I was unfamiliar with Geisha until recently. When researching the Japanese sushi restaurant online, I realized there are two locations: Prairieville and Denham Springs. The Denham Springs operation was damaged during the August 2016 floods and was still out of commission when we planned to dine. (Editor’s note: It reopened in November 2016.)
So, we made the trek to Prairieville with hopes that Geisha in Denham soon would be well on the road to recovery.
The specialty cocktail menu, prominently displayed on the table, was the first thing to catch my eye. Most drinks seemed to lean on the sweeter side, with an emphasis on fruit juices. All appeared rather tropical and refreshing from their descriptions.
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I’m infatuated with yellowtail neck, so I was pleased to see it featured on the appetizer menu. The Hamachi Kama was juicy and grilled to perfection. Honestly, it was one of the best grilled yellowtail necks I’ve had. As we dove deeper into the meat, we discovered to our delight that the fish was cooked medium, allowing all its freshness to shine. The dish required no further adornment, though spicy ponzu and pungent red onions are included.
When it comes to sushi, I generally like it raw and unadorned. But in the spirit of adventure, we ordered the Sunset and Cowboy rolls. The Sunset Roll consists of raw tuna, yellowtail, steamed asparagus and matchstick slices of cucumber, all topped with raw salmon and paper-thin lemon slices, green onions and masago. The brightness of the lemon makes this roll. The fish was of the highest quality, which should go without saying—though many sushi places drop that ball far too often. All the flavors mingled together exquisitely, creating a vivid and colorful taste sensation.
The Cowboy Roll was aptly named, with sirloin steak entwining asparagus all grilled and topped with teriyaki, sesame seeds and chives. The steak was ridiculously thin and tender. I wished for more asparagus, but that may be mincing hairs. The teriyaki sauce was thick, with a mild sweetness that brought out the beefiness. An excellent alternative for the sushi-averse.
To satisfy our preference for sashimi, we ordered Yellowtail, Tuna and Salmon sashimi. The slices were obviously chosen for their extreme quality and freshness and sliced by a skilled hand. These buttery jewels of raw fish practically melted on the tongue.
The fresh wasabi served upon request was vegetal with a dandy kick. It so well complemented the rolls and sashimi, I wished all sushi restaurants served it. But beware: Its slight kick can quickly turn into a sinus-clearing inferno if one gets too greedy.
It came as a complete surprise to find Duck Confit at a Japanese establishment. Our waitress raved about it when we inquired. The menu description said “grilled duck,” which we found curious and vague. It was not prepared like a confit, but we didn’t miss that aspect once we tasted the dish. The mix of herbs so well highlighted the grilled duck that it made the mango teriyaki sauce superfluous. My partner exclaimed that this dish alone is a reason to come to Geisha. The accompanying bok choy was refreshing against the earthy meat, but the canned pineapple bits mixed in were a distraction.
We were amazed by how great this restaurant was. The food was of superior quality with deft presentations. The evening ambiance was casual and subdued.
It wasn’t long before I decided to go back for more. When I returned for lunch later that week, the parking lot was overflowing, while the dining room was buzzing with patrons—exemplifying the restaurant’s popularity among locals.
With delicious food, expedient service and friendly staff, there’s no reason now not to visit Geisha at either location for lunch or dinner.
The basics: Geisha has two area locations, one of which was shut down temporarily after the August floods. But despite its brief absence, social media has never stopped buzzing with rave reviews for this popular Japanese sushi restaurant.
What’s a must: Hamachi Kama appetizer, featuring juicy, grilled yellowtail neck; the Duck Confit entrée with perfectly cooked duck and bok choy on the side; and the bright and colorful Sunset Roll with raw tuna and yellowtail, asparagus and cucumber topped with raw salmon and lemon slices.
Get to Geisha
240 Range 12 Blvd., Suites A & B, in Denham Springs
17097 Airline Highway, Suite 104 in Prairieville
geisha-sushi.com
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Hours:
Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.;
Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Our food critic’s name may be false, but the credentials are not. This gastronome has studied the history, cultivation, preparation, science and technology of food for more than 30 years.
This article was originally published in the March 2017 issue of 225 Magazine.