Collegiate Times

Sushi is a great meal when you are rolling into the Math Emporium at 8 p.m. for a long night of studying. It is the perfect way to finish a workout at The Weight Club with an appetite for something nutritious and filling or if you’re just in the mood for a different taste as you drive down University City Boulevard.

The Sushi Factory recently opened in University Mall, giving students and local residents a chance to experience a new flavor to feast on.

Usually, when I walk into a fish restaurant, the overwhelming smell of fish fills my nostrils. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Factory lacks that repellent scent.

As I walked in, I was greeted by two employees whose outfits matched the restaurant’s décor, vibrant colors mixed with black and white, along with floral and symbol ornamentation. However, the musical ambiance did not match the Asiatic theme, with an uncut version of The Game playing in the background.

I made my way up to the counter to order but had a really hard time choosing what I wanted. The menu was loaded with every kind of sushi imaginable at extremely cheap prices. I ended up deciding on the Alaska Roll and Cucumber Roll options.

The Alaska Roll includes six pieces of tuna, salmon and avocado all wrapped in seaweed and white rice. After experiencing other sushi dishes, I like that these rolls had a milder taste. The sticky rice blended well with the firm seaweed envelope.

Unfortunately, the Cucumber Roll did not satisfy my craving for a meatless option. It was very plain, but was not bad dipped into some soy sauce.

I forgot to order a drink, but as I looked around after taking a bite I noticed a sign, “free tea.” To wash down my sushi lunch, I tried a cup of the Sushi Factory’s brown rice green tea. Two words: yummy and hrefreshing.

The seating inside the store is limited to only a few two-seater tables. But there is additional seating in the mall area, which I prefer since it is more open and allows for additional people watching.

The next time I get a sushi craving, The Sushi Factory will be my first stop. Offering rolls with five times more flavor than Kroger, with the same portions and equal prices; everyone should try a bite. You are guaranteed to get hooked and will be left wanting more.