Tonight we went back for our second dinner at Hiroba Sushi. Even after our first time there, we knew that it already replaced Sushi Pier 2 as our favorite.
The first time we went, our party of three filled the remaining empty seats at the bar, but it felt like we got our chef’s undivided attention. Tae, our chef, chatted with us and recommended rolls for us to try. Tonight, being a Sunday, the restaurant was not busy but we got the same undivided attention from Tae.
What sets Hiroba apart from other all-you-can-eat restaurants in Reno is evident throughout your entire meal. First of all, the chefs have an artistic elegance about themselves. Dressed in a traditional Japanese ensemble, their movements seem precise and mastered. Not harried and rushed like other places in town. Second of all, the presentation of the food is beautiful and, well, there. Rolls like the Sunflower and Cope *could* be served in a normal row like most other maki rolls, or they can be served with a presentation that’s almost too pretty to eat.
Speaking of the Sunflower roll, I really do like the sushi rolls I’ve had that contain banana; the Sunflower at Hiroba and the Geisha at Sushi 7. Tae said most people shy away from the roll because it contains banana. When I first ordered it, he asked, “You know this has banana, right?” But I’ve found that it really goes well with the right combination of fish.
Other reasons Hiroba stands out:
– Appetizers are included in the all-you-can-eat price. TRY TRY TRY the Yakiton. The description says, “cream cheese wanton with seafood.” You’re thinking crab rangoon, right? Oh no my friend. Oh no. This is much better.
– There are no stars on the list of rolls that mean “for dinner only.” Granted, I haven’t been there for lunch so I don’t know if a different menu is put out for the lunch crowd or what, however the Spider roll is also unstarred and that is usually an รก la carte-only item at other restaurants.
– Freshness counts. There’s just something fresher about the food at Hiroba. A big vat of spicy tuna is not premade to use throughout the day; on both visits, the rice cookers were changed while we were there and the cucumber salad you get when you first sit down is made when you sit down.
– Pickled ginger. I hate pickled ginger. I never eat the stuff. Palate cleanser my ass. It tastes and smells like Lemon Pledge. Ralph took a bite of his ginger and said that I had to try it because there was no hint of Lemon Pledge to it at all. He was right. It had an almost fruity-sweet taste to it before the ginger kicked in. Halfway through my meal, I even took another bite. That’s more pickled ginger than I’ve eaten in at least 5 years (ask Ralph. we’ve been together that long and he’s never seen me eat it).
– The A.Y.C.E. card. Hiroba is wise to acknowledge that many people like a great deal. That’s why they’ve got their A.Y.C.E. (all-you-can-eat) card. Eat 10 all-you-can-eat meals, get your 11th for half off.
– Free Sake on Fridays & Saturdays. At least for now. Mind you, you’ll be dealing with the crowds those nights, but you’d be dealing with those crowds at other places that weren’t serving free sake anyway.
– Unique rolls. Yes, there are a handful of popular rolls (Godzilla, California, etc.) but the rest of what they offer is unique, blending great flavors and textures. You are reminded that sushi is also considered an art and not a “how many fish can I cram into this maki roll” contest (as Ralphie describes it).
– That damn tree. There is a black silhouette of a tree on the largest wall of Hiroba. I’m not saying it’s the best tree silhouette I’ve ever seen or that it’s the first mural to ever grace a Reno sushi bar wall (it’s not). But there is just something about it that constantly draws your eyes to it…my eyes at least.
Hiroba Sushi is worth the few extra dollars and trekking further than the 3 blocks to Sushi Pier 2 from our house. It not only satisfies your sushi craving, but makes going out for sushi exciting again.