy cheese sauce.
- Shumai: fried or boiled dumplings
- Tempura fried veggies and shrimp.

Our suggestions for Sushi/Maki:
- Passion Maki - I Like Eel Maki - Dragon Roll Maki - Spicy Salmon or Spicy Tuna Roll
-Sea Devil Maki - Philadelphia Roll

My husband loves their Hot Pots which is a hearty soup with hand made noodles, fresh veggies and meat or seafood.

Though we do love A LOT more that is offered, these were just a few that first came to mind.

For 2-4 people you can expect to spend about $45-$95 if you include the purchase of alcohol items.

Enjoy ... and do tell us what you think.

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