GROW WITH SARAH GRACE

Last year, I celebrated a big birthday! I turned 21 on November 15, 2021. I didn’t have many plans for the day drinking-wise since it was on a Monday but I remember my roommate at the time talking about this restaurant she went to for her birthday. Maple and Ash was only a short walk from my apartment and they gave you a customized menu for any special occasion. Of course, when we made the reservation, we told them it was my birthday and thus a menu was made.

EXPERIENCE: 10/10

We originally made patio reservations because the indoor reservations were accompanied by a $100 fee and let’s just say I am a starving college student. Obviously in true luck, it snowed on my birthday. As we bundled up and prayed they wouldn’t sit us outside, we headed for the restaurant on the big day.

We walked through the doors after freezing our butts off and were luckily and surprisingly seated at an indoor table – thank goodness! (We didn’t even have to pay a fee. Woohoo!) I knew we were in good hands right from the start as not only the hostess but our waitress and the chef were very kind and welcoming. They all wanted our experience to be top-notch. 

With it being my 21st and all, I obviously had to order a drink so I asked the waitress what her favorite cocktail was and when she gave me two options, I told her to surprise me. Man did it feel nice to whip out my ID and flaunt it! She came back and gave me the “Mile High Club” which had gin (something I never tried and now know I am not a fan of..) and my personalized menu! 

The real menu everyone gets is based on whether you are dining outdoors or indoors so my menu consisted of patio options. It was full of sushi, salads, sandwiches, and some sides. All of their cocktails looked very tasty as well. I asked for a vegetarian option of sushi and the chef was very certain it could be done for me, which I truly appreciated. 

FOOD AND DRINK: 7/10

Letty, my roommate, ordered a coke (which they brought in a bottle and you could pour into a cup full of ice) and a grilled cheese with tomato soup. Our friend, Jorge got a burger and fries and stuck with the complimentary water. Overall, the food was amazing. I heard no complaints from Letty or Jorge and my sushi was good, especially paired with a cocktail! 

The only complaint I have is the price. I knew that the restaurant was going to be on the pricier side but I find the fact that my sushi was the most expensive item on the check is absurd. I feel I could have gotten a roll of sushi that is vaguely similar to the one I got at Maple and Ash for $5 from Fusian.

The cocktail was $18 and I expected that since it was priced on the menu (still a little pricier I would say but it was my 21st so let’s celebrate) but the sushi was not on the menu since it had to be vegetarian and the price came at a great surprise. I find it very interesting that Jorge’s burger and fries were considerably cheaper than my sushi. Overall, with tip included, I paid just under $60 on sushi and a cocktail. 

Overall: 8/10

It was a great way to celebrate any birthday (or any occasion) with a personalized menu. The place as a whole was very nice and photogenic but I just can’t get over the fact that it was way more expensive than I thought it would be. I truly find the pricing to be off as my sushi (that is only rice, avocado, and cucumber – no fish whatsoever!) was more expensive than a good size burger and fries.

It was a great time and I had great company but I can’t give it a 10/10 overall simply for the prices. If I were rich, this would be my go-to place for any special occasion or date. I am giving this place a 8/10 solely because it was expensive for me but when I have enough money to buy groceries and a nice meal, this delicious place will be the first on my list.