The appearance of Fuji Do is quite the dichotomy. Inside, the sharp, contemporary, minimalist decor emphasizes a multi-sided sushi bar at one end and tables napped with starched white linens and glass at another. This crisp, clean look is in yin-yang-like contrast to the outside with its indistinct, industrial block building look.

Chopsticks are the only table settings you’ll find at Fuji Do, as the sound of metal while eating is considered a distraction in the Far East. However, to make it a slight bit easier on us Westerners, an Asian-style ceramic spoon does accompany a superb bowl of miso soup ($1.25), which features a delicious soy-based broth with squares of bean curd, lightly swimming with nori (seaweed). Try this remarkable soup the traditional way, drink from the bowl and use your chopsticks to eat the tofu. Either way you choose to consume this starter, it is an undeniable prerequisite to the glorious sushi awaiting to be created.

The Sushi Appetizer at $7.25 and maki rolls (raw fish or vegetables rolled with rice and nori, then cut into a number of slices) are good to mix and match with dining companions for variety. From a stout tabletop serving block sporting a fresh and tender cross section of delicacies, we took an ample supply of the light-green wasabi paste (Japanese horseradish), mixed it with soy sauce in our individual saucers, and were ready to douse the choice pieces of sushi. Freshness means everything when it comes to sushi, and these popular tuna and silky salmon morsels passed the test. Also, select slivers of yellowtail, molded to resemble a rose, are a sushi-lover’s delight. If you are lucky, octopus will join these goodies if it can be retrieved from the New Jersey docks that day. Popular traditional maki rolls that are worth a try are tekka maki (tuna) at $4.50, kappa maki (cucumber) at $2.95, and the California Roll at $3.95 which adds avocado, crab stick and wasabi to captivate the taste buds. Ask for individual bowls of traditional Japanese rice — that vinegar-induced glutinous rice, which compliments any style of sushi.

As we had requested, a sake set appeared at our table, the decanters filled with the traditional libation we had brought with us (Fuji Do is a BYOB establishment). As we poured sake for one another, we paused to take a break making sure our chopsticks were not pointed at anyone as they rested (an omen of death in Japan.) The design of the sushi bar and the work of the skillfully trained chef/owner entices friendly conversation that overflows from the counter to the occupants of tables. Regulars abound as sushi admirers find their solace here. The slick panache of the chef’s artistry balanced by the accommodating staff keeps devotees coming back. Short on pretension and long on graciousness, it is no stretch to say that the intimidation of Far Eastern cuisine is never a concern at Fuji Do. You actually get the feeling that a personal dream is being achieved here by the talented entrepreneur.

More sushi to try? You bet. At Fuji Do, there are 20 Sushi a la Carte choices with unique flavors and surprising textures that range from amaebi (sweet shrimp) at $4.75 to uni (sea urchin) at $5.75. Again the hamachi yellowtail specimen at $3.95 is subtle yet captivating and the ika (squid) at $3.50, is more tender than one might think raw squid to be. Try another style of sushi with unagi (smoked eel) te maki ($4.25), as this one hand-rolled cone took our fancy with its powerful, exploding flavor. For tamer tastes, a few Cooked Rolled Specials are offered at Fuji Do, i.e., Shrimp Tempura Roll ($5.50); their own invention of the Harrisburg Roll ($5.95), which is cooked yellowtail, scallions, avocado, and cucumber; and the TNT Roll ($7.95), which is served to your liking of spiciness.

If you have yet to be fulfilled, toss aside those Zen-like reservations and dive into the Fuji Do Dinner at $18.50. This consists of four portions of sliced eel atop a mound of rice wrapped in a ribbon of seaweed, two tuna nigiri top hand-shaped rice, and two California Rolls, all served with more wasabi and fresh and fragrant ginger shavings. Cap it all off with traditional complementary green tea, but be sure to leave the bitter leaves and stems in the bottom of the pot.

So, if you happen to have a yen for a mound of sushi or just a few morsels, try Fuji Do; with its combination of fresh and interesting ingredients, courteous staff, and easy-going atmosphere you’re guaranteed to have a magnificent experience.

Location:
Major Road

Parking:
Self-Serve

Handicapped Access:
N/A

Exterior Appearance:
Average

Initial Interior:
Hallway

Reservations Necessary:
Weekends

Preferred Dining Attire:
Neat & Clean

Wait (to be seated):
None

Wait (for service):
None

Lighting:
Subtle

Decor:
Ethnic

Dining Area Appearance
Well Tended To

Noise:
Chatter

Climate:
Fine

Tables:
Fine

Chairs:
Comfy

Booths:
N/A

Table Setting:
Chopsticks

Your Meal:
House Specialty

Automatically Served:
N/A

Appetizers:
Sushi

Cocktails:
BYOB

Main Course:
Sushi

Desserts:
N/A

Coffees:
N/A

Staff Attitude:
Friendly

Staff Appearance:
Neat & Clean

Hospitality:
Felt at Home

Cleanliness:
Average

Wash Rooms:
Clean/Would Sit

Crowd (Qty):
Busy

Crowd (Attitude):
Casual/Laughter

Food (portions):
Satisfied

Food (prices):
N/A

Overall Service:
Attentive