New Sushi in the UD, the Grapple, and Our Local Online Cooking Show

New Sushi Joint in the UD

Three weeks ago, a new sushi spot replaced Tibet First, the little Tibetan place in the University District that closed down because it couldn't find the right chef. Village Sushi serves up the obvious, plus traditional Japanese favorites including noodles, salads, and teriyaki. Sounds like the 45-seat joint exceeds the Ave's price standards (the manager told me guest checks average $15 to $20 per person) but hopefully that means the sushi will top other UD options, as well.

Dinner reservations accepted.

—Jess Thomson

Candy or Fruit?

Has anyone tried the Grapple, the apple infused with as much artificial grape flavor as a pack of Bubble Yum? It creeps me out. But so does this Ambrosia apple, which I bought yesterday at Madison Market, having never tasted one before.

I mean, it's organic. The label says so. And the Internet says the fruit is an all-natural genetic variation discovered on a farm in British Columbia. But to me, this crisp, practically acid-free apple tastes like bubble gum ice cream. I couldn't eat another bite. Ergo: Kids should love it.

Bonus question: Ever eaten a Rambo apple? It should sue Stallone for copyright infringement.

—Jonathan Kauffman

Seattle's New Online Cooking Show

If the Food Network's getting too damn perky and perfect for you, check out Cookus Interruptus, a new Seattle-based online cooking show that focuses on organic, healthy whole foods. It's filmed in a regular-looking kitchen, which is a breath of fresh air for those of us who just haven't gotten to installing that Wolf range, and the lines between on- and off-air are pretty blurry.

The first portion of each short segment (the "cookus" part, one would assume) can seem a little ho-hum and overeducational, but I appreciate the little daggers of dry humor (or frank ridiculousness) that sneak their way in when, say, the hostess' husband walks in to find a strainer for straining the lumps out of his house paint (hence the "interruptus" part). Check it out.

—Jess Thomson