The cool simplicity of the decor at the new Tsuru Japanese Restaurant, stands in lavish contrast to the astounding cuisine developed by the experienced, educated and talented chefs, both in the kitchen and at the sushi bar. Even the menu appears simple, with little description of the dishes offered. What arrives at your table is an astonishing ensemble off color, texture, temperature; visions of beauty aggrandized by spectacular flavor. Tsuru restaurant offers traditional, as well as ‘fusion-style’ (a mixture of French, Japanese & Chinese) dishes at prices so reasonable you can even bring the kids.

The family owned Tsuru restaurant features regular specials. One of my privileges was to sample the Striped Bass in Garlic Sauce ($15). Visually the dish was breathtaking: fresh sahimi slices of striped bass fanned out over my plate, decorated with three caviars, a mango and truffle sauce, and crunchy bits of roast garlic. (Oh, and a beautiful flower.) But the flavor of this dish, the sensation on the palette was singularly extraordinary. I will remember this dish for the rest of my life.

The Tuna Tartare ($10) was alluring; embellished with caviar, avocado and scallion; the suppleness was divine, delicately rich, and exhilarating. The eel A La Mode($9) is served hot with avocado and mango sauce. The Tsuru Style Sushi ($10) features 5 different sushi pieces with 7 different dipping sauces. The filet mignon Tobaan Yaki ($18) arrives on a sizzling hot plate with a special sauce. (Everything in the ‘entree’s’ category comes with soup, salad, rice. Miso soup, ala cart costs $1.50.)

The menu features thirteen categories from which to choose, one of which is the Omakse Tasting Dinner. This is a splendid procession of traditional and creative Japanese dishes chosen nightly by the chef. At $60 per person, at this fine restaurant, in which value is striking, I can only imagine the magnificent parade of creations served. Apparently, each Omakse dinner is individually fabricated according to the whims of the chef. I’ll bet it‘s a real wing-ding worth every penny!

Tsuru is located at 413 King George Road, in Basking Ridge, hidden in the Dewy Meadow Village shopping center). Once you find it you will never forget it. This is a BYOB establishment, and it is a pity that some of the finest sakes are to be found as far away as Ft. Lee. I find that a dry gewertztraminer serves as a playful companion to most dishes. Plan ahead. The fare at this fine restaurant with it’s understated menu is a true testament to the miracle of human creativity. It comes with my highest recommendation.

Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11:30 AM to 3 PM. Dinner is served from Monday through Thursday 5-10PM and on Fridays and Saturdays from 4:30 to 11PM. On Sunday, dinner is served from 4 to 10 PM.. There is ample parking, and all major credit cards are accepted.