HUSH SUSHI

I’ve been writing about food since 2007. I have written about countless bars, restaurants and clubs from Denton to Dallas, Fort Worth to Farmers Branch. I’ve met with hundreds of GMs and chefs, but I can count on two hands the number of times I’ve met face-to-face with an owner. I know for sure I can count on one hand the times I’ve had one sit across from me while I noshed through their menu. It’s rare owners are involved in day-to-day operations. After all, that’s what GMs are for.

This is not the case at Hush Sushi, Keller’s newest Japanese restaurant. Owner Donny Wu and her husband Executive chef Tommy Zheng are absolutely immersed in the day-to-day happenings of their first venture in Keller—which also happens to be their first in Texas. If you frequent 377, the name Hush is probably sounding familiar. There was a “coming soon” sign on their building for 50 plus weeks and to call it just a “restaurant” feels unfair. The 7,000 sq.ft. establishment is truly an elevated dining experience, front to back. There’s an expansive patio overlooking downtown’s main thoroughfare, an intimate sushi lounge, a bar that goes on for days stocked with everything you love and plenty of things you’ve never heard of, a main dining room and a private dining room that can hold 30. The setting is somehow minimalist while luxurious, contemporary, yet still cozy. Donny describes her fare as modern Japanese, but I think she’s being modest. Hush is progressive and on-par with the trendiest sushi parlors in big D.

Any sushi purist is going to be appalled that this “foodie” is telling you that the Rainbow Roll is one of my “not to be missed” items at Hush. It would have not been my first choice either—it’s basic. But I was encouraged by Donny, as she sat across from me, to try it—a way to compare apples to apples if you will. One bite and I was sold. The Hush Rainbow will raise your rainbow roll standards as it boasts real snow crab and the freshest albacore, bluefin, snapper, escolar and salmon. A drizzle of wasabi yuzu and generous tobiko make it extra special.

Diving into one-of-a-kind creations, the Shrimpin Turfin is a fun twist on surf and turf that is also just as filling. It has all the makings of a visit to a steakhouse—shrimp (tempura-style), asparagus, spicy mayo and teriyaki in a soy wrap, topped with seared steak. Scallion and cream cheese give notes of a fully loaded potato. This selection is a good intro to sushi for those who aren’t yet a fan. If it’s a night you are willing to splurge a bit, you can’t go wrong with the Gucci Maine Lobster roll. It’s six ounces of Maine lobster nestled up with avocado, seared Wagyu and a ponzu butter. This is the foodie dream. At $38, it’s their highest priced roll, but a very memorable one that might have you trading in some of your latte budget for a monthly fix.

Keep in mind, if you are indeed ballin’ on a budget, Hush has a phenomenal Happy Hour (or Hush Hour, as they like to call it) Tuesday through Friday from 4-6pm. You can enjoy $5 off cocktails and starters and $4 off wine by the glass and sake flasks. Hush has over a dozen crafted cocktail offerings. I’ll narrow it down to two for you. If it’s unique you are looking for, the Me Fugu can’t be duplicated because it is made with house infused lemongrass vodka, mixed with a secret blend of citrus juices and a butterfly pea simple syrup. If it’s a margarita vibe you’re after, Mango Senorita is Lalo Tequila, shaken with blood orange and mango purees, garnished with jalapeños, a tajin rim and a twist of lime.

Whether it’s happy hour in the sushi lounge, dinner with family in the main dining hall or a mom’s night out on the patio, Hush delivers an elevated dining experience you won’t be able to keep quiet about.