Fish This Fresh Spells Sushi

Unlike most restaurants, where chefs create their magic behind the swinging doors leading to the kitchen, the sushi chef is in full view of his customer. The up-close-and-personal view of the itamae—the Japanese name for a skilled sushi chef—brings an entertainment factor to the meal. For that reason, many diners prefer sitting at a sushi bar to sitting at a table in a Japanese restaurant.

Story by: Linda Giuca
Photos by: Julie Bidwell

Essay: LORD GYM

Stored in the tissues of my body is a living history of Greater Hartford gyms. I remember the Neolithic downtown YMCA that preceded the “modern” Jewell Street building that is now defunct. This is one way I know I’m old. Something dies, and I remember the other thing that died long ago to make way for it.

Essay: Colin McEnroe
Photos by: Jonathon Olson

A Star is Born

First came Comedy Night. For that one, Playhouse on Park in West Hartford sold three tickets beforehand. On opening night, the little group that runs the theater waited nervously, like dinner hosts on an evening of bad weather peering through the front windows to see if their guests would show. Show they did, 70 strong. What a relief!

Story by: Jane Gordon
Photos by: Chion Wolf