Sushi Time Equals Anytime for Me

The Japanese started their culinary traditions a couple thousand years ago. Consuming thinly sliced raw fish has been a staple of their diet since those ancient times. The ideal of Japanese cooking is to retain the natural tastes of food, with a minimum of artificial processing. Sashimi can be viewed as a perfect example of their cooking philosophy: keep it simple and real.

Japanese food is a big favorite of mine, so I was excited to visit Sushi Time for lunch last week. As my friend and I entered the restaurant, we were immediately struck by the tranquil calm of the place. Strange, because there was a TV above the sushi bar playing a sports program, and another one over the booths with a news show on. In addition, you could hear background music playing an eclectic mix of everything from soft jazz to the theme from The Godfather. Somehow it all worked together in harmony—nothing was too loud—there was balance to it, just like Japanese food.

We were promptly seated at a comfortable booth, given menus, and asked for our drink order. The service was impeccable throughout the entire meal. My dining partner and I decided to split the Sushi Time Special Lunch Box for $14.95. This giant meal offered the choice of chicken or beef teriyaki, tuna or salmon sashimi, gyoza, California roll, steamed rice, salad, and miso soup. We opted for the chicken teriyaki and tuna sashimi. During the short wait for the food, we were presented with a complimentary appetizer of edamame—nice touch.

The steaming miso soup came quickly to the table. Soon the large five-compartment black lacquered bento box containing our lunch treasures was before us. We found a mountain of perfectly cooked rice flecked with black sesame seeds next to a mound of teriyaki chicken served on a bed of savory shredded cabbage. On the other side of the tray was a big gingery garden salad, gyoza, Cali roll, sliced tuna, and a surprise scoop of cold udon noodles in a light tangy sauce.

A very nice presentation. Usually when photographing food, you have to fuss with it a bit—not this time. Just point and shoot. It is a proven fact that people think food tastes better when it looks good. But even blindfolded I would have enjoyed this meal. Everything was good.

Two standouts were the cold peppery noodles and the California roll filled with lots of chunky fresh avocado. The sashimi was very tasty, especially when lathered up with wasabi and a little squirt of soy sauce. The chicken was slightly stringy, but the flavorful teriyaki bath it was in more than made up for this small indiscretion.

Sushi Time has an extensive menu. The sushi bar offers about 50 different specialty rolls, including a number of customer creations. You will find all the favorite traditional Japanese hot and cold dishes, along with some off-the-beaten-path items. Here you can enjoy an Echigo rice beer or knock back an uni shooter. Their selection of sakes was also top notch, featuring a number of premium offerings.

If you like Japanese food, or want to expand your horizons, then plan a visit to Sushi Time. And bring the family, because they even have a kid’s meal in a bento box—too cute.

is located at 6950 Federal Blvd., near the corner of College Avenue. They serve lunch or dinner, and offer specials. Monday through Saturday lunch is served from 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., and dinner from 5–9:30 p.m. On Sunday, the hours are 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. for lunch, and 5–9 p.m. for dinner. They accept credit and debit cards. You can order food to go by calling in your order to 619-589-1750.