I’ve been lucky enough to sit down with a lot of interesting people through my work with Greetings from the Garden State—chefs, business owners, musicians, athletes. But every once in a while, I come across a spot that doesn’t just serve great food or have a cool backstory—it feels like something special. That’s exactly what Sushi by Sea is.
Tucked away in Ridgefield, NJ, Sushi by Sea is a private, invite-only omakase experience. It’s not something you stumble into—there’s no “book now” button on OpenTable, no flashing sign on the door. You register. You get referred. You wait. And when your time comes, you’re welcomed into a dimly lit space that’s equal parts secret supper club and soul-charging ritual.
My guest for this week’s episode is Jay Powles, one half of the duo behind Sushi by Sea. Jay isn’t your typical restaurateur. Originally from South Africa, he’s a business consultant by day and sushi host by night. He and Chef Chris launched this concept during the chaos of 2020, when everything we thought was certain suddenly wasn’t. What started as pop-ups became a permanent location—a space designed to take you completely out of New Jersey for two hours and drop you into something more intimate, more intentional.
There’s no menu to pick from. That’s what omakase means—“I leave it up to you.” You put your trust in Chef Chris, who has trained around the world and commands the sushi counter with a calm, magnetic presence. Every course is served one piece at a time, often accompanied by a quick story, a smile, or a perfectly timed joke. You’re not just eating fish—you’re having a moment.
Jay and I talked about everything: how they source fish directly from Japan, dry-age it in-house (which is rare in itself), and even how some of their desserts come from guests-turned-collaborators they’ve met sitting at the counter. They’re building more than a restaurant—they’re building a community. One where success is shared, where passion is contagious, and where word of mouth means everything.
There are no Yelp reviews here. No influencers being paid to post. Sushi by Sea grows because someone has a great night, tells a friend, and that friend registers. And if you want to get in a little faster? Jay gave Greetings from the Garden State listeners an exclusive password: MikeHam. Use it when you register on their website and skip the waitlist.
We’ve done 175 episodes before this one, but nothing quite like it. I walked out of Sushi by Sea not just full, but inspired. This wasn’t just a great meal—it was a masterclass in how to turn vision, energy, and community into something unforgettable.
Want In?
🔗 sushibysea.com
📸 Instagram: @sushibysea
🎟 Use the password MikeHam when registering to bypass the waitlist.
Mike Ham is the voice behind the popular podcast, "Greetings From the Garden State". Traveling up and down New Jersey, Mike brings his listeners the stories of the people and places shaping the Garden State. Not only is he a Jersey diehard, he is also a respected member of the podcast community and has spoken at several podcasting conferences. As he continues to amplify the voices of New Jersey, Mike Ham remains a passionate advocate for the diverse narratives woven into the fabric of the Garden State.