Cornelie D.
Yelp
I'd like to start by saying this used to be one of my favorite, local sushi spots. The food is good and the service was friendly.
My family and I have been frequenting this restaurant for over 6 years and had a great rapport with Prima, the manager. Everything seemed fine up until last month when her energy started to change. We first noticed that anytime we'd call for delivery, there would always be a reason why they couldn't deliver. For example, we were once told that there would be a 90 min wait and we told her that was fine but then she told us they still couldn't deliver! Like why even tell me about the wait if you were still going to say no?! That was annoying because we already had our hopes up and minds set on sushi. Being long term clients, we just figured they must have been very busy lately, we did call about an hour before close.
This last time, we ordered two boxes of the beef teriyaki lunch special as well as Winter maki. In general, they have been slacking on their beef teriyaki. It used to be great but lately, whether I dine in or take out, it has been really fatty along the edges of the meat, deeming some pieces inedible. This time, the maki was good but the meat looked almost completely raw. Usually a light pink/brown in color, this meat looked red and the texture as if it were merely thawed and barely cooked at all. So gross. I called immediately to complain (the first time ever, the food's usually great so I've never asked for a refund before). The manager answered and when I told her what the problem was she did apologize but then asked me if I could just cook it myself. Really? I just paid you almost $30 for YOU to prepare my food and yet you're asking ME to do your job? Unprofessional. When I told her I was worried about cross contamination because the raw meat was laid across the bed of rice and that I'd simply prefer a refund, she gave me a hard time. First she said yes, then she retracted her statement and offered a store credit instead. Again, being loyal customers, we reluctantly accepted.
Right after agreeing to the credit, she slips in, "And by the way, we won't be delivering to you anymore. Our driver said he was almost robbed at GUNPOINT delivering to your area. But you're still welcome to dine in."
I was vexed! Shocked and appalled at her accusations! She assumed, because I live in Mattapan, a predominantly black neighborhood, that my area must be riddled with crime and violence. This isn't the case. Seeing as she doesn't actually do the deliveries herself, she was clearly unaware of the fact that I actually live in a gated complex with a guard house at the entrance. Her accusations sounded like she was pulling them out of thin air, straight bullshitting me because when my sister chimed in (it was on speaker) and mentioned that we do in fact have guards, the manager threw in, "Security did intervene and stopped the robbery," therefore trying to further bullshit me!!! Come on!! My family has been living in this complex for over 30 years and incidents like this do not occur. If something as life threatening as this did occur, why weren't the police notified? She was clearly lying which was honestly a blow to the heart because we've had such a great relationship up until that moment.
We were regulars that always walked in with big smiles on our faces, ran up the bill, and left generous tips. We even brought them new clientele. We didn't understand where she was coming from and by that point we didn't care. Her words were hurtful, slanderous lies. We even called the guard house, after getting our money back, and they confirmed that the situation I described never happened. The guard even went on to say they probably just don't want to deliver to Mattapan. DISCRIMINATION. That sickens me. As a human, a woman of color, and as a loyal, paying customer.
I would've give Ichiro Sushi NO STARS if possible after having such racist service and slander thrown my way! Shame on you Ichiro Sushi! Thanks for taking the time to read! This sort of injustice, prejudice, and disgraceful customer service really needs to stop and people need to speak up for themselves! Have a blessed day! Ok thank you, buh-bye!