SeeingGreen ™

It’s happened. Sustainability and its tenets have hit mainstream. How do I know this? When a swanky new sushi bar named “MASU” proclaims that it “supports local farms that practice environmentally sound agriculture and sustainable farming” on its equally swanky menu, the staff here at seeing:green proclaim victory (at least for the evening). In a sharply retrofitted second story space on SW 13th, in that used-to-be nowhere, but is now turning into somewhere part of downtown, MASU is a new addition to the boutique class of eateries and bars that are mutating around town. I am always surprised and delighted when I come upon these remarkably stylish and bankrolled joints, especially when I still think of Portland as a weird little city, with a rough-around-the edges charm (see Keep Portland Weird post). However, MASU slides right next to Doug Fir and Bar East in that category of “I am a handsome, well-designed, and yes, swanky spot for you to look good while you hand over $7 for a froufrou drink with a clever name.”

As a vegetarian (she says again) I’ll admit that I may not be the best judge of sushi. Since I usually stick to the veggie rolls, miso soup and yaki soba,I cannot comment on MASU’s handiwork with eel, crab, tuna or snapper. However, I will recommend MASU for being another player in transforming the marketplace towards true sustainability and broadcasting its intent to do so on its menu. And even though I thought I was just going to try out a new place for an after work happy (kampei) hour, I found myself, once again seeing green and happy indeed.

MASU
406 SW 13th Ave.
503.221.MASU
Open 7 days
Early Kampai Hour from 4-6 PM everyday
Another Kampai Hour happens later in the evening - check website