A review of Ki Sushi
By KP Davis, Contributor
Sushi is a ubiquitous part of life in the Lower Mainland. We are blessed with a wealth of fresh water and fresh fish that very few metropolitan centres can boast. This has led to sushi restaurants being as common in Vancouver as lumberjack beards and yoga pants. And much like those somewhat lazy fashion choices, sushi restaurants can either be very good or very not.
I popped by Ki Sushi for a late lunch. Much like the sushi, the decor was a blend of Western and Japanese style, with one section of walled-off booths with a wood-and-paper wall motif, and the other being western dining style with padded seats and open tables. The radio played a local station at very subtle volume, so you could hear the weather report if you wanted to, but wouldnât have to strain to hear the other members of your party.
My server was a gentleman not lacking in tattoos, with a physique that betrayed his love of lean salmon and lifting heavy things. I wasnât certain if the kitchen was just that efficient, but my first plate arrived so swiftly that it beat to the table the crisp Asian lager I had ordered to accompany my meal.
As I put the tuna nigiri to my mouth I quickly realized that I had chosen well for my first sushi review. The tuna was buttery and the salmon fresh and gorgeous, not at all fishy or hiding behind any wasabi tucked between it and the rice. The rice itself was not overly sweet or vinegary.
The California rolls were wonderful, not dry or using mayonnaise to hide the flavour of their âcrab,â but a standard staple that was solid enough on its own to build a menu around. The dynamite roll was also pleasant to behold, packed with three not-overly-battered prawns. A Canada roll rounded out my maki selection with subtly smoked salmon cut with buttery avocado.
The real surprise for me was the koloke, a deep fried croquette of creamed corn split and served as two pieces. It came off as some sort of gourmet tater tot that was delicious enough on its own to bring me back, if not for the amazing menu surrounding it.
Ki Sushi was simple and good, like sushi should be. Nothing was overly designed or gourmet, and the prices were fantastic for what they served.
Ki Sushi is located at 45 – 8th St, New Westminster.
