Page 68 - South Mississippi Living - January, 2022

DINING HATSUKOI RESTAURANT &
Sashimi Platter.
Owner Thuan Nguyen and Chef Chi Chi
ADDRESS:
3004 Bienville Blvd. Ocean Springs
PHONE:
228.300.0609
WEBSITE:
Facebook @hatsukoioceansprings
HOURS:
Tuesday-Sunday 11a.m.-3 p.m. & 5-9 p.m.
story by Kimberly C. Rasmussen
photos by Kimberly C. Rasmussen and courtesy of Hatsukoi
68 | January 2022
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
What comes to mind when you think about your first love? A person? A place? An experience? The Japanese word for “first love” is Hatsukoi, and at Hatsukoi Restaurant and Sushi Bar in Ocean Springs, the first love there is definitely food.
Hatsukoi has definitely lived up to its name for Owner Thuan Nguyen and Chef Chi Chi, as they both enjoy seeing the love that customers experience when eating handmade rolls or delicately-crafted meals. One trip to Hatsukoi and you too will feel the love.
Hatsukoi’s menu is perfect. It offers exceptional appetizers, a variety of spectacular rolls, and other sushi options.
In addition, non-sushi options such as bento boxes are a menu fixture. Many sushi restaurants only offer bento boxes during lunch, but Hatsukoi’s bento boxes are available all day. They’re not only a delicious option for non-sushi-lovers, but the perfect compromise when everyone’s palate is craving something different.
The Tempura Fried Asparagus Salad is a great way to begin your meal. A generous portion of lightly tempura- battered asparagus sticks are arranged atop a bed of greens, shredded carrots and beets. It is then topped with spicy teriyaki, boom sauce, yum yum sauce and a delicate sprinkle of sesame seeds. Everything is delightfully crunchy and