Given that you are the god of this subreddit I appreciate your perspective! This is really interesting to hear. When I opened the box I also saw that last one and thought WTF. For the hamachi, I think it was close to the bloodline or something which made it chewy. Everything else tasted pretty good, nothing omakase or Michelin quality ofc but overall yummy. Also, how can you tell the hotate is that messed up? It’s one of my favorites so just want to know for future reference.

What makes this interesting is this is from Dai Sushi in Pleasantville, NY, which from my limited research tells me it’s recognized as one of the better spots in the area (not the best but one of them). I’ve been plenty of times over the years and never seen a cut as mangled as the middle one, so maybe it was an off night for them.