A few years ago my Mom got me to try Sushi for my Birthday Lunch and it has now become our new tradition.  Yes, it did take me several months to build up to that decision.  I am so thankful I got my nerve up and commited!

My Pre-Birthday Lunch this year was at Sakura Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi

Sakura has now become our favorite restaurant for Sushi in Southern Utah.  They also of course have the Hibachi area, plus Thai Food, Duck Curry, Spicy Basil Lamb and more.  They all sound fantastic from the menu.  At some point we will have to try their other options.  Yet today was Sushi Day.

The environment is calm and relaxing.  Easy to order this, then order that, sit and relax and talk.  Except for during the first roll..  there is little talking during that one.  This roll is the one we know we want to order before we get there and anxiously await it for a few days.

Info for the photo’s and amount of rice – The restaurant does make all rolls with the      standard amount of rice.  Although, since Mom and I prefer little rice, they are truly fantastic to accomodate that request and make the rolls with as little rice as possible per our request.

This time, our first roll had to be our favorite from our last visit.  
HIRO ROLL – cooked shrimp, crabmeat, asparagus tempura, topped with spicy salmon, crunchy tempura, jalapeno, mango sauce and eel sauce.

Next up to counter the spicy, we wanted something mild. And yes… Mom is trying to sneak in, I had to grab the picture fast.   Simple, yet full of flavor and crunch.  ALASKA ROLL – smoked salmon, crabstick, cucumber.

Our next choice to pair with the mild Alaska Roll, and possibly our favorite, and our first choice next time..  
SPICY LOBSTER ROLL – baby lobster, spicy mayo, cilantro, cream cheese, deep fried with eel sauce and wasabi sauce.  The wasabi sauce on this is wonderful.  A creamy gentle spice, that hits all of your taste buds, then countered with the sweet eel sauce.  I need this roll again….. and again.  And yes, Mom trying to sneak in again.

I had to do a close up for the sauce, and in the middle all of the little lobster.  Plus remember this is light, light rice.  Many places won’t attempt a fried roll with little to no rice since it is what holds it all together.  I am happy Sakura does, and conquers it every time in our opinion.

Our next selections – Mango Tango Roll and Winter Roll.  Combinations of sweet and spicy.

This roll was a recommendation from a local on a food page.  So, if someone local recommends it, why not try it. And, I can confirm it is a tasty roll. The combination of the fresh jalapeno and mango on top, sweet, spicy, crunchy, soft, it is a great mix.  
MANGO TANGO ROLL – shrimp tempura, cream cheese, tuna, topped with mango, jalapeno, eel sauce, spicy mayo sauce.

This roll is another combination of sweet and spicy with creamy avocado, the spicy tuna on top isn’t overpowering with spice, just enough to add to all of the other layers of flavor.  
WINTER ROLL – tempura shrimp, avocado, mango sauce, spicy tuna, sweet chili sauce.

This was our last selection for the day.  I usually dont like lemon slices on a roll because they are thick, and the rind is chewy and sour.  Yet, since all of the other rolls are so good, and this combination sounded good, lets give it a try.  No dissappointment on this one.  The lemon is sliced so thin, no chewy lemon rind, just that nice bright flavor.
FISHER ROLL – Crab, cream cheese, salmon, avocado, lemon slices, eel sauce.

I enjoy traditions.
No matter if it is an old tradition or a new one.
Keep them going
Keep the bonds,
the fun and the enjoyment.

Enjoy the fun of food and family!

And, if you love sushi and make your way to Southern Utah give Sakura a try.

Sakura Sushi and Japanese Steakhouse
939 E St. George Blvd.
St George, Utah 84770
435-275-2888