Sushi Roku Launches New, Innovative Summer Menu
If you're sad that summer vacation is coming to a close, here's some good food news to cheer you up! Summer may be heading to a close, but that didn't stop Executive Sushi Chef Hiroshi Shima from creating some new summer dishes for Sushi Roku. So what's new? And more importantly, is it worth ordering? 
These are not Brussel Sprouts, but rather Brussel Sprouts Chips doused with truffle oil. These were very tasty especially since I love truffle oil, but the chips are very light since there's not the same texture of eating the entire Brussel Sprout. Order these if you want something to munch on, but don't want to get filled up. 
The Sea Bream White Fish Sashimi with herb vinaigrette and Ume Furikake. Ume is Japanese salt/pickled plums. This was a must-order for me! 
The next dish was very luxurious. If only they served these as horderves at wedding or parties! Say hello to these Tuna Tartare Phyllo Cups with yuzu guacamole and soy truffle.
One of the dishes that stood out the most for me was the Kurobuta Pork Belly, which is braised for 6 hours and eaten dipped with egg porn. How amazing is that video? On its own, the pork belly can be a bit salty. Eating it with rice would be perfect!
My favorite raw dish of the night was definitely the Toro Sashimi with Ossetra Caviar and yuzu salt. So pretty, right? Oh, and make no mistake about it, the toro melted in my mouth! 
What's great about Sushi Roku is that there's something for everyone. I know it's hard to believe that not everyone loves sushi and sashimi, but it's true it does exist. For those who don't like raw fish or sushi, Sushi Roku also has Wagyu Sliders with crispy shiitakes, onions, and truffle mayo. There's even a panko-crusted Seabass Slider with Tonkatsu Tartar sauce. 
Of course, Sushi Roku also has sushi on the summer menu as well like the Yellowtail Diced Chilies Roll made with seared yellowtail, popcorn shrimp, and jalapeños on the left. Now you may be thinking what the heck is that green roll on the right? It's a vegetarian roll! Usually when you think of a veggie roll, you think of something boring like a cucumber roll or a avocado roll. This bad boy was packed with veggies like asparagus, gobo, cucumber, spinach, eggplant, and garlic chips.
As for dessert off the new summer menu, I was able to taste both the Sour Cream Blueberry Ice Cream Pie with a Graham Cracker Crust and the Warm Matcha Butter Cake with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. My favorite hands down was the Butter Cake. Mmmmm... I"m drooling thinking about it right now.
Overall, I really liked the really unique, new additions to Sushi Roku. If you have friends that are picky eaters, Sushi Roku may be a way to compromise for Japanese food where everyone can order something they want. I throughly enjoyed my meal and I'd recommend you check out their new summer menu available at the other Sushi Roku locations.
Here's the two locations closest to Los Angeles:
SUSHI ROKU-PASADENA
One Colorado, 33 Miller Alley, Pasadena, CA 91103, (626) 683-3000.
SUSHI ROKU-SANTA MONICA
1401 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90401, (310) 458-4771.
