Foodbuzz 24, 24, 24: Sushi Love

Three words to describe Rochester, NY in winter time: grey, snowy, unpredictable... but we weren't about to let any of these things stand in the way of our New Year's sushi-love party! A special thanks to Foodbuzz 24:24:24 for hosting our gluttonous meal of unique sushi delights!

Even though snow is not a foreign concept to Rochester... somehow the streets are still not the best after a big storm (like the one that came through last night). Luckily the parking lot outside of Village Gate was well plowed. Converging from work and, for the lucky ones, home, we all managed to make it to California Rollin in one piece, with empty bellies and eager mouths to try a plethora of new twists and takes on sushi. Bacon? Pesto? BBQ sauce??? Yes, you heard me right, not traditional... but OH SO GOOD!

California Rollin is not a traditional sushi place: the chefs are clad with tattoos and piercings from all walks of life. Now don't go thinking this means they don't know what they are doing; they are all amazingly trained and skilled in their craft. Here's a sampling of some of the traditional and unique combination's (descriptions taken from California Rollin's menu).

Crunchy Spicy Tuna Roll: Our fresh made secret spicy tuna mixed with onion crunchies - spicy tastiness filled with texture.

That tempura fried roll to the right... it's called the Dancing Diablo Roll: Salmon Diablo tempura'd with Dinosaur BBQ - a spicy BBQ throw down! Yes that's right, it's slathered in BBQ sauce... and it tastes like heaven :) Don't be afraid, you wont regret it!

Mistletoe Roll: Fresh Salmon, avocado and honey topped with sesame seeds - just like getting an X-mas kiss.
Pisces Roll: Fresh spicy tuna with yellowtail, scallions and a touch of lemon - phenomenally fantastic.
Wosa Roll: Spicy shrimp and tempura shrimp rolled in onion crunches - simply shrimptastic!

To the right we have the South Wedge Roll: Smoked Salmon, cucumber, bacon and wasabi mayo explode! On the left is the Killer Eel Roll: The ultimate Eel roll: Smoked Eel, avocado, Japanese mayo, cream cheese, and scallions.

Spicy Shrimp Roll: Shrimp mixed with Celery in a devilishly hot sauce makes mouths water - a fierce flavor and popular choice.

Anyone for a little edemamae to start? The sea salt makes it so good! Just don't eat the outer shell... unless you are in serious need of fiber :D

Tuscany Roll: Thinly shaved Squid tempura'd to tender perfection in our fresh basil pesto - a must try! Matt ordered this one and I have to say it was one of my favorites!

Killer Shrimp Roll: Tempura Shrimp, avocado, cream cheese, scallions and Japanese mayo - the ultimate tempura Shrimp roll.
Dream Roll: Steamed Shrimp, avocado and cucumber.
Atlantic Ocean Roll: Steamed Shrimp, bacon, and garlic give your taste buds long lasting satisfaction.

D-lightful Roll: Crabstick and Shrimp get close with a succulent slab of bacon rolled in onion crunchies.
Trio Roll: Steamed Shrimp, Crabstick and Smoked Salmon

The aftermath - total destruction.

Of course we couldn't forget dessert, Tempura Ice Cream : vanilla ice cream inside a crispy tempura shell topped with our chocolate-hazelnut sauce ... taste the forbidden!

Some rolls to add to the "try next time list"
Louisiana Roll: Crawdads in our spicy Cajun/Vietnamese sauce.
Bourbon Roll: Tempura crawdads, Japanese mayo, hot sauce, cream cheese, bacon topped with CRUNCHIESs
Spank Me Roll: Snowcrab with wasabi mayo rolled in wasabi Tobiko eggs - embrace the light, taste 10 seconds of Nirvana!
Boss Hog Roll: Soft-shell crab, eel, Japanese mayo, avocado cucumber, bacon topped with eel sauce.
Albino Roll: Banana and Raspberries in a roll, tempura'd then smothered with chocolate and coconut - anyone for ecstasy?

YUM!!

Needless to say we left with full and happy bellies! Again, thank you so much foodbuzz for making this event possible!!!!!