SacFoodies

An Evening at Lou’s Sushi + a Giveaway!

by SacFoodies

You’ve probably known this about us for quite a while, but we love sushi. We always have. We always will. And in a town with SO MANY great options for sushi, everyone seems to have their favorite sushi spot.
Mine just so happens to be Lou’s Sushi on the corner of 23rd and P St. in Midtown. Their menu is full of creative rolls and fresh nigiri and sashimi offerings. Not to mention the array of seriously good specialty dishes (I’m talking about you, Secret Tofu). They also have a nice selection of sake and beer to sip on while you enjoy you’re the food crafted by Lou’s talented staff.
If you are a vegetarian or vegan, you’ll love the fact Lou’s has an entire section of the menu dedicated to specialties, sushi and even nigiri to fit your dietary needs. Even if you eat meat, you shouldn’t overlook this section of the menu!
Here’s what we ordered during our trip to Lou’s!
Vegan Mushroom Tempura – remember when I told you to not overlook the vegan options? These Oyster mushrooms are coated in panko breadcrumbs, fried and then tossed in a house made sweet and sour sauce.
Stir Fried Green Beans – The name says it all. Green beans stir fried in a savory soy sauce and topped with sesame seeds. These were cooked to the perfect firmness!
Secret Tofu – The cat’s out of the bag on this one. Tofu is fried up crispy and smothered in a creamy garlic sauce. This tofu was one of the highlights of our meal. If you think you don’t like tofu, this will make you reconsider.
Veggie Tempura – Crisp and flavorful, fried to a light golden brown. Everything was cooked to perfection! Each veggie had a nice crunch without being underdone.
Chef’s Choice Nigiri – Nigiri is simple, flavorful and perfect for sharing. I never know what fish I want, so I always opt for chef’s choice.
The M-N-M – Tempura shrimp, spicy tuna, with unagi, avocado, masago & Lou’s amazing sweet-n-spicy sauce.
The Firecracker – The jalapenos on top should not be taken lightly! If you’re into spice, this is the roll for you.
And finally, dessert! We opted for tempura strawberries over vanilla ice-cream because how could we not?
The best part is, we’re giving away THREE 15% coupons to Lou’s on our Instagram this week! Go to @sacfoodies, find our Lou’s post and tag 2 foodie friends that you’d like to share an awesome meal with. The giveaway ends this Friday at 5:00pm PST!
No purchase necessary to win. Winner must be following @sacfoodies and will be randomly selected. A winner will be picked at random and announced on Friday, 12/22.

Sushi Burrito King

by SacFoodies

burrito radiance 2
drive through
sushi collage

Ever since I have developed a love for sushi, I have noticed that you can never get enough of it. In other words, it doesn’t fill you up. Granted, I’m a full-grown American man who does realize that being full after every meal isn’t always good. But, every time I venture out for sushi, it just kind of leaves you hanging. That’s why there seems to be a frozen yogurt shop somewhere close by sushi restaurants, because they know you’re still going to be hungry after chowing down on three sushi rolls.
I thought my insatiable appetite for sushi would never be appeased, until I drove by this weird little drive-through stop called “Sushi Burrito King,” in Chico, CA. Thankfully I’m usually willing to try new things, drive-through sushi joints included, so I took my first steps into the strange new world of fast-food sushi.

My first reaction as I pulled into the drive-through was, “Wow, they weren’t kidding. These are actually burrito-sized sushi rolls!” I was there, I had to order something, and personally I just wanted to see if this potentially-amazing new food creation actually, physically existed.
“Hello?” squawked the drive-through box.
“Um, yes I’d like to order a Fried Soft Shell Crab Sushi Burrito please.”
“Anything to drink?”
“Uhhh, sure I’ll have a Peach Boba Tea too while you’re at it.”
“That’ll be $11.94 at the window please.”
“That’s it?” I thought as I pulled up to the window. “That’s either really awesome or really bad for sushi.”
I pulled around to the one sliding window, handed the cashier my dough and waited.
And waited.
And waited.
“Oh my dear Lord! I thought this was fast food!”
But then it hit me, they were actually making it from scratch. They were frying the crab, cutting the vegetables and sushi burrito ingredients, and actually hand rolling it into an edible masterpiece. 
“This is good,” I thought. “They are taking their time on my burrito, putting tender love and care (and seaweed) into my food!”
It wasn’t like an ordinary drive-through, in that the food wasn’t pre-made, sitting there waiting for someone to buy it. This sushi was made to order.
When I finally received my sushi burrito, I took it home and fell in love. It was everything I wanted it to be and more: I was actually full!
Now I make a point to go there every time I’m in Chico. I wish there was a Sushi Burrito King on every corner.
They have reasonably healthy, filling food for a good price. If you’re not adventurous enough for a burrito-sized sushi roll, they have regular sushi rolls and combination boxes as well.
Trust your gut on this one, not your instincts. Try this revolutionary American-sushi phenomenon and you won’t be disappointed.
Sushi King
2190 Esplanade
Chico, CA 95926

Ju Hachi

by SacFoodies

Sacramento is filled with great sushi and since moving to Sacramento, I have enjoyed sampling several sushi hot-spots. Thinking that I already had my go-to establishments nailed down, I was pleasantly surprised to stumble upon a new favorite: Ju Hachi. Nestled on the corner of S and 17th, not only does Ju Hachi feature delicious, reasonably priced sushi—but also boasts some of the friendliest staff around. The quaint and inviting atmosphere will quickly make you feel like a regular and for those looking for a deal, be sure to pay close attention to Groupon, as they frequently run some pretty great deals. $40 for $20? $20 for $10?—yes, please!

I suggest enjoying the complimentary cucumber salad with an ice cold Japanese import beer.Then, enjoy a variety of the fresh and delicious specialty rolls and don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations. I suggest giving the Kohaku Roll a try, which features shrimp tempura, avocado and cucumber and is topped with red and white tuna, scallions and garlic cream sauce.

Ju Hachi
1730 S St.
Sacramento, CA
(916) 448-3481

Flaming Dragon Roll from Ninja Sushi

by SacFoodies

I am not the most daring person when it comes to selecting sushi rolls. I normally stick to the basics, and prefer to order the simplest roll on the menu. It wasn’t until I tasted the Flaming Dragon Roll from Ninja Sushi that I discovered my more adventurous side. Let me tell you – there are few sushi rolls quite as tasty as the Flaming Dragon Roll. Served on a flaming platter inside a nicely wrapped foil cover, the sushi roll sizzles for one to two minutes, leaving a tantalizing aroma you simply can’t resist. Once the fire dies down, you unravel the foil to find a beautiful surprise. The presentation is gorgeous and very well prepared. 
To add to the beautiful arrangement, the Flaming Dragon roll packs a punch of flavor in the form of a great-tasting, fiery- flavored roll filled with crispy tempura shrimp and crab meat, tightly wrapped in perfectly cooked rice, topped with spicy tuna, yellowtail, shrimp and avocado, and finished off with a sprinkle of Masago and green onion.
The first bite of the Flaming Dragon is nothing like anything I’ve ever tasted. The roll was carefully crafted to create the perfect combination of raw and cooked fish. The great quality ingredients, rich taste and heavenly scent of the Flaming Dragon made for an unforgettable meal –so unforgettable that I’ll certainly be coming back for more.
Ninja Sushi
8937 Folsom Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95826
(916) 369-1935

Mikuni, Midtown Sacramento

by SacFoodies

Recently a good friend was visiting from Wisconsin and wanted to indulge in some culinary goodness that wasn’t the same back home. We immediately thought sushi. Being relatively new to Sacramento, it was difficult to narrow down which spot to try and we decided on Mikuni. After this dining experience, I may have found my new favorite midtown restaurant!
Before even browsing the menu, we were both pleased. Mikuni Midtown is housed in a beautiful space adjacent to P.F. Changs at 16th and J in the East End Lofts building. It is an open building with high ceilings, exposed beams and a hustle and bustle that not only makes it trendy, but very welcoming.
After browsing the extensive menu, we decided on the four courses for $40 special (what a deal!) Two people can select two starters, two rolls and a dessert to round out the deliciously decadent meal.
For our first course we selected the crispy goyza.  Eight pieces of perfectly cooked pork pot stickers that weren’t too crispy or too soft, and paired wonderfully with the dipping sauce.
When selecting our second indulgence, it was a no brainer- mixed tempura. Bestowed before us was a plate bursting with color and plenty of food to satisfy two people. The mix included sweet potato, mushroom, asparagus, zucchini, carrot, broccoli, onion and four gigantic pieces of shrimp.
Then came the third course (cue hallelujah music): The rolls we picked were undoubtedly the best sushi I have ever had. It’s hard to even write about without calling in an order for takeout!
The first roll we chose was the Marilyn Monroll- scallop, avocado, crab mix, panko shrimp, sauce, masago and onion. Yum! Secondly, we decided on the Michi Roll, a similar roll with panko shrimp, cream cheese, crab mix, avocado, sauce, masago, onion, and my favorite- seared tuna.
Then came the grand finale! For our final course on this culinary journey we selected the triple chocolate mousse. Three layers of light and fluffy chocolate paired with a delicious raspberry sauce.
If you’ve never been or if you’re looking for another reason to head into Mikuni’s, the 2-for-$40 deal should be your reason, you won’t be disappointed.
Mikuni Midtown
1530 J Street
Sacramento, Ca 95814
(916) 447-2112