Whew, after a few tiring weeks of midterms and the feeling of imprisonment on campus, I finally ventured out again into the real world to take delight in a very new restaurant: Fin's - a sushi establishment on Chestnut Hill Avenue (directly next to Roggie's). From Boston College, the place is only about a 20 minute walk or from the Green Line (C line - Cleveland Circle stop/D-line - Reservoir stop) a 5 minute walk.
I admit I was skeptical of a sushi restaurant so close to the more rambunctious Roggie's and I questioned how good the quality would be, but I was pleasantly surprised by everything! I know many college students worry about the pricey-ness of sushi and that they could never afford anything. However, Fins has delicious food ranging in price from $1.95 (miso soup appetizer) to more expensive, larger dinner entrees around $18-20.
As I walked into the restaurant, I was greeted by a large tank with beautiful tropical fish and a friendly host who immediately sat me. My server was attentive (not annoying) and very quick to bring the food out promptly (but not rushing me). The *free* green tea was soothing on such a gray, cold autumn day and my glass was never empty. As an appetizer I ordered the seaweed salad which tasted fresh and relatively similar to others I've had at other various restaurants. Also, I tried the Caterpillar Maki (rolls made with grilled eel, avocado, fish eggs, cucumber, and a tangy sauce). These sushi rolls were made perfectly and did not fall apart as I dipped them into soy sauce. Interestingly, I noted how sweet the fresh ginger was - not dry or bland like the types you may buy at the grocery - but really moist and bursting with flavor. For eight rolls, the cost was only a little over $8.00; extremely fair for a filling and healthy lunch.
For those students or people who dislike sushi, Fins offers other Japanese inspired dishes: noodle bowls, tempura, salads, agedashi tofu, rice entrees, etc. Although I only tried a few items from the menu, I will definitely return to savor other plates of this tasty cuisine.
Furthermore, I recommend Fins for the atmosphere. Very calming with mint colored walls and dark wood tables and chairs. The bright red lights above the sushi bar provided a nice contrast to the lighter walls and every person working treated me with utmost politeness and graciousness. The two TV's were neither visually distracting nor loud (compare to Roggie's next door!) and the light jazz music provided casual ambiance.
The single problem with Fins is that there were hardly any customers! Of course it is new, but students and others should go support this friendly sushi restaurant! I think it could be the new, trendy "hot spot" around BC. Check it out and note they are BYOB. . . www.FinsBoston.com
- Meg K.
