The Fat Okie

Food Friday: Ichiban Sushi Bar and Poke

While down on SW 3rd Street, I saw a new sushi restaurant I wanted to try so a few days later I stopped in for lunch.  Ichiban Sushi Bar and Poke has only been in town a few months but is becoming a well known place for good sushi.  Located in a strip mall on the south side of SW 3rd street, it almost blends in with the other businesses but has a great atmosphere inside.

I stopped on a chilly Friday for lunch.  The restaurant is very clean with many Japanese decorations all around for a fresh look.  I was greeted immediately by a very pleasant young lady who also took my drink order.  I sat and reviewed the menu, I’m not familiar with poke yet so I just stuck to the sushi.  I did start with the Fried Calamari.  Served with a mango type sauce (and a beautiful purple orchid), this was delightful.  The calamari rings were larger than what I’ve had in the past and the panko breading was light, didn’t weigh the calamari down but the highlight was the mango sauce.  Just added a different dimension to something that I’ve had in dozens of restaurants before.

Next I was brought my sushi.  I went with a Spicy Scallop roll and a Cowboy Roll, a roll with tempura shrimp, cream cheese and avocado, topped with a crab stick.  Took down the spicy scallop roll first, not too spicy but just enough to clear the sinuses.  It was good but the cowboy roll was the star of the sushi.  There was enough shrimp and cream cheese that I didn’t notice the avocado.  Topped with the crab stick and spicy mayo, this quickly became one of my favorite rolls.

The food was excellent and the service was incredible, every lady who came to my table was friendly and ready to help.  I really enjoyed the experience and will be back.  5 strips of bacon.