Like many other Yeeps in the area, I was intrigued by the consistent string of 5-star reviews for Sushi Yee, and the songs of praise sung within these reviews. "Fresh....inexpensive...amazing...." However...I wasn't entirely sold on the idea of a sushi restaurant fashioned like the typical Chinese take-out joint, and being that I was so skeptical and I wanted to make sure I had all the bases covered, I visited Sushi Yee twice before I started this review.
Being that I have seafood allergies (unfortunate, I know), I called in and ordered my go-to sushi staples, the sweet potato roll ($4.50), and the chicken tempura roll ($5.00). Nothing fancy, but like I said, my options are often limited. On both visits there were a couple of other patrons there seated at one of the few tables waiting for their to-go orders. "No-frills" sums up this establishment to a tee, complete with the quintessential overhead pictures of popular items, bottled and canned drinks, and take-out menus piled on the counter.
After a brief wait, I went to gather and pay for my order. I noticed that there was only one small container of shrimp sauce in my bag for my 2 rolls, and when I asked for some more, I was told there was a 50 cent charge for each extra 2-ounce container. One shrimp sauce for 2 rolls? Not cool, when they set a whole bottle of it on the table for you at most sushi restaurants. I reluctantly paid the extra for 2 more and whisked my food away to enjoy at home. I'm not sure if they were in a hurry or if it was the type of rice that was used, but my rolls seemed loosely packed, as several pieces fell apart to the touch. The Sweet Potato Roll is a cooked roll, yet on both occasions there were chunks in every section that weren't done all the way through and had that awkward "raw" crunch to it. The sauce that was drizzled over the top had a little kick, and was a welcome addition, but the roll in itself was a sore disappointment. Thankfully the Chicken Tempura Roll came through for me, although once again, several fragments fell apart. Well-presented, savory, and altogether delicious, this was definitely the saving grace of both visits.
I'm not 100% committed to Sushi Yee as of yet, because frankly I enjoy the full-service sushi restaurant experience too much, and if you notice, there's hardly a price difference between the two, from the sushi rolls to the hibachi dishes. Additionally there's some kinks to work out here as far as preparation and execution that are difficult to overlook. I'd would much rather pay the extra few bucks to tip a gracious server who throws in a free appetizer roll or dessert than have an establishment nickle and dime me for extra sauce. Till next time, my fellow Yeeps, support your local eats and businesses, and as always....SYOY! read more