Sono, Millburn, NJ

Second day this week going out to eat and writing about it. How privileged none of you feel! Because of a work commitment later in the evening, I didn't have to twist the arm of my fiance to meet me out for dinner. He kept hearing how great Sono was from an old friend, so we chose to go there. Since it was so close to the meeting I had to attend, it was a great choice.

The greatness wasn't just in location either! One of my complaints about Japanese restaurants and their miso soup is the lack of "stuff" in the soup: seaweed, tofu, and green onions. I hate getting miso soup without much of the "stuff". I was happy that theirs was so full of goodness it was enough to hold me over until the salad and the main course. Yes, I was very very hungry.

While waiting for said fiance, I took notice of the interior and all else not food related. The staff was super friendly. As I walked in, I was greeted by a smiley hostess and a sushi chef who also looked very happy. The gnat that kept flying around me though was really annoying. I realize that most restaurants have some kind of vermin, whether that's a fly, a gnat, or even worse, but please get out of my face! Anyway, besides the gnat, the interior seemed to emanate early 90's but not too overwhelming. A small-ish sushi bar and some tables, it was comfortable and nothing too fancy.

When my fiance finally showed up, I was ready to dig in. Since we're really into sushi, I wanted to find something that was enough for two people. Our waiter pointed to the Chef Special (A) and (B). For around $33, selection (A) was plenty of food; six pieces of sushi each, a rainbow roll, and a spicy roll, along with a salmon skin hand roll. They had a list of some interesting maki, which we would've tried if we were going a la carte, but since that wasn't the case, selection (A) would suffice.

Service was quick and friendly, and in no time we were served an attractive set of sushi and maki. The presentation was pretty (but what sushi presentation isn't?). I began to do my usual pat of wasabi and dunk in soy and I realized that the sushi was really good. A couple of the pieces looked kind of torn and a little unattractive, but overall the pieces were buttery and smooth with mild flavors. By the end I was full even though I wasn't sure I would be. My fiance decided to move on and order more salmon and a separate order of super white tuna, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

Sono seems as though it's been around a long time, and I think it will continue to enjoy future success. Sometimes when you've got a good formula, you don't want to mess with it. Despite the dated interior, the food stands on its own...couple that with great service and you've got a winner. Is it my favorite sushi restaurant? Not quite, but I'd come back for more.

Ambiance: ****
Service: *****
Food: ****1/2

Overall: ****1/2