- The Washington Times - Wednesday, April 23, 2014

President Obama, in Japan to reassure authorities that the U.S. has the country’s back in its long-running Sea Island dispute with China, made a speedy beeline for a three-star restaurant for some fancy dining on estimated $300-a-plate sushi fare.

Mr. Obama joined Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy and National Security Adviser Susan Rice at the Sukiyabashi Jiro after touching down on Air Force One and stopping at Hotel Okura near the U.S. Embassy for a short rest, ABC reported.

The ritzy sushi shop received a three-star Michelin rating, a rarity in Japan that — akin to America’s five-star system — only goes to the finest establishments, ABC reported.

Sukiyabashi Jiro owner and master chef Jiro Ono, 89, who was featured in the 2011 documentary “Jiro Dreams of Sushi,” is regarded by many as the best sushi chef alive, according to ABC.

The White House didn’t release all the details of the president’s dining experience. But meal selections at the restaurant hit at $300 per person, and reservations have been booked through June.

• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.

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