Tulsa is awesome: Yokozuna Sushi

My first meal in Tulsa was at Yokozuna, located in the Blue Dome District. My first indication that this meal would be awesome was when my server informed me that they had Diet Dr. Pepper fountain pop. Unlimited DDP and sushi? Fantastic. Edamame was ordered as an appetizer, and for my main course I ordered a veggie roll and an avocado roll. The edamame arrived quickly and was literally steaming hot. The rolls also came out promptly and were both delicious. The veggie roll was comprised of cucumber, avocado, asparagus, sprouts, artichoke and red bell pepper and the avocado roll kept it simple with, well, avocado. Both rolls were fresh and tightly packed (loose sushi is my enemy). In addition, it appeared that there were items on their regular menu that were vegan or could easily be made vegan. I didn't ask because I hadn't eaten in about seven hours and wanted my food as fast as possible. I also noticed a girl drinking the largest mixed drink I have ever seen and a sushi platter (intentionally) on fire while dining in Yokozuna. Make of that what you will. If I lived in Tulsa, this would definitely be a regular stop of mine. Between simple but lovely decor, delicious food, Diet Dr. Pepper and food intentionally on fire, this place is a winner.

PS- My fortune cookie said "Ask a hobo for $20 bill. You never know."

Sakura Bana

When it comes to going out for sushi in Omaha, my friends and I can narrow down our choices quickly and it always comes down to Matsu Sushi or Sakura Bana. What tips the scale in favor of Sakura Bana is when we want the carrot ginger dressing served with their side salad. I always start my meals there with a side salad topped with this outstanding dressing. I will even confess that sometimes I am gross and dip my avocado rolls in the leftover dressing. Delicious.

 While they don't have the selection of rolls that Matsu presents, they don't exactly slouch in that area either. On the platter pictured, we have an avocado roll, a yasai (veggie) roll, a kanpyo (cooked gourd) roll and a seaweed salad roll. There are a few other options, including inari. The sushi always tastes fresh and is rolled perfectly. One of my pet peeves is when sushi is rolled poorly, making it difficult to eat.

 

The final part of my meal at Sakura Bana always includes a sasadango. Sasadangos are made of mochi rice on the outside and sweet red bean paste on the inside. They come wrapped in a bamboo leaf and while they aren't much to look at, they are a delectable and rich way to finish your meal at Sakura Bana.

Aside from the food, Sakura Bana is a great place to enjoy a quiet meal. They start your meal out with hot towels and you have the option of sitting in a private tea room where you get to take your shoes off- great for a group!

Nebraska Vegans May be Spoiled: Part Four

Vegans have long resigned themselves to only being able to enjoy a select few rolls of sushi at most restaurants: the avocado roll, cucumber roll, veggie roll....you know the drill. However much I love those plain avocado rolls, sometimes I just want a little more variety. I shoot jealous sideways glances at my friends who are having a difficult time deciding between all their different fish filled rolls, while I made my decision within 30 seconds. Avocado roll and an inari, please.

This is why I'm constantly thankful for Matsu Sushi, located at 1009 Farnam Street, in the beautiful Old Market. Out of the 23 vegetarian rolls available, an astounding 21 rolls can be made vegan. Simply ask that the tempura be rolled in oil rather than egg, and you are good to go. Going there is a deliciously overwhelming experience. My favorites include the tofu yasai maki, which includes lightly fried tofu, green onions and peanuts, and the yasai maki, which includes cucumber, avocado and tempura battered asparagus and sweet potato. The next roll I intend to try is the mangotini, a concoction of mango, various veggies and no rice, all wrapped in nori.

My one caveat with this restaurant is that the service is not...brisk. Thankfully, the atmosphere here is very relaxing and the music is quiet enough that you can talk to everyone at your table. In short, bring someone you truly enjoy having conversations with, order an appetizer of edamame and then simply enjoy the evening as it happens.

The next time you are craving something beyond your basic cucumber roll (which is all the time for me), definitely hit up the Omaha's own, local Matsu Sushi.