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By: Tina
Date: 8/17/2008
From: Palm Coast
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I love this restaurant! My Husband and I come here at least 3 times a month. Service is outstanding and the prices are great. The sushi is so good and can't be beat! They just need to update the decor. |
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By: Ken Chiocchi
Date: 7/18/2008
From: Palm Coast
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I was at Ai with my sister in law and her baby... I ordered the following
Miso Soup
Shumi
Spider roll
Eel roll
White tuna sashimi
Chicken Teriyaki
and a potato pancake for all of us.
First of all the waitress was very pleasant and cordial. I explained to her that my sister in law is a first time sushi eater.... Well right off the bat she began to explain all kinds of things about sushi to her and made her feel very comfortable at the table.
Secondly the food was simply terrific. She timed the apps and the lunch perfectly... I waited for my lunch just the right amount of time as I digested my app. and drank my water with lemon.
I am new to palm coast as I am from new jersey. I was very surprised of the quality of food here. Needless to say this is my new home for any time I want sushi.... My only problem is I hate to eat alone and Sister in law is not really a sushi fan....
Either way I loved the food and had a great time finally here in Palm Coast. |
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By: Stefan
Date: 2/27/2008
From: Palm Coast
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The sushi and sashimi are excellent. Top quality, always. I eat here often and it is consistently good with very good service. Very pleasant interior and comfortable. For years one of my favorite places. |
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By: Aida Gravlee
Date: 2/1/2008
From: Palm Coast
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We had seen the place but never gave it a thought. Well we had missed out, what a pleasant surprise. Now we go once a week. We love it. The service is great, the food is delicious and they always play nice soothing music. We recommend it! |
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By: Chuck
Date: 12/18/2007
From: Palm Coast
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A great place to go. Been there several times and the food and service has been consistently great. Yes, a couple of times it was a little busy and it took a little longer but if you want fast food, Wendy's is down the street. The restaurant is clean, quiet, good food and very pleasant owners. Prices a little high but worth it. |
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By: Doc
Date: 11/28/2007
From: Palm Coast
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Nice little restaurant with good food but a little pricey for what you get. Sushi was not fantastic. Service was very good. |
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By: Donna
Date: 8/28/2007
From: Palm Coast
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We really enjoyed eating at AI last weekend. I don't know much about this type of food so we tried a variety of things and liked most of it. Some just weren't our style but it was fun to try them anyway. Everything was tasty and the presentation and great service made it a fun experience! |
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By: Ray
Date: 5/25/2007
From: Palm Coast
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We really enjoyed our meal here. I must admit that I am not an expert on Japanese food and wasn't too sure what I was ordering, but what I had at Ai was very enjoyable. The service was good too, and the restaurant inside is very quiet and unassuming. This is not something I'd want every night, but I'd certainly visit again when the craving calls. |
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By: Anthony
Date: 4/20/2007
From: Palm Coast
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A very pleasant dining experience. Ai ads a touch of class to dining in Palm Coast with superb food and great service. Prices are a little high but well worth it for the civil and intimate atmosphere. |
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By: Sarah
Date: 4/13/2007
From: Palm Coast
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Overall, our visit wasn't too bad but there were a few disappointments. The kitchen items were served hot and in a reasonable time but the sushi was not impressive. My biggest complaint would be the service. There was a long wait for everything but that I can overlook because he was busy. However he was not very friendly and did not even speak to us other than a "yes" or "no" answer to our questions. This restaurant just isn't very inviting. |
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By: Arnie
Date: 3/22/2007
From: Palm Coast
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I have tried both Japanese restaurants in Palm Coast and I enjoyed them equally. Both offer very good service and good food in a civilized atmosphere. I find Ai is a more "adult" and not very child-friendly whereas Kokoro welcomed our children, so this cost them one star with me! |
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By: JWP
Date: 2/23/2007
From: Washington, DC
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I'm a visitor from Washington DC. It is quite a wonferful surprise to find such a friendly waiter and wonderful food with quite a good choices of varieties food here. Comparing to many Japanese resturants we have here in DC, AI is definitely one on my top list! Strongly recommend! |
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By: Arnold
Date: 2/18/2007
From: Palm Coast
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Not bad! Their prices are high and service, although very friendly, could be more attentive. Ai's food is good but the menu could be more creative. Japanese restaurants in other areas are offering some wonderfully creative new dishes and Ai seems to keep offering the same old standard fare. It's a very small restaurant and is great for a romantic meal or just a peaceful change from the regular local dining establishments. |
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By: XOXO
Date: 2/16/2007
From: Palm Coast
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I am a fan of Japanese food especially sushi but this is far from a good Japanese. Sorry, but once you've had the best in MIAMI its hard to compare. The pieces where very small and a little pricey for the amount of food they gave. We left disappointed and I will definitely consider another Japanese restaurant. |
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By: Anita
Date: 1/27/2007
From: Hammock
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I've tried the others, Ai still has the best sushi in my opinion. Our family loves Ai and we all have out favorites.
The chicken and steak teriyaki dishes are both wonderful. The meat is always very tender and perfectly cooked. The accompanying vegetables are perfect. The miso soup is perfect and the salad is so light and refreshing and best of all is not just iceberg lettuce. The shrimp and vegetable tempuras are the best I've had. The tempura coating is light and crisp and not greasy for tempura.
The service is exceptional. If you order sushi, you may have a short wait because it is all hand-rolled when ordered and if there are a lot of sushi orders, you will have to wait your turn. It is okay, it is worth the wait.
Ai has been our favorite for several years, I'm sure I'm not alone. |
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By: Alex
Date: 12/31/2006
From: Palm Coast
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Best Japanese food in the area. Owners are super nice and food is outstanding. Go there at least once a week. You won't be disappointed. |
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By: Julie
Date: 7/30/2006
From: Palm Coast
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AWESOME! What a hidden gem! |
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By: Florida Mom of 2
Date: 7/29/2006
From: Palm Coast
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LOVED IT! What a find here in little Palm Coast! We're new to the area and are huge fans of all different kind of foods. Sushi is a favorite, though, and we needed a fix. We loaded up the car with the kids and headed over. What a great experience. Friendly, accommodating service and we ordered quickly. My 3 year old ate most of my seaweed salad, all of my cucumber roll AND his fried rice. Terrific and we'll be back! |
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By: kelly
Date: 5/23/2006
From: Palm Coast
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This place has been open since I was in (at least!) high school... and after eating there last night, I'm wondering "why didn't I come here SOONER?!" We ordered the miso soup, the vegetable tempura appetizer, and 3 sushi rolls (yellowtail, california, and shrimp tempura rolls) and everything was beyond excellent. The sushi is fresh and made to order. I'm definitely planning on going back again very soon! |
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By: Jean
Date: 5/19/2006
From: Palm Coast
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The best sushi in north florida. Enjoyable atmosphere and great food. |
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By: Dave
Date: 5/10/2006
From: Richmond, VA
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If you enjoy Japanese food, HEAD RIGHT OVER to Ai. My wife and I like to travel and part of the fun is to find good Japanese food. Ai provided a wonderfully dining experience. The couple running the restaurant made us feel welcomed with good service, well prepared food, and smiling faces.
The Edamame was fresh, crisp, and perfectly cooked. The seaweed salad was fresh and plentiful. We tried the shrimp tempura which had the lightest batter that I can remember ever having.
We ordered sushi for dinner. Although the sushi menu was limited to the standard fare, it was well prepared, FRESH, and tasty. The Tuna was like "budda".
We tried the Mochi desert. It was ice cream surrounded by a rice based covering. It was like a strawberry gummy bear texture (not tough) surrounding the ice cream. Although unusual, it was a pleasant finish to a wonderful dinner. |
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By: Mike
Date: 5/5/2006
From: Palm Coast
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I was there 2 times within a couple months... first time, well, new to the whole chop sticks thing but grew to liking it.. chicken teriyaki was great with the vegetables.... yum yum in my tum tum... also the sushi is excellent... I recommend the avocado roll... will go there a lot more... thanks for the sushi and whatever Japanese beer I had there. |
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By: Rita
Date: 1/23/2006
From: Palm Coast
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We dined here around 5pm on a Thursday evening and had a wonderful experience. We thought the atmosphere was okay, but the service and food was out of this world. The couple running this place made you feel like you were in their living room and had just come over for dinner. The food was fresh, plentiful and extremely well made. If you are looking for a delightful place to eat Japanese food we highly suggest you visit Ai. I must state that we did not have any sushi on our last visit, but plan to next time due to all the good things we have read about it here. We suggest you try the Miso soup. |
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By: James
Date: 11/4/2005
From: Palm Coast
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This place is a little gem. It's a small restaurant that's very clean and organized. The staff are limited (at least when we go) but they still manage to get around to everyone and provide top notch service. The food is very good with quite a wide variety. It offers the usual Japanese dishes such as tempura and sushi and all are prepared skillfully. The prices are a little high but worth the quality. If you're in the mood for some creative food in a civil atmosphere and tired of the mainstream restaurants around here, try Ai. |
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By: AJ
Date: 8/28/2005
From: Palm Coast
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Can't believe you can get awesome sushi in Palm Coast! Cute place, nice staff, as good as any other Japanese food we've ever had. Very fresh sushi! We will be back! |
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By: Sushi Lover
Date: 8/26/2005
From: Palm Coast
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We moved here recently and stumbled across this place. Now we go there at least once a week. The food is amazing and the service is excellent. Take my word for it. My husband was a sushi chef were we use to live and we both agree that the quality of fish Sam gets is so much better. We bring all our house guests there when they come and they always ask to go back again. |
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By: Restaurant Man
Date: 8/12/2005
From: Flagler County
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Had dinner @ AI again last nite. We go there as often as our schedules will allow. Usually this is on Thursday's after 8pm because it is our nite to work a little late. Sushi was great as well as the soft shell crab appetizer. Sam made us a surprise item that was just wonderful, he icorporated 4 different fish items into one wonderful presentation. great place and we love Sam, Joanna and little Jeffrey. |
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By: Kiki
Date: 8/11/2005
From: Palm Coast
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I love the sushi there! Geat food, too! I only did to go and it was so great even I bought it home. Nice presentation! |
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By: Tofuyama
Date: 7/21/2005
From: Palm Coast
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I have been eating there three times a week since the restaurant first opened. Excellent food and very friendly service. |
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By: Tony
Date: 6/19/2005
From: Palm Coast
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Went there on Saturday night with the family and all we can say about it is awesome!! First of all, the sushi was incredible... you have got to try the Crabmeat Tempura roll.. it was so good we ordered another. Also had the chicken terriyaki and it was so good. Others had the chicken tempura, salmon and shrimp terriyaki and others which I can't recall since I was too busy enjoying my meal. Also, the service was great. The waiter was attentive and always smiling and helpful. We will be back soon. |
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By: Sushi Maniac
Date: 4/14/2005
From: Palm Coast
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I moved here from SF, CA last month and my neighbor told me about this restaurant. And I thought there shouldn't be any good Japanese restaurant in such a small town. But, suprisingly the sushi was excellent and a special sushi order also could be done by the chef. I also love the Shrimp Teriyaki they have. One word to describe this restaurant "Excellent"! |
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By: Alex
Date: 3/13/2005
From: Palm Coast
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Hadn't been here in a while so went back and was not disappointed. The food is still carefully prepared, fresh, and delicious. Some of the best Japanese food you will find anywhere.... still the best kept secret in Palm Coast! |
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By: Yoko
Date: 11/4/2004
From: Palm Coast
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I just moved here from CA and also a Japanese grew up from Japan. The food here was excellent and the sushi was very nice presentation and fresh! I really love the tempura too, I was glad that they did not do any American style Hibachi in there. That makes me feel they are really doing the real Japanese food, not the show like other restaurant does. I feel so happy not to miss any food that I love all the times. |
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By: Carol
Date: 8/29/2004
From: Palm Coast
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Fresh food and good services! |
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By: Kim & James
Date: 4/30/2004
From: Palm Coast
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My husband and I have found the best kept secrets in Palm Coast. The food is wonderfully prepared to order with a beautiful presentation. My sons came to visit and they don't often rave about restaurants but both were talking about the food for days. I have taken friends there on several occasions confident that the food and the service will always be superb. The waitresses are good but we have a favorite--her name is Mitzy. She is extremely polite and professional but makes you feel as if you are part of the family. She goes above and beyond the call of duty to make your visit warm and inviting. She has a wonderful sense of humor and always makes us feel great. Although, we haven't seen her the last couple of visits ( We hope she didn't quit--it would be a tragedy because she is truely an asset to the restuarant). We highly reccommend this restaurant and when you go in ask for Mitzy---you will not be disappointed. |
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By: Brian
Date: 2/2/2004
From: Palm Coast
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Food is always excellent. Presentation is nice and service is very friendly. One of our favorite restaurants in Palm Coast. |
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By: Jeanne H.
Date: 2/2/2004
From: Palm Coast
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We just moved here from N.J. and a neighbor told us about this little restaurant. The other night we decided to give it a try. I am a tempura fan and I have to say that this was the best tempura I have ever had. The shrimp were sweet and the veggies crunchy but more importantly it was not greasy. It was light and delectable. My husband had the beef&shrimp teriyaki and he raved
about it for days. The other couple had scallops teriyaki and chicken yakitori. We all shared and we were all impressed with the taste and presentation. The food was so fresh and tasty. This is a little restaurant but don't be fooled by the outside appearance. It is big on flavor. The chef prepares everything to order---so it is Fresh. The atmosphere is homey but intimate.
The staff are very cordial and professional. They go above and beyond to make sure that you are happy. Even though there were some customers there last Saturday night that would have made Mother Theresa cringe in despair. Apparently, they forgot their manners. Go and see for yourself what a wonderful restaurant it is. Restaurants like this one are few and far between but leave your "up north" bad manners at the door. |
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By: Bill & Kathy Simms
Date: 2/2/2004
From: Ormond Beach
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My husband and I travel from Ormond at least once a week to this quaint restaurant. This is Palm Coasts' best kept secrets. The Beef dishes are wonderful. My husband is the sushi lover and there is no place that serves sushi as fresh as this. The owners/chef will personally come out and talk to you to check if everything is fine. They take a personal interest in each and every customer. The waitresses are good. There is one there who is older than the others a blonde, she in herself should be a comedian. When ever we go the AI we try to get her, she will make you laugh. She brightens up the whole restaurant and makes everyone feel like they are the most important person there. We truely enjoy her. The other waitresses are good but are young. I know (having a restuarant in Indiana) that it is hard to get and keep good help. Missy or Mizzy is a gem. The owners have come along way since they first took over from the previous owners. We wish them the greatest success. This little, intimate restaurant is the place to go when you are in Palm Coast. |
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By: Jen
Date: 1/22/2004
From: Palm Coast
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Very unprofessinal .. they dont deliver.
could use some good maners when answering the phone. |
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By: Alex
Date: 1/5/2004
From: Palm Coast
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The new owners are very gracious and friendly and yes, take-out is now permitted.
I have had the chicken teriyaki dinner, which includes house salad with special sauce and miso soup. The tempura is also very good. Everything is fresh and beautifully prepared and served. This is a small, intimate restaurant that serves authentic Japanese food and we are very fortunate to have it here in Palm Coast. You don't have to drive to Ormond or Daytona anymore! Kudos to the new owners and please keep up the good work! I haven't tried the new Japanese restaurant near Publix but can't imagine that it is better than Ai. |
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By: Edward Johnson
Date: 8/11/2003
From: Palm Coast
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Besides the other review I wrote for Mikato. I also have to compare with AI. I've been there few times before, the tempura was not greasy as Mikato. The sushi rice taste more like sushi. The seafood and the foods there are more fresh and better quality. Only, sometimes you might have to wait a little bit long. But I prefer to wait for while for the good quality food than fast production food with poor quality. You're the best, AI. |
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By: Don & Ann
Date: 6/8/2003
From: n/a
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New owners Sam and Joanne are doing a fine job with this cozy "secret" restaurant. Although it's been around for several years, the former owners never advertized and not too many folks even know it's there.
Sam's sushi if very good and he makes every effort to assure you are pleased with his offerings, even creating "custom" sushi arrangements if you wish.
The additions to the old menu are welcomed and prepared to everyone's liking. The bgackground smooth jazz provides a comforting and romantic enviornment to enjoy your unrushed meal. Joanne provides personal attention and is a pleasure to have as your waitress. AND SAM AND JOANNE SPEAK PEFECT ENGLISH! NO "mumbo jumbo" here! Food is very good. Ginger salad dressing is sweet and perhaps would be enjoyed more by most is it had more ginger and less sweet to it. All in all, we are fortunate to have one of the best restaurants around at our back door, and also one of the cleanest and best run! If you don't enjoy yourself here, it's your own fault. Sam and Joanne will go out of their way to make you a regular. Just give them a chance! NOTE: Many of the reviews you see were written PRIOR to the new owners. Only pay attention to the latest ones! |
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By: Maria A.
Date: 5/21/2003
From: Palm Coast
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As a long time resident, it is nice to have a restaurant of quality in a town where fast food is its middle name. I enjoyed AI under the ownership of Yosi & Toshi but my Hats off to the new owners. Sam is a superior chef who takes pride in his culinary abilities and art of presentation. Joanna always has a smile and adds a welcoming aire about her.Far superior from the previous owners. As a professional I enjoy having a restaurant where I can take clients and also go "solo". I am so pleased to have a restaurant that exceeds restaurants in the Daytona and St. Augustine area. I highly recommend this restaurant to visitors and the locals. Best wishes and great success to Sam and Joanna. Thanks for coming to Palm Coast :) |
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By: Alex
Date: 5/18/2003
From: Palm Coast
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I used to really enjoy Ai but since the new owners I have seen a decline. The quality of food isn't as good as it was and the atosphere doesn't feel right. |
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By: Johnny
Date: 12/22/2002
From: Palm Coast
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After Yoshi and Toshi have changed of ownership, the restaurant look so much brighter and bigger. The couples are so friendly and not like the old owners. I felt so welcome there. Sam made such a good sushi and even better than Toshi did. His wife also very friendly and sweet too! |
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By: Connie
Date: 12/2/2002
From: Palm Coast
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I wish someone would open a better sushi bar in Palm Coast. |
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By: Robert Crane
Date: 10/19/2002
From: Palm Coast
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Excellent Sushi, Teriyaki, Tempura, Katsui food, and polite attentive service. AI is not a fast food,buffet, or kiddy resturant.
It's for adults who appreciate fine Japanese cuisine. I have dined at several Japanese resurants in Daytona and St. Augustine, and by far AI is the best. If you haven't tried it, give it a try. It's well worth it. |
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By: Mitzi
Date: 8/30/2002
From: Palm Coast
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The food isn't always consistently good. I ordered a Seaweed salad, and it was stale. Also, Yoshi is like a prison guard with the rules! You cannot get take out - NO MATTER WHAT! We have a 3 year old son, and Yoshi actually told us she would "let" us sit at a particular table, *IF* our son wouldn't be allowed to play with markers or crayons! I was so shocked - as if I pack markers in my bag so the kids can destroy the tablecloth! The prices are rather high, especially for sushi. The menu is a bit sparse. But as for driving to another city for Japanese food, I guess Ai is better than getting on the road for some good Asian cuisine elsewhere. |
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By: Robert Kretzschmar
Date: 6/3/2002
From: Palm Coast
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I read the reviews and was dumbfounded, have these reviewers ever eaten sushi anywhere else before? The Japanese take pride in pleasing the diner. My wife and I have been to AI previously. We will never go again! My wife prefers her sushi minus the seaweed. AI had refused both times previously to prepare a California Roll without seaweed. We understand it would take a little more effort on the Sushi Chef's part. Obviously we were not worth the effort.
I Highly recommend Saporro's in Daytona(People's Choice Award many years running)and The Bamboo Garden(Ormand Beach)They have no problem pleasing the customer and make you feel like family. |
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By: Sain Sydney
Date: 5/21/2002
From: Flagler County
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No doubt one of the best Japanese restaurants around. Don't expect a display like the Japanese steak houses. Just expect great fresh Japanese cuisine and excellent sushi. They truly take their food as an art form. |
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By: Dennis
Date: 2/15/2002
From: Palm Coast
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I had no idea Ai existed until I saw it on here and went last evening. This is a superb restaurant and I highly recommend it. Create a sushi platter for apps... all were excellent and great California Rolls. I had the Tempura for the entree which was equally as good. Service and surrounding are very elegant and intimate. |
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By: Aviator
Date: 2/15/2002
From: Palm Coast
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This is one of Palm Coast's "real" restaurants. Japanese isn't like Chinese in terms of cooking style and should never be compared like some often do. Japanese cooking takes skill, creativity, and the freshest ingredients. Ai do a fantastic job at achieving high-quality creative items and their "high standards" obviously show in presentation and taste. |
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By: Katrina
Date: 2/12/2002
From: Palm Coast
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If you are looking for some eclectic variation of Japanese cuisine, don't bother going to Ai. Chef Toshi cooks authentic foods from his native Japan and is stringent in his methods of preparation. You may have to wait a little longer than usual for your meals because nothing is pre-cooked or pre-prepared. When your order reaches the kitchen is when the slicing and dicing begins. [Read full review] |
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By: Michael
Date: 2/10/2002
From: Palm Coast
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Ai is a rare treat in Palm Coast. Their sushi is excellent - especially the California Rolls. Nice small restaurant with fine food, great service and relaxed atmosphere. |
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By: M & BC
Date: 8/26/2001
From: Flagler County
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Authentic, well prepared, and well presented Japanese dishes. Chef Toshi, and his wife Yoshi and their wonderful staff make this one of the few outstanding restaurants in Flagler County. If you are not familiar with Japanese food, they will be very patient in explaining anything on the menu to help you make a choice. Try it.....you'll love it! |
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By: Anon@aol.com
Date: 8/26/2001
From: Flagler County
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The second best Japanese restaurant in the world! The first is in Japan. |
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