GRDine

When we first launched the site we were hoping to be proven wrong by one of our readers, and that has happened.  In one of my first posts I write about Mikado Sushi and how I haven’t been able to find better sushi in the city. After posting, Joe Lochinski pointed out that he has traveled the globe and has had countless sushi experiences, but TG was the best he has had in GR.  His exact comment was:

As I agree with your evaluation of 2 sushi bars, I strongly suggest Tokyo Grill. It is just SE of the intersection of Breton and 44th st. I have eaten sushi all around the world (Tokyo, Osaka, & Kyoto, Japan, Playa del Carmen, & Alexandria, Egypt). By far, this is the best sushi experience in Grand Rapids. It wins local awards each year, is extremely welcoming & aesthetically pleasing, and the owner is wonderful company. It would be a disservice not to mention this restaurant.

Last night I ventured out to Tokyo Grill.  It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the inside décor helps give it character beyond any other sushi establishment in Grand Rapids.  The service was prompt, and the menu was elaborate.   I was especially impressed with the lengthy list of specialty maki (rolls).  The specialty rolls were NOT cheap…ranging from $10 to $33 ($33 for the Bankruptcy Maki).  I chose not to go bankrupt on this trip; however I did spend nearly $80 for 5 rolls.

I ended up ordering three specialty rolls; Princess Maki ($18 – Deep fried Salmon, Spicy Tuna, Cream Cheese, Fish Egg and a Sweet Eel Sauce…or something of that combination), Manhattan Maki ($15- Forget what was in this one, but it was incredible), and the last roll I forget that was almost identical to the Princess but had chopped octopus on top and cost about $17.  I also ordered 2 Spicy Tuna rolls for the side.

The presentation of the food was fantastic, and every roll tasted as good as expected…however I will probably avoid steamed Octopus (as a layer on one of the rolls) in the future as it has a bit of a chewy consistency that I’d like to avoid.  Not terrible, but I know I could find a better option on the menu.

It was a little out of the way, but when I have friends visit from out of town, and the request is sushi…I will be making the trip again.

Thank you Joe and the readers for keeping us sharp! –JD

Over the last decade “Western” Sushi has become more and more popular starting with the California Roll, but then expanding into the Philadelphia or Crunchy roll as well.  Finding a traditional sushi restaurant can be a dangerous challenge.  Although traditional sushi focuses around vinegar rice topped with other ingredients, raw fish is most often involved.  If you are anything like me, you don’t want to set food in an establishment that can’t drive business and are forced to sell aged fish (I really hope this doesn’t happen).

In Grand Rapids, I am aware of about five sushi establishments, but only two present themselves as viable options.  If you Google Grand Rapids Sushi, you will get more results, but Rockwell’s/Republic aren’t exactly going to make this cut in this discussion.  The two establishments I am referring to are Mikado and Marado.  As of last week, I am going to say that Mikado is my top pick.  Located at 3971 28^th Street, under a sign that says “sushi” and yes, as everyone always asks, next to the Shoe Carnival.  Everyone is always skeptical of this place…location and the lack of flare deters passing business.  It doesn’t get much better when you walk in.  The interior is extremely outdated, and you are greeted with a giant bowl with a mixed assortment of hard candies you have never heard of that could have been sitting there since their grand opening.  Once you are seated, you are given a damp hot towel, hot green tea, some ginger to cleanse your palate, and a menu.  On my first trip, I spent a good 10 minutes trying to find the Western rolls…  Just as a tip, you need to ask specifically to see their ala carte menu; otherwise you will only see traditional sushi menu options which can be confusing to the layman (that’s me).

Some of the selections I would recommend include the Pink Monster (enhanced spicy tuna roll), the Vegas (a unique roll with tuna, yellow tail, crab and salmon topped with chopped tomato and spicy tuna), and the Crunchy Roll (the server mentioned it seemed to be an American favorite…Why?  Because it is deep fried, contains cream cheese and is dowsed in some incredible sweet sauce?  Go figure).  If you are feeling really ambitious they also have The Boat…This is an actually wooden boat covered in an assortment of daily sushi options selected by the chef.  You need to be feeling adventurous as you never know what he will be picking that day.

Since the search will always be out for amazing sushi, I could use some additional help uncovering any gems in West Michigan.  However, until then, this place is king. -JD