Thursday, February 2, 2012

Ra Ra Ra Oh La La... Sushi!

Please forgive the next cheesy expression “Ra, Ra, Ra, ah, ah/ Yum Yum, umm umm/ Gaga oh la la/ Want some Good sushi!” If you noticed this was suppose to be a verse from Lady Gaga Bad Romance. But in turn I talked about Good Sushi! I had the honor and privilege to go to Ra Sushi earlier this month.  From my previous post, one would gather I love sushi. I do love sushi, it one of the few things I can eat due to diet restrictions and I can enjoy it like a fat kid loves cake (line from 21 questions by 50 cent).  My coworker had a ½ birthday gift card from Ra sushi and she invited me. (Another reason to love RA they give 1/2 birthday gift certificates!)
            
When we first arrived, the restaurant seemed busy and super fast paced, the whole restaurant was crowded. I was expecting a long wait, but the hostess quickly found us a table and was pleasant the whole time. We were seated, within seconds our server came over with a smile on her face and greeted us enthusiastically. She showed us the happy hour specials, along with the regular menu, and drink menu. She asked if we wanted anything to drink and offered suggestions such as the "Blushing Geisha" which includes cold lemonade mixed with Skyy Raspberry vodka, raspberry liqueur & Sprite. I was unable to try this one since I had to drive, but it sounds marvelous!
 The cool thing about Ra is they have two kitchens that the food comes out so your entries come out at different speeds. So you never know which item you order will come out first.  The vibe of the restaurant will remind you of a fast pace New York City Restaurant. It is very crowded and loud but still intimate with the lighting. The music played is top 40 with different DJ mixes.  Lets get to the good part of review , the food!!!

Wasabi Mash Potatoes




I love Mash Potatoes some places either make them too bland, too salty or rely to heavily on seasoning. I will be honest I was skeptical of putting wasabi in mash potatoes but the Chefs at RA proved me wrong. The potatoes were soft and fluffy. The wasabi flavor did not over power my taste buds and was a surprise burst of flavor at the end of each bite. The reaction in my mouth went like this potatoes, hints of garlic and butter than BAM Wasabi!!!!  I loved how each bit followed the same formula. This was one dish that was left spotless. 

PINEAPPLE CHEESE WONTONS



Pineapple Cheese Wontons is a twist on the classic Wonton. It was pineapple over top of cream cheese fried to a delicate crisp factor. I loved the sweetness of the pineapple with a little hint of heat. I wasn’t thrilled by the pineapple dipping sauce was but I the wontons were very delicious and tasty. 

CRAZY MONKEY ROLL


The Crazy Monkey Roll is Smoked salmon, mango and cream cheese topped with avocado, red beet tempura bits & cashews; drizzled with mango and sweet eel sauces. I must be honest the first taste is shocking like its slimy and sweet it plays with your taste buds. I do not remember the Salmon but I do remember the sweetness of the Mango and Avocado. This is for the Brave foodie, if you are not brave than stick with the traditional rolls. I enjoyed the Crazy Monkey but I do not think I will re-order it; there are just too many other rolls to try.  The sauce used on the roll was slightly overpowered by the mango but it was still enjoyable.


GARLIC SUGAR SNAP PEAS
Sugar snap peas were sautéed in an Asian seasoning and garlic.  This was another appetizer that was sampled while at RA. The Sugar Snap were okay, nothing really amazing or great about them. They tasted like sugar snap peas in garlic butter.  I ended up taking most of the plate home to eat as leftovers. If you get an appetizer try the pineapple wontons or the Wasabi Mash potatoes.
I don't know remember which Roll this was so this is the end of this post.

Ra Sushi does have a number of events coming up for February!

Sushi 101 - Feb. 12 at 2PM
RA Sushi’s crash course in sushi. Class includes sushi rolling lessons, a beverage, edamame, miso soup and a pre-stamped lunch card good for a complimentary lunch.
Mardi RA - 2/21
Join us in the RA and celebrate Fat Tuesday as we bring you a taste of the Big Easy. From 7 p.m. to close, dress in your favorite Mardi Gras attire and come celebrate….“Mardi RA” style.
Sushi 102 - Feb. 26 at 2PM

Want to take sushi making to the next level? Introducing Sushi 102, a class exploring the art and technique of sushi making, Japanese etiquette and sake pairings. 

Every Sunday From 8 pm-12 am they have Flying Fish Lounge.