. "3"^^ . "0"^^ . "5"^^ . . "In this city of sushi bars galore, finding a good one can be tough. In the past, I had two favorites. One of which (whose name I can't even remember) was in The Lakes area and closed many years ago. The other one, Kobe, I have since moved too far away from to justify making the hike for AYCE lunch. For all I know, it could end up being dinner by the time I get there from where I currently live. \n\nSo, the hunt began for me to find a new sushi joint. I've heard many sing the praises of Yama. I wasn't impressed. Sushi-Mon? Overrated. Ra Sushi? Decent rolls, obnoxiously clubby and trendy atmosphere coupled with high prices and the lack of AYCE. I learned that many of the no-name joints where the main sign literally just says \"sushi\" are like that for a reason. Sushi 21 was my main go-to for a while, and it was pretty decent, but that's it. Nothing mind-blowing. Eager to have sushi but wanting something mind-blowing, I was led to try this place.\n\nYes. This place is pretty mind-blowing indeed. It actually blows my prior two faves out of the water.\n\nLocated in a strip mall that appears to be slowly becoming Little Tokyo due to all the Japanese-related businesses popping up, it is a space that is fairly large but still maintains a degree of intimacy. The music is noticeable, but not TOO noticeable. The servers are attentive and friendly. \n\nAs for the menu? Probably the most extensive AYCE menu I've ever seen. For starters (no pun intended), the list of appetizers is so long that it takes up a whole page. I've never seen that before. There's also some very creative rolls indeed. A chicken katsu roll? Again: Mind. Blown.\n\nEverything came out quite fast, with the pork belly being sizzling hot and the right balance of tough and tender. The chicken katsu being tiny in the most satisfying way possible. Their eel sauce was off the chain. The lobster roll was a bit messy, but that's easily forgiven. I mean, it's chunk lobster meat after all. \n\nThe Final Verdict:\n\nPros:\nGreat ambiance and dining setting.\nLarge AYCE menu at a decent price (20.95 for Lunch)\nCopious amounts of appetizers on the AYCE menu.\nFresh, flavorful and creative rolls.\n\nCons:\nMessy lobster roll....but this is minor. \nYum-yum sauce and japanese-style mayo seemed to be everywhere.\n\nSuggestions:\nLay off the Japanese mayo please.\n\nReturn Factor: 10/10. Already planning on it."^^ . . "1"^^ . "2017-03-14T00:00:00"^^ .