How They Roll: West Chester Welcomes Wasabi

Call it snobbery, but when I first saw a Japanese and Chinese restaurant was opening in Bradford Plaza next to the Sally Beauty Supply, I immediately wrote off their cuisine in my head. Slowly, I heard trickles of good feedback. Friends started suggesting it as an option for dinner dates, and I read a few great reviews online.

Still cautious, my colleague and I decided to give it a whirl for lunch. How many times can one dine at <the other West Chester sushi bar> before they desire some options? Not to mention, there are no meters to feed or parking tickets to be had at Bradford Plaza.

décor immediately put my snobbery in check. The stylish and inventive light installations create an atmosphere not at all reminiscent of your run of the mill strip mall Chinese restaurant. The service is friendly and efficient. We were not fawned over or doted on, but who needs an over-eager server constantly interrupting their mealtime conversation?

After ordering a variety from the Chinese and Japanese menus, we munched on Edamame ($3.95) while we waited for the entrees to arrive. From the Chinese side we ordered Broccoli with Brown Sauce over brown rice ($6.95). The price was a bit high for essentially half a crown of steamed broccoli, but in line with other local Chinese menus. The brown sauce had a good flavor but the oil and “gravy” so to speak were separated, and the gravy was, in parts coagulated. Not a bad dish, but the sauce (which is consistent with what you carnivores would see on Chicken with Broccoli) could use a little work with its consistency.

Next, the sushi arrived.  The presentation was gorgeous and I suspect had we ordered individual specialty rolls they would have been even more elegantly arranged. The Tekka Maki, Green Dragon Roll, and Godzilla Roll were all prepared perfectly. The spicy tuna was mixed in a nice sauce that balanced the creaminess and spice well. The avocado was perfectly ripe. The eel sauce was not as sweet and thick as some, but perhaps was a bit more natural in its ingredient list. For under $30, we had chosen two specialty rolls and a standard roll with avocado added. Not a bad value at all.

Wasabi offers a wide selection of lunch specials, from both cuisines. It’s important to note we did not partake of those specials; if dining on a budget, it seemed possible for two people to have lunch for $25 or less here. All in all, a great dining experience which will be repeated.