2008.08.26
Sake and Maki Talkie
According to recent news reports, Kabuki in Roanoke, which is undergoing extensive remodeling, will have a good-sized sushi bar when it reopens. It's also supposed to have a big koi pond, but that's beside the point. Although interesting...
At any rate, it's got me thinking about the state of sushi in Southwest Virginia.
Once upon a time, the only two places to find sushi in Roanoke were Sake House at Lakeside Plaza in Salem and Tokyo on Franklin Road or the city market building. For a while, I had a love affair with Sake House and it's little carpeted tea rooms. Not so much a fan of Tokyo, however. I think it was the atmosphere more than anything else.
Then, along came Metro! with its Asian-fusion thing and a whole menu of pretty good sushi. A bit more expensive, perhaps, than the competitors, but certainly not short on imagination. I'm thinking of the Angry Tuna roll here, and it's not making me angry at all. It's making me hungry.
Enter Ben Gui up by Buffalo Wild Wings at Tanglewood, then Wasabi in downtown Roanoke. Ben Gui quickly became my favorite sushi joint in town. I had dreams about the Dragon Roll, with the tempura shrimp, sauteed eel and avocado all dancing a jig into my mouth. OK, I didn't really, but it sure is good.
Wasabi was enjoyable, too, but a little short on atmosphere and rather slow on service both times I ate there.
Now, Sake House has left Salem with plans to reopen in the New River Valley. Wasabi has changed hands at least once that I know of. The past few times I've eaten sushi were at the bar at Metro!, and that's just because I happened to be there for cocktails with a friend after work and decided I was hungry for a salmon skin maki roll (my personal favorite).
Just what is the state of sushi now? Who has the best sushi in town, and do you readers think there are enough sushi lovers around to support all of these restaurants, not to mention new sushimongers like Kabuki? Also, besides Sake House, I'm unfamiliar with the sushi establishments in the New River Valley. Anyone got the word on the best sushi in the NRV?
I really don't think you can beat Ben Gui for sushi (although I also love Metro!'s angry tuna).
I also don't think sushi is going to fit in well at Kabuki. Let's be honest, most people who go there, go for the show—-fried rice, teryaki style meat, and assorted sauteed vegetables aren't beyond most home cooks. Not to mention, the place is always littered with children, and I doubt most of them would be thrilled about eating raw fish.
Comment by John — August 26, 2008 @ 10:54 am
Theres a new sushi place in Radford I have been dying to try
Comment by Christy — August 26, 2008 @ 11:46 am
I actually would go to Kabuki for sushi! It would be nice to go there for something different. The novelty of catching a shrimp in my mouth wore off a long time ago!
Comment by Lori — August 26, 2008 @ 11:51 am
I have to go with Ben Gui as well. While Wasabi is close to work, and their Specialty rolls ARE delicious, I have issues with the waitstaff every time I go there, and the time it takes to get the food is much slower.
I remember my first time having sushi was at Jerry's place in the market building when I was probably 15. He gave me a free tuna roll just to open my mind and try it. I was hooked. Then while living in DC, I had so many opportunities for great sushi.
I got a lot of my friends to try it, and many of them have had much success from getting Sushi at Fresh Market or one of the fancier Krogers (when it's made fresh.)
I also hear that place on 419 in Oak Grove (name escapes me) has a sushi bar in it now too, but I haven't been there.
Ben Gui though, I can't wait to go back.
Comment by scott — August 26, 2008 @ 12:19 pm
I miss Sake House. I'm in mourning. I'll get over it and get my sushi fix at Ben Gui.
Comment by Jim D — August 26, 2008 @ 12:29 pm
Sake has been a true love affair!! They always made you feel part of the family! We were there for closing night and one of the daughters ran into the kitchen and dragged out her boyfriend for us all to meet. And then they let us cut down decorations for souvenirs! And the food....gotta love the Wildcat Roll!
Comment by ML — August 26, 2008 @ 1:02 pm
I have a confession to make. I am a sushi virgin. Forgive me for not being able to contribute to this conversation.
Comment by Heather Froeschl — August 26, 2008 @ 1:24 pm
Oh, NO! Not a sushi virgin, Heather! I'm going to have to drag you down to Metro after work one night for a martini and maki roll.
Christy, what is the name of this sushi joint in Radford that you speak of?
ML, we had friends who ordered the Wildcat Roll every time they went to Sake House. Which, as many of us know, is affectionately known to some as "Jake's."
Ah, the memories.
Comment by Lindsey — August 26, 2008 @ 1:59 pm
At SML, Chopsticks offers fresh-rolled sushi, chinese food and a Hibachi grill. Because I love a meal on the wild side, Wasabi's and Metro! will always keep me coming back.
Comment by Amy Hanek — August 26, 2008 @ 2:23 pm
Szechuan - next to 419 - is worth a try - I've had their sushi once & enjoyed it - can't beat anything with tempura
Comment by Christa — August 26, 2008 @ 3:21 pm
I like Wasabi's but also have a problem with the waitstaff, and the price of their sake. The Sumo roll keeps me coming back though. Lately we've been going to Ben Gui's. Haven't found a specialty roll yet, but the boat for two has been fresh with a nice assortment. Try the ice cream tempura...delish!
Comment by Roanoke RnR — August 26, 2008 @ 7:50 pm
Blue Ribbon TATAKI restaurant 50 Merrimon Ave in Christiansburg is the best in the Blacksburg/Christiansburg area. They have a great yaki udon dishes there, too, which you don't see around SW Va very often. Plenty of non-sushi options for those who aren't sushi lovers.
Comment by Aayla — August 26, 2008 @ 8:32 pm
Poor Billy's in Blacksburg has great sushi, and it's reasonably priced.
Comment by john goodykoontz — August 26, 2008 @ 11:16 pm
I loved Jake House! I ate there once a week (or tried to) when I lived in Salem, and it never disappointed.
Metro was always hit or miss for me. I've never had the pleasure of trying Ben Gui or Wasabi's (do they still have Sake House's old sushi chef?), but will the next time I come up.
Any readers who live in far SWVA should try Osaka in Bristol, off of exit 7 on I-81. I dare say that their sushi is better than any I've ever had in Roanoke.
Comment by Tori — August 27, 2008 @ 9:24 am
Metro! is the best!
Kabuki could never get "old"!
Ben Gui is next in line,
followed by Wasabi's.
Though I love Szechuan, the Sushi is not their best.
And yes Wasabi's does have waitstaff issues. If you are in a rush, don't even risk it! Unless you call in take out.
My husband and I love the LOVERS ROLL - yes the name is lovely, but the roll is AWESOME!
I'm excited about Kabuki's new debut!
Comment by Mrs. R — August 27, 2008 @ 11:40 am
I have been to the one in Radford, it is good and cheap. The owner talks way too much to customers. But his fish is fresh and prices are very low. I am looking forward to Sake House coming to the NRV, I will get to enjoy more since I am closer to the new location.
Comment by ME — August 27, 2008 @ 1:05 pm
Putting my vote in for Ben Gui and Metro, too!
The Star City Roll at Metro is really good.
But the smoked albacore at Ben Gui is amazing. It's sashimi, but somehow they've smoked it just enough to give it flavor without taking away from the fish. I highly recommend it!
Comment by Kat — August 27, 2008 @ 2:48 pm
I was also a "Jake House" fan! Sushi and everything else I ever tried there was awesome. I've heard from several people that the Sezchuan out near T-Wood was good for sushi, but I haven't tried it. Nor have I been to Ben Gui yet, but I will try it. Last I heard, the old sushi chef from Sake House IS still at Wasabi's, but I haven't really heard for a while. When it first opened, and the Carder's (of Michele's on Main in Salem) owned it, the service was awesome! That went away once the Carder's sold out.
Comment by Dennis — August 27, 2008 @ 3:55 pm
Wherever Santiago Cruz is, the best sushi is. They're all fresh, by design, but compare Santiago's portions to anywhere else. You will not be hungry by 3:00 PM after a lunch at Wasabi's. He made Sake House great and he's doing the same at Wasabi's. Wherever Santiago goes, I will follow, and some of Sake House's waitstaff has followed him as well-good move. Thanks, Cindy! I ate at Sake House at least weekly for almost eleven years. The quaility was always there as it now is at Wasabi's. Now I travel more, but as soon as I hit town, I'm back to Wasabi's.
Comment by Chris — August 27, 2008 @ 10:29 pm
Is Cindy at Wasabi's now? Excellent...Service will definitely be improving then. Agree totally with Chris, Santiago is the sushi man, and if I'm not mistaken, owns Wasabi's.
Comment by Roanoke RnR — August 28, 2008 @ 3:13 pm
ok, i think 20 posts about sushi means all the sushi and blog fans have to meet up and go get some raw fish together! (And perhaps deflower a couple sushi virgins!)
Comment by scott — August 29, 2008 @ 1:40 am
@ Scott: I second that!
(Can we say group discount?!)
Comment by John — August 29, 2008 @ 10:10 am
Ben Gui gets my vote for best.
The 69'r (stop laughing) is sooooo good! It's under their "trust me" portion of the menu.
While lacking in atmosphere and scenery, Tokyo still serves excellent sushi.
Comment by Rigby — August 29, 2008 @ 10:34 am
I'm SO far behind in catching up from vacation!! I had to chime in on this one though. The Star City Roll at Metro! is one of my all-time favorites. I literally get cravings for it. Anytime I'm back in town from Texas I have to head downtown for one of those and a great martini. Since I'm moving back to the 'noke in a month I'll be a regular fixture at Metro! once again!
Comment by Jason — September 3, 2008 @ 1:22 pm
Sake House has always been the best and no one will ever beat them! They have the freshest fish with the best quality and best service. Take it from me - I have had the inside scoop with them for 12 years and Wasabi is just a cheap rip off of Sake House. Stolen receipes!
Comment by me — September 19, 2008 @ 11:40 am