IRV EATS! — Restaurant Review
By Ava Franks
It was late at night when I quickly ran to get inside the warmly lit Kiku Sushi restaurant. Decorative lights glowed above the big windows that looked into Kiku. At ten o’clock on a Saturday night, the restaurant was empty. I sat with my friend in a booth by the window, and the air smelled of steamed rice and freshly cut oranges.
The area was an intimate set up of tables and booths, and the sushi bar stood near the back wall. The smiling waitress took our order.
The appetizer salad was a small mixture of crunchy greens under a tangy dressing that reminded me of a lightweight summer dish. The small portion was the perfect amount to start the meal. The contrast of the white porcelain bowl against the sunburst colored dressing was interesting and unique, creating a modern aesthetic in contrast to the cozy feeling of the table.
Quickly enough the fried rice came out on steaming platters, and I admit the presentation was not as beautiful as the salad before it, but the smell reminded me of hibachi birthday parties and take out in the wintertime. The familiar aroma of steamed vegetables, combined with the sharp after scent of soy sauce wafted through the air as the plates were set in front of us.
There was a good balance of chicken and vegetables within the rice, and a variety of tastes existed in every bite.
My friend ordered sushi that lay in neat rows across an ocean blue tray. She took a bite and smiled, as she was a regular customer and enjoyed her classic favorites.
Once the check came, a plate of orange slices were brought to our table. I thought of this as a warm hearted gesture, an action that went the extra mile when it comes to customer appreciation. Tucked away in a comfortable booth, I watched the late night walkers pass by on the Main Street Sidewalks. Separate from the rest of the world, I could enjoy good food in a peaceful atmosphere, and I knew I would be back again soon.
