Sakura

About 2 weeks ago, I ventured to Akron to visit my favorite girls: Susan and Stacey. Steve was out-of-town for an interview and I felt the need to escape to the wilds of the "other" northeastern Ohio city. Susan was dealing with a sick little one, so after I quickly stopped by and gave the hard working Mama a hug and a smooch for little Nathan, I made my way to Stacey's place.

We decided it was an excellent night for some delicious sushi. I was really excited because I know that Stacey favors this sushi place over my favorite, Sushi Rock. Every time we have been to S.R., I've been reminded of how it isn't as good as Sakura.

Sakura is nestled in a small shopping center across from the West Market Plaza on Medina Road in Akron. You may not notice it for anything more than a small Japanese take out joint (if you weren't looking close enough). When we parked, I was honestly a little apprehensive...the decor of Sushi Rock is gorgeous and modern...and this looked like "just another tiny Japanese restaurant". When we walked in, I noticed the it was cozy and pleasing to the eye. No decor "over the top", but does that really matter when the food is great?

We arrived at about 8:00pm and had to wait for about 20 minutes to get a table because it is a small restaurant and were busy. This is usually a good sign.

Once we were seated, our server popped over immediately for our drink order. I guess I was excited and not paying attention, because I ordered a large Sake...whooops. I think that is usually meant for two people and since Stacey is allergic to several things...we weren't sure if she could have it. It was a good thing that she was behind the wheel that evening. ;)

We had perused the menu when we were waiting, so I thought I was ready to order. However, then they brought out the "specials" menu. I was super excited because I saw exactly what I wanted on the specials menu that was missing from the regular menu...the Philadelphia Crunchy Roll. Healthy? No, but soooo delicious! Salmon, Cream Cheese and Scallions...deep fried. My kind of sushi.

I also ordered some spicy tuna roll and shrimp tempura roll. I have to admit, I have tried the rolls that are more geared toward the raw fish lover and no matter how many times I try it or where I try it...I just can't get into it. I like sweetness in my friends from the ocean. The fresh "out-of-the-ocean" taste has never wowed me. I order my salmon well done. I enjoy deep fried goodness, spicy tuna rolls and everyone's "ultimate sushi favorite" California roll. Living with a fiancé that lived in Japan, I have been given my share of the fresh delights and tried hard to like them...but alas they go in the "I don't like" box with raw tomatoes and most mushrooms. Sorry mushrooms...I want to love you too!

Stacey ordered the Alaska roll with smoked salmon and avocado, and the tuna roll. She also enjoyed some Japanese ice cream made with rice called Mochi. More on this interesting ice cream here. You can find it at Trader Joes. It is a perfect snack for Stacey since she is allergic to wheat products and anything that tastes great made with rice...is good news for her. Stacey was, as usual, very pleased with her dinner.

Needless to say for me, everything was fabulous. I felt that the freshness of the rolls was on par, if not better than Sushi Rock. This is a great place to venture to if you are in the hilly city of Akron.

Sake it to me baby,

Krista