November 2004

his attractive Japanese restaurant with an inviting outdoor patio is popular both with the neighborhood and with people from the nearby Japanese embassy. Check the board of specials on your way in to see what unusual items the sushi chef is offering that day--recently it was toro, the fatty tuna not always available, and sweet shrimp. There's also a list of special appetizers, perhaps beautifully fried shrimp rolls.

Tempura is a particular treat--good quality ingredients lightly battered and crisply fried. Murasaki is a good value at lunch, when a bento box with a generous serving of shrimp and vegetable tempura and several pieces of sushi is only $7.95.