Ginny Kolmar: 26's Corner

Elena Lee's small Japanese establishment 26's Corner Restaurant opened nine months ago, and the food is a delight to the palate.

Mirrors and small photos of happy groups of diners cover one wall, while a sushi bar inhabits most of the other, with a kitchen at one end and tables next to the window at the other. Prices are truly rock bottom but the food is fresh and tasty. The tables and chairs are functional, while the sushi bar is attractive with its blond-colored wood and hanging miniature banners of Japanese symbols and faces. Only 24 diners can sit at tables and there are six seats at the sushi counter.

Three of us happened by on a cold and rainy night and decided to have one of the four "Happy Hour" specials, served between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. for the unbelievable price of $4.95 (although the menu said between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.).

One guest enjoyed three pieces of California Roll served in a Bento box with Chicken Teriyaki, rice and salad. Another expressed delight with his four pieces of Una-ju (BBQ Eel), also served with rice and salad, while my three pieces of California Roll, served with four Japanese pot stickers were also terrific.

We also decided to have one order each of Hamachi Sashimi, $6.50 for several small pieces of oh-so-tender pale tuna and Maguro Sushi (four pieces of red tuna).

Along with Miso soup and many cups of green tea, the entire meal for the three of us cost $28.35, plus tax and tip.

There are also many other "specials" listed below starting at $6.50, all including Miso soup and salad. Our charming waitress, Kahori, took the time to write them out for us:

· California Roll, Shrimp Roll and Spicy Tuna Roll;

· California Roll, Unagi Roll and Alaska Roll;

· California Roll, Unagi Roll and Nigiri Sushi (four pieces);

· Sashimi Combo: nine pieces and Nigiri Sushi (four pieces);

· Hamachi: Salmon Roll with House Special Sauce (six pieces), California Roll and Shrimp Roll;

· Sushi (10 pieces): choose from tuna, salmon, hamachi, unagi, red snapper or Maki Rolls (20 pieces) or choose from Yummy Roll (spicy tuna inside, avocado and tuna on top; Dragon Roll and Special Roll;

· Kappa Roll, Avocado Roll and Asparagus Roll (for vegetarians).

Twelve appetizers at $2.50 to $6.95 include everything from Seaweed Salad to Fresh Oyster or Ankimono Salad. There are 21 Niriri Sushi dishes, each with two pieces per serving, from $2.50 for Inari or Tamago to $4.95 for Amaebi (sweet raw shrimp). Seven Sushi Combinations cost from $7.50 to $12.50, the latter for Chirashi over Sushi Rice or Special House Roll plus eight pieces of Nigiri.

It's hard to believe, but there are 34 variations of Makimono (rolled sushi)! Starting at $2.50 for Kappa Maki (cucumber) all the way up to $10.50 for the Dragon Roll (Shrimp Tempura, Crabmeat, Egg, Avocado and Unaki). Most prices are $3.95 to $4.95 for the combinations. Eight Sashimi on the long menu (five pieces per order) include Saba (mackerel), Maguro (tuna), Hamachi (Yellow Tail Tuna), Tako (octopus), Sake (fresh salmon), Smoked Salmon, Hotate (scallops with special sauce) and Mirugai (giant clam). Prices are from $5.25 to $7.50.

If sushi isn't your thing, other offerings include Udon, $5.95 to 8.95 for the Japanese thick noodles in broth or teriyaki style Dinners of beef, chicken, salmon, vegetable or shrimp tempura or Gyoza (those heavenly deep-fried potstickers), range from $7.95 to $9.95.

Side orders are on the menu, as is ice cream and Mochi ice cream and eight beverages, from $1.50 for iced tea to $6 for cold Ozeke Sake Dry.

If sushi is your passion, 26's Corner Restaurant will delight your palate.

26's Corner Restaurant

2450 Clement St. (at 26th Ave.)

386-8008 Fax: 221-6850

Beer-wine; credit cards; wheelchair accessible

Hours: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 5 p.m. - midnight;

Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. - midnight

Atmosphere: ** 1/2

Service: ***

Food: ***

Price: *

Overall: ***