She says it jokingly, but Alice, wife of Masa Nagashima of Masa's Sushi and Robata Bar, claims that their fish is so fresh the fish are still aware. Alice said Masa travels to downtown Houston to a special market two to three times a week to select the finest fish straight from Japan.

"No need to ask what fish is fresh; it's all fresh," Alice said.

The emphasis on offering fresh fish is part of the overall emphasis on traditional Japanese cuisine. From sushi rice that Masa crafts in a wooden tub called a hangiri to the absence of trendy California rolls, Masa's guests are assured an authentic Japanese experience.

When asked about umami-tasting MSG, Masa said, "No MSG. Ever."

For savory flavors to create umami, one of the five taste sensations, Masa insists on it being prepared naturally from chicken.

Trained in Osaka, Japan, Masa is dedicated to keeping in line with the authentic Japanese sushi style.

When he was training, Masa was forbidden to touch fish for two years until the chef was assured Masa had perfected cooking rice. Masa said that this training has paid off because people are always telling him that his rice is perfect.

Although Masa said the best customers are the ones who walk in and say "Just make it," he said there are some popular dishes he likes to prepare. Like Chirashi, which includes nine different types of fish over sushi rice, and the tuna and avocado dish, which consists of diced tuna, avocado and Masa's special sauce in a martini glass. Another popular dish is the Deluxe Dinner Box, which is grilled chicken, beef or salmon with shrimp tempura, sauted vegetables, fried tofu, with soup, salad and rice.

On his elaborate presentations, Masa said, "Everything we make involves imagination. Eyes eat first."

Sushi glossary

• Sushi—made with rice


• Sashimi—sliced or prepared raw fish


• Nigiri-sushi—a slice of fish or other topping on top of rice


• Oshizushi—sushi rice and otheringredients pressed into a mold


• Makizushi—seaweed and rice around fillings


• Temaki—cone-shaped hand rolls

Sushi etiquette

It is proper etiquette to eat nigiri-sushi (slice of fish on top of rice) with one's fingers, even in a formal setting.

Woodlands-themed rolls

• Panther Creek—soft shell crab, cucumber, avocado, smelt eggs with sweet sauce ($14.50)


• Alden Bridge—breaded and deep fried potato with shrimp tempura ($16.50)


• Sterling Ridge—deep fried white fish, cucumber, radish sprouts and avocado ($14.50)


• Cochran's Crossing—shrimp tempura, cucumber, crab meat with sweet sauce ($15.50)


• Grogan's Mill—shrimp tempura and cream cheese roll with smoked salmon ($16.00)

Robata

The "Robata Bar" in the restaurant name refers to Masa's Japanese skewers with meats and vegetables, like small shish kebabs.

4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, Ste. 430, The Woodlands, 281-298-5688, www.sushimasahouston.com