I drove up to Skyline intent on stopping into Hiroba for dinner, my favorite sushi place in the city. But surprise, surprise, it is not Hiroba anymore! Instead, the sign read Sushimi's, and I was at a loss. But, not being one to pass up on sushi, I walked through the door.
Entering, it was clear a lot has changed. But then, a lot appeared to have also stayed the same. I was greeted with the same welcoming shouts from the staff behind the bar, and I certainly noticed a few familiar faces still working the line and assisting customers. Getting seated at the bar straight away, I ordered my appetizers, and then looked about at some of the new changes. As of now, it is clear they are in the midst of a thorough renovation. The walls are freshly painted and pretty stark, not many fixtures installed, equipment and cash registers placed wherever there is some free counter space or an empty corner. However, these sorts of things I can mostly look past, as most businesses go through this sort of stuff when starting up or revamping themselves. (But guys, seriously, getting seated right next to the portable AC unit certainly would not have been my first choice of location.) So considering the changes as a whole, the scene did stoke the fire under the burning question forming in my mind; 'when did this all happen?'
From the story I got from the chef and my server, there were two owners of Hiroba, and they had recently split up. One of the owner had the lease, the other had the naming rights. I was given the very poignant analogy that one parent got the house and the other got the kid. So while one owner reopened this location as Sushimi's, I was further surprised that Hiroba is now reopening in Sparks. But regardless, let's get back to focusing on my dining experience...
The menu is a little bit smaller than before, but still with an amazing selection of appetizers, nigiri, and rolls, with lots of old favorites and a bunch of new selections to choose from. I sipped on my complimentary sake and munched on some muscles as I decided what to go for. Started off with some perpetual nigiri favorites of mine like salmon, tuna, unagi, and uzura (tobiko and quail egg). Everything was just superb and delicious! It is clear the chefs have lost none of their game with all the recent changes. The only thing I could possibly nitpick with the food is that some of the nigiri weren't as elegantly put together as before. But then, appearance has no bearing on flavor and yumminess. I moved on to a few of the newer rolls such as the Tuna Blossom, the Black Sunrise, and a special, custom order where I just asked the chef to be creative. The rolls, likewise, are just amazing. Too often I have visited sushi places where the rolls are kind of lacking in the flavor department or in the presentation. Not the case here! Top marks all around for the folks behind the bar. You guys rock! In fact, in general, all the staff were very attentive and friendly. And touching on some other essential points, the parking situation is alright, though the lot can be a bit hectic at times, and the price for the all-you-can-eat option is very reasonable. And, admittedly, I still love this location.
So all in all, it is interesting to see how my old favorite has been reinvented. These guys get four-stars, but just barely. The only reasons I am not giving it a solid five-stars is that I want to see them build and grow, to visit once their renovation is done and equipment taken away, to return when they really find their stride. I have had some truly EPIC sushi experiences at Hiroba in the past, and I will bet anyone that once Sushimi's get their sea legs, this place will blow everyone away. The food alone is definitely five-star worthy. I will certainly be back, excited to see how they're doing, and eager for the excuse to bump up my rating when I do. Keep up the amazing work! read more