Arkansas Traveler
Photos courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism
SKY (‘skī, noun, 1. the upper atmosphere or expanse of space that constitutes an apparent great vault or arch over the earth 2. An amazing new Japanese Fusion restaurant in Little Rock.) Sky, a chic new Japanese restaurant, recently opened in the Pleasant Ridge Mall, has unveiled a cosmic world of culinary pleasures as its skillful chefs and dedicated wait staff enthusiastically pursue the pleasing of all five senses. Sky’s edgy approach to food and ambiance make this a culinary journey reminiscent of trendier spots found in lower Soho. The silver tree that vaults the restaurant and the cloud covered ceiling help transform diners to an ethereal dimension. Three separate bars dedicated to Sushi, Hibachi and Exotic Drinks provide enough of a show to keep the atmosphere lively and entertaining. Sky embraces traditional Japanese fare while incorporating contemporary Western trends without compromising the essential integrity of the food. Whether seated in the main dining room, or at one of the bar areas, food can be ordered from the main kitchen, the hibachi bar or the sushi bar. Signature dishes such as Seared Divers Scallops are served on a bed of creamy risotto with wild mushrooms and pea tendrils. Salmon with Citrus Aioli and Peking Duck Breast with sour cherry chutney are just a few among many of the chefs’ specialties. My guests and I started our culinary journey by ordering sushi appetizers. The Dragon Roll, artfully prepared to look like a dragon, had an entire broiled eel atop a snowcrab roll. The Sky Roll, my favorite, encased eel, tomago, tuna, salmon and avocado, and was delicately fried and drizzled with a sweet, freshly-made eel sauce and spicy mayo. The Cherry Blossom Roll, with fresh salmon, crab and avocado on the inside and fresh tuna on the outside, demonstrated the sushi chef’s ability to create the perfect harmony of fish and rice. The rolls were satisfying and unique and tickled my taste buds with the ferocity of a thousand flaming samurai. As our main fare we shared plates of chicken, shrimp and steak from the hibachi. The meats were tender and exceptionally flavored. The hibachi chef’s skill extended to the fried rice that accompanied the meal and is worthy of special note. Finally, although gloriously sated, we sacrificed ourselves for the sake of this review and ordered a decadent dessert. We all shared some fried ice cream, a tempura battered ball of vanilla ice cream, topped with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, cherries and mint, and as a special treat, we were presented with a plum wine soaked orange that was truly one of the most unique and wonderful tastes I have ever experienced. Sky is an epicurean experience that foodies both young and old will enjoy. Upon leaving the restaurant, I raised my arms in praise to the SKY, as I now understood why it had been so aptly named. Robin Sullivan is a member of the Bankruptcy Section at Mackie Wolf Zientz & Mann, P.C. She served as a Law Clerk for Chief Judge Audrey R. Evans at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas, and has experience representing both Debtors and Creditors in bankruptcy related matters. She graduated with honors from the Bowen School of Law, and was nominated as a Distinguished Law Student by the American College of Bankruptcy. Prior to law school, she received a B.A. from Dartmouth College. She serves on the Board of the Arkansas Association of Women Lawyers and is a member of the Arkansas Bar Association and Debtor-Creditor Bar of Central Arkansas. She can be reached at Mackie Wolf Zientz & Mann P.C., Union Bank Building, 124 West Capitol, Suite 1560, Little Rock, AR 72201, (501)218-8726.
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