Sushi Lover Nicole of Glendale, AZ

Today’s Sushi Lover-Girl is Nicole, a paralegal in Glendale, Arizona.

How long ago did you begin eating sushi?

I started with California rolls in High School and graduate to Salmon and Eel about two years ago. J

 
How were you introduced to sushi?

 
I used to get it from the grocery store after school with friends. Back then I thought it was the best! Now I know better.

 
Did you like sushi the first time you tried it?

Yes. I only liked cook sushi, nothing raw. Now I love anything raw as long as it’s not a huge chunk… I know real sushi lovers love the chunks but I am just not there yet.

How often do you eat sushi?            How often would you like to eat sushi?

Once a month but I would like to eat it weekly if it wasn’t so expensive!

 
What is your favorite (or favorites) sushi?

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE the crunchy crab roll from Cherry Blossom Noodle Cafe.  I also really like the Las Vegas and Cucumber Rolls from Ra and a new favorite is the Kamikaze from Ichi Ban on Central at Thomas.

 
What is your favorite sushi restaurant?  Why?

Cherry Blossom Noodle Cafe! I love the funky atmosphere, you don’t know if you in an Italian restaurant, French bakery, or a Sushi bar.  Not to mention the random Astroturf in the front of the store.  Oh and the yummy Crunchy crab rolls! J

What is your most memorable sushi experience?

Well the one that is fresh is my mind is from last week. We were at Ichi Ban and Terrie thought Krystal’s chewed up Edamame leafs still had pods in them and started to eat one.  LOL I didn’t know what was worse Terrie looking like she was going to die from ingesting Krystal’s germs or the next 5 minutes of Terrie laughing hysterically.  Good times.

Where is the most unusual or exotic place/city you’ve eaten sushi?

Hmm… nothing truly unusual or exotic but some unusual things happen when Sake get involved. I remember for graduation night we went to Ten Restaurant (Sushi bar in Cave Creek) with my girl friends and we literally ate 200 dollars worth of Sushi and Sake.

 
Have you converted/introduced anyone to sushi? How many people? 

I tried to convert my best friend Jodi, but she will not go past California Rolls.  She is all about texture, and sometimes the seaweed makes her gag –  let alone eating raw fish.

 
What was your score on the “Are you really a sushi lover” test? -4 http://sushiloversunite.com/2008/11/13/are-you-really-a-sushi-lover/

 
Yes or No (comments welcome) – do you enjoy:               

Nigiri sushi (slice of fish over rice)  - Nope – can’t do the chunks of fish!

Maki (roll) sushi- Oh yes!

Temaki (handroll) sushi- Never had one

Chirashi (sashimi over a bowl of rice)- No thanks

Sashimi (slices of fish – no rice)—Never!

Cooked sushi only – nothing raw—Yes any and all of it.

Miso soup—Oh yes!

Edamame—Yummy! Now I am hungry!!!!

 Any other comments: 
Maki Mom when is the next happy Hour at Cherry Blossom? J