Sushiro creates a flavour sensation…

Japanese cuisine is unsurpassed in the quest for freshness, quality and flavour. Now Saskatonians can discover this incomparable taste experience for themselves by visiting Sushiro, a locally owned restaurant specializing in sushi, in its new location at 737B Broadway Avenue.

Restaurant owners Todd Gronsdahl and Megan Macdonald developed their passion for Japanese cuisine while living in the Cayman Islands. “Megan trained with an acclaimed sushi master in the Caymans. When we returned to Canada, we wanted to bring that concept to Saskatoon,” says Gronsdahl.

“The executive sushi chef I trained with has international experience, working in Japan, San Francisco and Toronto. I really lucked out in having an opportunity to work with him, as usually only Japanese men are formally trained as sushi chefs. In the Caymans, we served guests from all over the world who commented that this was some of the best sushi they’d ever had,” says Megan Macdonald.

“I know there are other sushi places in the city, but none of them have actually trained with a sushi chef. I also trained with Remi Cousyns at Calories, so I have a background in French cuisine too.”

The couple initially tested their restaurant concept by offering a limited menu at Todd’s mother’s coffee shop, Gotta Hava Java.

“We set up there as an experiment and got a pretty good response. We started looking for available locations, and ended up taking a spot in City Park. Although we only had 300 square feet to work with, we steadily built up our clientele, serving 40 to 55 people a day,” says Gronsdahl.

The couple kept their eyes open for a larger location, always hoping to find a prime spot on Broadway Avenue. “When this location, at the corner of Broadway and 10th Avenue opened up, we jumped on it, opening October 3,” says Gronsdahl.

Guests are now welcomed by a serene and inviting Japanese-style atmosphere. While their old City Park restaurant was once half the size of a regular home kitchen, Sushiro can now seat up to 50 people at one time at its new Broadway Avenue location.

Macdonald has carefully composed a menu of traditional Japanese fare, reflecting here favourite flavours and ingredients. “We stick to what we do best. We don’t have a huge and elaborate menu, because we want to maintain the highest levels of quality. We want every dish to stand on its own.”

…

Sushiro’s sushi is alway made fresh to order. It’s never cold and tasteless from being refigerated. Guests can order their favourites individually or in assorted dinners that provide genous samplings of a variety of menu favourites. To accompany their meal, diners can select from expertly brewed teas or the licensed menu of sake, imported Japanese and domestic beers and wines.

“To complement our food and make Sushiro even more of an experience, on the weekends we’re now featuring a deejay who mixes jazz music,” says Gronsdahl.

While the relaxing environment makes Sushiro a poplular choice for evening dining, it’s also a tasty and convenient lunch spot. “Sushi is a quick, healthy choice for lunch, which doesn’t leave you groggy for the rest of the afternoon. There are always two of us in the kitchewn so you can count on being in and out on time,” says Macdonald.

The Star Phoenix. November 22, 2003