Taste FOOD FILES
ON A ROLL
Signature sushi dishes sure to hit the spot this summer
BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ
Seared Dynamite Scallop Roll
Roka Akor This luxe Japanese steakhouse serves its sushi with simplicity so the quality and flavor of the fish are the stars of the plate. The restaurant’s fish are delivered whole for its master sushi chefs to clean, debone, and filet by hand with the utmost precision. Here, subtly briny snow crab and creamy avocado are rolled in rice; topped with scallops; and drizzled with a sweet, slightly spicy dynamite sauce. Before serving, the entire roll is seared until it has the slightest char, bringing out each individual flavor. $18. www.rokaakor.com.
Crab + Mango Roll
Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill Refreshing with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, this roll starts with kanikama, often called imitation crab meat for its crab-like texture and taste. It is made primarily from Alaskan pollock with small quantities of other popular white fish. It is combined with crispy cucumber and sweet mango before being rolled in rice and finished with a sweet chili sauce. $12. www.lingandlouies.com.
Clear Lobster Roll
Mastro’s City Hall Light yet indulgent, this roll features slipper lobster, a delicate flavor known for its sweetness. It is tempura-battered and fried, then combined with spicy aioli, cilantro, mango, avocado, red leaf lettuce, and salty masago in shiso soy paper and rolled with rice. Once plated, it is topped with curry oil and rich, buttery lobster sauce and then garnished with delicate carrot curls and black sesame seeds for texture. $26. www.mastrosrestaurants.com.
Tuna Jalapeno Roll
Over the past 100 years, sushi has evolved into an edible art form. What was once a humble street food enjoyed with one’s hands in Japan, today, sushi is the height of sophisticated, elevated dining around the world. So, grab some chopsticks and dig into these 10 rolls showcasing unique ingredients, fresh flavors, and beautiful presentation.
Sushi Roku Each bite of this signature roll explodes with spice and freshness and also brings together both Asian and Southwestern flavors in the most harmonious of ways. It starts with the classic combination of spicy tuna, fresh avocado and citrusy yuzu-infused olive oil, which is rolled in sushi rice. Each piece is then artfully adorned with a crown of tuna sashimi. Finally, the roll is sprinkled with cilantro and topped with razor-thin slices of fresh jalapenos for a little kick. $20. www.sushiroku.com.
Friends with Benefits Roll
Kasai Japanese Steakhouse As beautiful as it is delicious, when you bite into this roll expect a mix of spicy crab, cucumber and spicy mayo as well as a crunch thanks to the lightly tempura-fried shrimp. Once plated,
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So Scottsdale! July ‘20