Freshness Reigns at Sushi Roku

The dining room of Sushi Roku is dark, Zen-like, peaceful with the sound of multiple water features in the background. A small outcropping of rocks surrounds tables on one side, while roughly hewn pieces of highly polished wood adorn the back wall. Everything is lit discreetly; designed to bring the diner a sense of peace and well-being.

While sipping iced tea, my companion and I were brought one of the restaurant’s more popular appetizers; Japanese Yellowtail Sashimi with diced Chilies. The dish was slightly tart with the taste of ponzu sauce and yuzu juice, but balanced with soy sauce and the chilies (which were mild). Hot olive oil was poured over the dish before serving which slightly seared the fish while leaving the freshness intact.

Everyday, Sushi Roku presents a special menu featuring the fresh fish of the day prepared in various ways: Sushi, Sashimi, items from the Sushi bar and dishes prepared in the kitchen. My companion and I were treated to a Meji Maguro (Blue Fin Tuna) Sashimi with Garlic Oil and Ponzu. Each piece of delicate fish was lightly seared and rolled, topped with a slice of jalapeño and a garlic chip. Each bite began with the tartness of the ponzu, continued with the freshness of the fish and finished with the bite of jalapeño and garlic. Also served from the special menu were tender seared scallops atop roasted Japanese eggplant drizzled with soy vinaigrette.

One of the features of Sushi Roku is the Chef’s Omakase which translated means “Trust Me.” With this menu choice the diner allows the chef to make the selections of the freshest fish of the day and most delicious menu items. With our Omakase we were served Sashimi of Katsuo (Skip Jack), Engawa (Halibut Fin), Aji (Spanish Mackerel) and Hotate (Japanese Scallop). The fish was presented in an ice-filled bowl with each delicate slice arranged like petals from a flower. The fish was of the highest quality, extremely fresh and tasting of the sea. Accompanying our Sashimi was freshly grated wasabi which is not as hot as the paste and has a sweetness which compliments the freshness of the fish.

Don’t worry if Sashimi or Sushi is not for you — Sushi Roku has a large selection of entrees and appetizers “from the farm,” along with cooked fish and vegetarian choices. Two items we tasted were the Filet Mignon wrapped Asparagus with Soy Mirin Sauce and the Chilean Seabass in Yuzu Butter Sauce. Each of these were appetizers but were large enough to serve as a meal or to share with a companion. The Filet-wrapped asparagus was slightly pepper, the asparagus grilled and the soy mirin was sweet, with the bite of ginger. The seabass was melt-in-your-mouth tender and mild. The yuzu butter was slightly tart with just enough acidity to compliment the fish.

Dessert was not forgotten! A plate of baby banana spring rolls was brought to our table accompanied by strawberry ice cream, strawberry sauce, caramel sauce and crème anglaise; a playful take on the banana split. Absolutely delicious.

Prices at Sushi Roku are on the high side, Appetizers ranging from $4.00 Р$9.00 for vegetarian selections and $5.00 Р$16.00 for the meat and fish selections. Sushi is priced from $3.00 to $9.00 for two pieces and Sashimi from $5.50 to $18.00 for 4 pieces. Entr̩e prices for the dinner selections cost between $19.00 and $32.00. Sushi Roku also offers salads, soups, tempura, and of course dessert.

Sushi Roku is located at 33 Miller Alley at One Colorado, Pasadena. Their hours are Lunch: Monday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.;  Dinner: Monday to Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Friday, 5:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.; and Lunch or Dinner from noon to 11:30 p.m. on Saturday and noon until 10:00 p.m. on Sunday. The restaurant offers happy hour all night Mondays and from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. all other days of the week, at which time bottles of wine are offered at 50% off. They also offer a large selection of Sakes, served cold. (I was told by the manager David Ficklen that only lower quality sake is served hot.) They also offer a large list of Specialty Drinks.