sampling for Hungry City Guides: JEOLLADO: sushi goodness

Away from the mayhem that is St. Mark's Place, sits the breezy Jeollado on east 4th street in the East Village. It had been quite a while since I'd indulged in sushi, so I was really looking forward to this.

We each received a tiny, fresh complimentary salad of seaweed, mushroom, and cucumber topped with a delicious and sweet ginger/miso dressing. For an appetizer, I tried the pork gyoza ($4). Crispy on the outside, moist porky-ness on the inside. It was particularly nice when dipped in the accompanying spicy soy sauce. For my entree, I quite enjoyed the house special Love at First Sight roll ($9.50) with eel, tuna, and avocado. There were also crunchy bits of tempura, all of it drizzled with a sweet sauce. It was a large roll, and I was quite full by the time I reached the end of it. I also tasted the Erik Roll ($10) with tender yellowtail, tuna, and salmon. It was very refreshing and I'll probably order that the next time I visit. The wait staff was quite attentive and my only complaint was when they presented us with the check without asking if we wanted anything else, like dessert. I would've valiantly found a little room for dessert, but since I was already pushing the limits of my belt, it's probably just as well that they didn't ask.

NOTE: They often offer discounted specials and their regular menu includes a Korean section with many variations of Bibimbob ($10-$12) amongst other traditional dishes. Stop at an ATM first because it's cash only!

Gyoza longing to be dipped.