Boston Grade Sushi in Reading

Before 8 a.m. everyday, Jonathan Chen goes to several different fish markets in Boston searching for top quality and fresh fish for his three restaurants. Avana Sushi III, his third restaurant, opened about a month ago in Reading and serves Boston quality sushi in the suburbs.

Chen lives in the North End, where another one of his restaurants is located. The first location was opened in Chinatown. He decided to open in Reading after trying sushi at other local restaurants; the fish wasn't fresh enough, he said.

"We bring fresh sushi to Reading," he explained.

When he goes to fish markets in the morning, he checks for the best quality and freshest fish. If he doesn't find it at the first market, he goes to another one. He shops around until he is satisfied with the quality, he said.

There are several secrets to their sushi. The first one, of course, is the fresh fish.

"I want to keep the fish very fresh, everyday," he said.

He does not like to keep leftover fish for a second day.

The second secret, Chen has tested several types of seaweed to find the best one. The third, he mixes different kinds of rice to create the perfect combination.

He likes to offer quality food for a reasonable price, he explained. And he does. Eight California Rolls are only $4.95. It comes with soy, wasabi and ginger. They also offer salmon avocado cucumber, mango shrimp avocado, rock 'n' roll and more.

Avana Sushi III, located at 589 Main St., has a full sushi menu, along with other seafood specials, including fish and chips and lobster rolls made with fresh lobster meat.

They are open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.