Taste This: Mikado roll ($13.95 as of Oct. 9, 2024) at Mikado Hibachi and Sushi, located at 1662 Brittain Road in Akron.
Creator: Jeff Zheng, owner
Eye test: Round sushi pieces placed on a vertical platter. Pops of green from the avocado peek out from the sushi along with bright orange specks of masago — a type of fish egg often used in Japanese cuisine — and a pink floral garnish.
Pairs with: Milk tea or Thai milk tea
The process: Spicy crab, avocado, spicy white rice and cream cheese are wrapped and rolled together. Once the roll is assembled, it is lightly deep fried and topped with eel sauce and spicy mayo. It’s then served with ginger and wasabi. The Mikado roll can be modified per request.
What makes this dish so special: Typically, sushi is wrapped in thin sheets of seaweed. The Mikado is wrapped in soy paper, a common seaweed alternative.
Backstory: Jeff and Sandy Zheng opened Mikado Hibachi and Sushi during the summer of 2024. Jeff manages the back of the house, preparing the entrees and sushi rolls, while Sandy maintains the dine-in area and handles online and phone orders. Mikado offers a variety of sushi rolls, hibachi entrees, Udon, tempura and many other menu items.
How to buy: Mikado Hibachi and Sushi is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 9:30 p.m. (closed on Mondays). Ordering is available in person, online and over the phone.