Boston - November 08, 2005

Now and Zen

Zen Sushi Restaurant

7:17 a.m. Jolt out of bed, already late, with slight hangover from work dinner and late-night carousing.

8:08 a.m. Tap foot in line at Starbucks. Practically trample the guy in front of you while lunging for latte. So totally late for meeting.

12:46 p.m. Scarf down vending machine snack en route to conference call.

7:49 p.m. Remember memo you forgot to write for tomorrow; race back to office. Remember you also forgot to pick up dry cleaning (again), call sister, and grab baby shower gift.

12:19 a.m. Fall into bed, mind racing. Dreading alarm, which will go off way too soon.

Nah. You don’t need any more zen in your life. You’re fine.

Ahem. Perhaps you could slow down a tad. Maybe stop for a second and eat a light, healthy meal? In which case, there’s Zen, the recently opened sushi spot and Japanese grill atop Beacon Hill.

It’s a cozy and unpretentious joint, with authentic rolls, sushi, sashimi, and grilled fish. Most of all, Zen, as befits its name, is simple and calm. Which is something the neighborhood — not to mention the city — can certainly use more of.

And so, apparently, can you.

Zen, 21A Beacon Street, at Bowdoin Street (617-371-1230).