After going over your monthly budget, you discovered that your greatest expense came from your frequent lunch tabs. Problem: You dread the thought of having to go back to the old days of paper-bag lunches, stuffed with a tuna-fish sandwich, apple slices, crackers, and a juice box. Next thing you know, you're going to be expected to wear navy-plaid attire and knee socks to work!
There is a solution: Sasaya is a small Japanese market close to downtown Fort Lauderdale that carries a large selection of Japanese groceries, gifts, and fresh, inexpensive sushi.
For being such a small market, Sasaya has a full menu. Some of Sasaya's menu items include miso soup (fish broth and soy bean paste with tofu, scallions, and seaweed) for $1, a generous plate of steamed edamame for $2.75, seafood salad (shrimp, crab, and fresh vegetables with ginger dressing) for $6, and a classic California roll (crab, avocado, and cucumber rolled in white rice) for $3.50.
I ordered the "crazy roll" (eel, salmon, scallions, avocado, and asparagus) with a side of eel sauce for $6.50. Considering the price, you will be pleased with how fresh the food is and with the presentation -- whoever would have thought that
something served on a styrofoam plate could be so pretty? The service is relatively quick, and although the staff is quiet, they are friendly. Depending on when you arrive, you may need to take your order to go -- there is not a lot of seating, and it fills up quickly.
For after work, Sasaya has a cooler stalked with a wide range of sake, Japanese ice cream (green tea, red bean, and lychee), frozen edamame, green tea, Japanese sodas, and more. The market also has wide selection of Japanese gifts -- including Hello Kitty novelties (minus the scenario price tag), fine dishware, cookware, Japanese lanterns, and Japanese toiletries.
Sasaya Japanese Market is located in Gateway plaza and is within walking distance from many popular shops, bars, and the Gateway movie theater. If you don't make it there for lunch, stop by the next time you are running errands or before catching a movie. With the miso soup being only a dollar, what have you got to lose?
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