Sushi Bistro: Rock n’ Roll Me
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Rock n’ Roll
I could eat sushi every day of my life and not get sick of it. It helps when places like Sushi Bistro keep it fresh and fun with innovative combinations of ingredients (and dish names). Case in point, the orgasmic Rock n’ Roll.
Seriously, you will put this in your mouth, and you will make sounds that may or may not be appropriate for the table.
The Rock n’ Roll features spicy scallops smothered in kewpie mayonnaise spiked with sriracha (Thai-style hot chili sauce), and served on top of a California roll. The sweet scallop meat, the creamy mayo baked to golden, bubbly irresistibility, the kick from the sriracha, the subdued California base with its refreshing cucumber crunch…these forces combined will make you go mmmm…yummm…ooooh yumyumyum!
First Crush
In comparison, the other roll we ordered drew lukewarm reactions (i.e. we weren’t licking our chopsticks and smacking our lips after the last piece was gone). First Crush featured spicy albacore, avocado, and Fuji apple, wrapped in brown rice, and topped with salmon and ginger cilantro ponzu sauce. Spicy, sweet, salty, herby…there was just too much going on here…and the rice was on the mushy side. It worked a little better when eaten in a deconstructed fashion.
Agedashi Tofu
The Agedashi Tofu – fried, silken tofu – was served in a sweet soy sauce broth, topped with dried bonito flakes and scallions. The skin on the tofu was strangely glutinous and sticky, not crisp. Fail.
While I don’t have a photo to show for it, the Fried Oysters were also a fail…well as much of a fail that anything fried and oyster can be. My main gripe was that the cornmeal breading was way too thick and suffocated the natural loveliness of the oysters.
Ahi Tuna Poke
OK, I’m sorry. I can tell I’m depressing you. Please accept my apology and allow me to make it up to you by presenting the Ahi Tuna Poke Special. This, was far from fail. Huge cubes of fresh Ahi tuna marinated in a spicy secret sauce, served with organic baby greens and topped with fried rice noodles. What made this salad really special was the dressing. Slightly creamy, with the sweet, salty, tang of soy sauce, and umami up the wazoo.
I am an optimist by nature, and despite the lower points of the meal, the high ones left me still feeling benevolent towards Sushi Bistro. I will be back to sample the myriad of specialty rolls left untried. And of course, to indulge in that sinfully good Rock n’Roll.
ADDRESS
Sushi Bistro
445 Balboa St (at 6th Ave.)
San Francisco, CA 94118
415-933-7100
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I think I’ve been there before, but not too sure. If I went there before, it sure didn’t make a lasting impression in my mind, Lol!!!
The rock and roll sounds great!!!!
Zari: ha, to be fair, i’ve only been there once so far, but i would go back…their list of specialty rolls is extensive so i think it will take a few more tries to discover the really memorable ones. i’ll keep you posted!
I E FOOD: oh it is divine! mmmmm yummmm oooohyummyyummy
Oh man, I’m the same as you. I could eat sushi everyday and not get sick of it. That Rock n’Roll looks and sounds exactly the same as the Lion King roll which is what I always order and look for when I’m at a sushi restaurant. Its simply one of the best rolls out there!
Chris: Ahh, good to know! I didn’t know it was a popular standard. Will have to look out for it at other places!
wow very nice dinner! that rock and roll looks really yummy! now I just need to board a plane and fly to SF!!
kang: haha worth the flight i dare say
the combo of scallop and baked mayo reminds me a lot of an appetizer that you can sometimes find in good chinese restaurants. they fill a large scallop shell with a mixture of chopped scallops, put a layer of mayonnaise on top and broil it so it’s golden and bubbly like these rolls! delish 
That Rock ‘n Roll sushi looks devine. It is on my list of the next dish to make. Thank you for sharing.