Hardcore sushi lovers unite: Sasabune in Honolulu, Hawaii serves only the freshest, seasonal fish available and has a "trust me" omakase policy (meaning that customers eat whatever the chef puts in front of them) at the bar. No California Rolls here.

Some might think the experience a little extreme for the American palate but the chef's knowledge of what is good that day can be highly beneficial and promote culinary exploration.

Sasabune also allows diners not seated at the bar to order Omakase or from a traditional sushi menu. For us, the waiters precise instructions on when to use condiments like soy or wasabi, how to eat (this piece before this one, but no soy on the first), and recommended bite size (one bite only) gave us a new appreciation for the Omakase experience.

Recommended by the Halekulani Hotel, the dinner made us reflect on food sourcing and the power of local word-of-mouth endorsements.