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November 3, 2005

Quaint sushi spot Fin the place to be

By Stephanie Janucik

I'll admit it — I'm a sushi freak. If you had asked me a few years ago even to imagine what a piece of raw fish tasted like, I think I would've gotten sick. Then in my late teens, a good friend convinced me to try a piece. From then on, I've been a sushi addict.

I often crave the Japanese cuisine and I'm always up for trying new places. However, I need to hear beforehand that it's fresh food and the place is sanitary, otherwise I get uncomfortable when it comes to raw food. In other words, I won't eat sushi from just anywhere. I've seen the effects of bad fish and it's not pretty.

During our recent eight days of rain (when I was starting to feel like a fish myself), I needed to find an uplifting dining experience. That's when I came across Fin (1253 Post Road, Fairfield; 255-6788), a quaint sushi bar in the heart of Fairfield. Since its grand opening just a few months ago, Fin is apparently the place to be.

At 9 on a Saturday night, the place was crowded. I had called and made a reservation just to make sure we got our table for two without a wait. When I made the reservation, the hostess was kind enough to tell me to bring our own wine and/or beer; Fin doesn't yet have a liquor license. When I asked our waitress if they planned to get one, she was unsure.

As soon as I was seated, I felt relaxed. I sat down in a booth-like setting with decorative pillows thrown about, while my date sat across from me in a chair. The place is rather small compared to other sushi bars, with seating for about 45. There's a patio with extra seating if the weather permits.

As I browsed the menu, I was amazed to find Fin so affordable. All Hand and House Rolls were under $10, with entrees ranging from $10-$17. The Dragonfly — spicy tuna, cucumber, avocado, wasabi tobiko and tobiko — is now my favorite sushi roll. Two appetizers, three rolls, an entrée and two desserts later, I was surprised to find that we had treated ourselves for under $50. After our incredible dinner, not only were we brought a warm napkin, but also an inexpensive bill to pay. Who could ask for more?

Everything about the place was enjoyable. I try not to use the word "cute," as some find it to be somewhat offensive, but that's what I think of when I think of Fin. Cute down to the very last detail of its decorative napkins.

Regular dining hours are Monday-Thursday, 5-10 p.m.; Friday, 5-11 p.m.; Saturday 12-11 p.m.; Sunday, 4-9:30 p.m. Lunch is available Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Posted by getout on November 3, 2005 8:56 AM