When entering a restaurant, I am often greeted with quiet whispers and peaceful jazz music. However, when my party of two walked into Wassabi to Die For, on First and Herndon, we were received by dinner guests yelling uproariously: “Wassaaaab!”
We looked at each other in shock. Unlike the usual cold, distant atmosphere of normal restaurants, Wassabi made me feel comfortable and welcome from the moment I entered.
The restaurant is symmetrical, fitting everything in one big, square room with black tables scattered throughout. With white fabric-covered booths along the walls and a sushi bar along the back, we were enveloped by an oriental presence as we walked in.
?I want people to hear what?s up as soon as they walk in the door and to think my restaurant is fun and inviting,? owner Kaci Chi said.
Fresh fish is delivered four days a week to the restaurant, which contributes to its repuation as a Fresno seafood hotspot. The food is very fresh and seasoned well. The fish is also cooked fresh every day, and is very delicious.
The Fresno Bee ranked Wassabi to Die For as the No. 1 seafood restaurant in Fresno in 2007.
The restaurant is known for its sushi rolls (which range from $5 for a California roll to $25 for a lobster roll). The rolls are made with fish wrapped in seaweed and white rice, with sauce drizzled on top. The dishes are made to serve one, but can easily serve two dainty eaters.
Wasabi caters to all kinds of diners, from vegetarians to seasoned raw fish veterans. This restaurant is fun for any age, and the energy in the restaurant is exuberant.
During the normal dinner times, the sushi bar plays host to many families, but once nine o’clock hits, a younger crowd descends on the restaurant, making it loud and social. I wouldn?t recommend bringing your elderly grandparents at that time.
I ordered the $9 seaweed salad for starters. It came out on a clear bowl mixed with crisp japanese lettuce, dressed with the juice from the seaweed itself.
The yoda roll ($15) was a soy-wrapped roll with asparagus, avocado, fried calamari and on top lay baked spicy crab, macademia nuts and tobiko. Next came out our second roll, named Foreplay ($13): a seaweed roll filled with spicy crab and tuna on top. Total with tax for two came out to be $39.95 not including drinks.
The menu has a great range and diversity, both in food and price, from $3-18. For non-sushi fans, dishes such as teriyaki chicken are available.
Wassabi is open for lunch Mon-Fri 11-2:30 and Sat 11-3. Dinner is served between 5-10 Sun-Thur and 5-11 on Fri-Sat. Wasabi is located on the southeast corner of First and Herndon near TGI Friday?s. For take-out orders, reservations or information call 435-5423.
For more restaurant reviews, visit the Oct. 6 article, Ruth’s Chris emulated southern hospitality.
