sushi

New Thai and Japanese Restaurant in Miamisburg

February 6, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Last month Ariake Sushi Bar & Restaurant in Miamisburg was sold. The new owner Penn, is no stranger to Thai restaurants as she grew up in the family restaurant business. This will be her second restaurant as she also owns Penn’s Thai Grille in Bellbrook. The Miamisburg business has been renamed Thai Smile and Sushi Bar and will feature sushi, homestyle Japanese & Thai dishes, as well as sake. New signage will be coming soon.

The menu offers savory Pad Thai and creamy curries and there is a sushi bar where you can watch the creation of handcrafted sushi rolls.

I started my meal there with the Thai Appetizer Combo, which included 2 crispy spring rolls, 4 cream cheeses rangoon, 3 fried pot stickers, 1 egg roll served with sweet and sour sauce.

Penn shared that her favorite dish is pad thai, so of course I ordered it. It’s Rice noodles stir-fried with egg, green onion, bean sprouts, carrots, homemade Pad Thai sauce, which is sweet and tangy, garnished with chopped peanuts. You can order it with chicken, vegetables, tofu, beef or shrimp. I chose the beef, shrimp combo which ran $19.99

We also tried the Bourbon Fried Rice which was grilled marinated ghicken cooked with homemade brown sauce along with fried rice tossed with egg, white/green onions, brown sauce) and sprinkle of scallions.

They are currently running a Special Welcome Offer for new customers where you can get $5 off your first online order of $20 or more with the code First5 – available exclusively on their website!

You can also follow them on Facebook.

Open Monday – Saturday from 11:00am – 9:00pm.

Check them out and tell them Dayton Dining sent you!

DŌZO Every Wednesday at Tender Mercy

November 13, 2024 By Dayton937

Located in the back room of Tender Mercy, Dōzo is an elevated sushi experience. The four-course, prix-fixe menu rotates monthly, with curated sake and wine pairings. The dinner is $75 per person and available from 5-9pm.

The current menu offerings:

Reservations are required to dine at Dozo. When reserving you’ll be asked to use a credit card to hold your reservation. If a cancellation is made with less than 24 hours notice or you don’t show up for your reservation, your card will be charged $20 per person. You can specify if your party would prefer to sit at the sushi bar or at a table . Party sizes are limited to 6 or less. Guests must be 13 or older and minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Dōzo in Tender Mercy

607 East 3rd Street
Dayton, OH 45402

937-453-0007

Parking: Street parking, valet

Hello Thai Opens in Beavercreek Wed

March 12, 2023 By Dayton937

After a year of struggles, contractor issues and waiting on equipment, Chef Suwapat is finally ready to open her third restaurant, Hello Thai, in the Miami Valley! On Wed at 11am the doors will open at 3301 Dayton Xenia Road.

Here’s a look at the menu:

HelloThaiBeavercreek

3301 Dayton Xenia Road
Beavercreek, OH

937-900-9988

Fusian Invites You To Roll One Up!

April 20, 2020 By Lisa Grigsby

Fusian, the build your own sushi business, introduces Roll It Yourself (RIY) Sushi Kits. This make it at home meal kit comes with enough supplies to create4 servings! In your kit you’ll find cooked rice, whole produce (for you to prep at home), and sauces, seasonings, + toppings! Most meals take about 15 minutes from start to finish!

The sushi rollling kit runs $29.98 everything you need to make your own maki rolls (2 rolls). You’ll get white rice, seaweed wraps, protein of choice (tuna, salmon, crab, veggies, roasted chicken, or roasted tofu), carrots, cucumber, sauce of choice, (spicy mayo, sweet soy, sweet chili, wasabi mayo, siracha) crunch (tempura or sesame seeds), wasabi, ginger, bamboo rolling mat, + recipe card w/ link to this instructional video:

https://youtu.be/aGsoGFm_y40

Fusian is also currently offering delivery on a limited selection of groceries including fruit, produce, milk and eggs, as well as toilet paper and soda. They are also delivering for free when you order online.

FUSIAN

1024 Miamisburg Centerville Rd,
Washington Township (937) 259-8286

1200 Brown St,
Dayton (937) 223-5173

2733 Fairfield Commons Blvd,
Beavercreek (937) 999-2772

Fishes & Big Dishes at NEW Tokyo Grill & Hibachi

September 12, 2019 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Do you love seafood of all sorts? How about Japanese Hibachi Dishes? Even Sushi?

If you said yes to any of those three questions, you may be thrilled about Centerville’s newest buffet and hibachi hybrid called Tokyo Grill Sushi and Hibachi Buffet. This restaurant has recently opened in the old Rue Dumaine location near Sams Club on 725 near Lyons Rd.

Part of the Buffet Bar

The Food Adventures Crew was impressed with the all you can eat sushi roll choices made constantly and replaced on the bar. We also loved the service of their hibachi grill. You pick the ingredients, they cook it and bring it to your table. This place is a cross between Mongolian Grill and a Chinese Buffet with good sushi. To us the best part was the Sashimi (raw sushi with no rice).

Let’s give you the scoop – you gotta try this place….

HERE’S THE SKINNY on TOKYO GRILL SUSHI and HIBACHI BUFFET:

Vanilla Pudding (left) and Tuna and Salmon Sashimi (right)

—Tokyo Grill Sushi & Hibachi Buffet is located at 1061 Miamisburg-Centerville Road in Washington Twp.

— They are open seven days a week from 11am to 10pm.

— This is considered an upscale, “high end buffet.” Lunch is around $12.99 and Dinner is around $18.99. Drinks are not included.

—This is one of the few times we suggest you go for dinner instead of lunch and here is why: a) more sashimi offerings on the bar b) Shrimp and more seafood included in the raw meat section of the hibachi grill. These 2 reasons alone are worth the price difference. You eat 2 pieces of sashimi and you have made up the difference price wise.

Nigiri section

— The restaurant seats 90 and they pack them in, sometimes tightly. If you go on “off hours” it is not as busy.

—The owner has a couple of other locations in different states and decided to invest in a Dayton location because he was told it is a “friendly market.”

— The restaurant consists of 4 bars –
Bar 1 is desserts and raw sashimi (sushi with no rice)
Bar 2 is cooked and raw sushi rolls and nigiri (sliced sushi on top of rice).
Bar 3 is Chinese Food, Appetizers and soup
Bar 4 is the Hibachi Grill with meat and vegetable choices.

Sushi Roll Section – they have about 20 kinds of rolls

There are so many dishes here – but we are going to tell you the best of the best …

THE MUST EATS at TOKYO GRILL SUSHI and HIBACHI BUFFET:

—THE SASHIMI (Raw sushi with no rice):
The raw Salmon is amazing.
The raw Tuna is a treat, this is a rare chance to load up. There are White Tuna, Octopus and sometimes Mackrel and Yellowtail slices in the sashimi section as well.

Typical sushi

—THE SUSHI ROLL BAR:
There are dozens rolls with crab, salmon, tuna, eel and more in them with avocado, cream cheese and other ingredients. Some are even deep fried sushi rolls.
The Salmon and Tuna Nigiri (slices of raw meat on top of rice) are incredible.

—THE HIBACHI BAR:
Choices of meat include salmon, scallops, steak, chicken, shrimp, calamari, imitation crab meat and tofu. The vegetable selection is huge! You can choose to have your ingredients stir fried and served with brown rice, white rice, thin noodles, or thick noodles (udon).

Hibachi Meats

—THE VANILLA PUDDING CUPS:
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the vanilla pudding cups on the dessert bar with a vanilla wafer on top. A perfect end to a night of indulgence.

If you are a hibachi or sushi fan at all, or if you love seafood, this place is worth a visit. Heavily

Hibachi Veggies

stacked with seafood from calamari, to cooked and raw fish, there are a lot of high quality items on this buffet not usually found in an “all you can eat environment.” In other words, if you are one of those people who spends $20 on two sushi rolls and walks out of the restaurant hungry, this could be your new favorite place. Take advantage of the hibachi grill, soup area and all the amenities.

Tokyo Grill Sushi and Hibachi Buffet is a fun treat when your hungry for a seafood feast! If you do not like seafood you can load up on steak and chicken at the hibachi buffet and a couple of chicken dishes at the Chinese bar.

Hibachi Bowl

Please share your comments of your Food Adventures to Tokyo Grill below !

This place is a great chance to sample delicacies like Octopus, Squid, and other seafoods you might not ever try. Give it a shot!

For more Food Adventures, like us on Facebook and join 8,000 foodies in Dayton in the discussion.

Browse our gallery below of more Tokyo Grill Sushi & Hibachi Buffet photos.

One of our plates

All you can eat sushi !!

Miso Soup All Day Long

This hibachi bowl was spicy with salmon, tofu and fake crabmeat

Seared Ahi Tuna and Mango

BUSY BUSY

About 1/4 of the bar

Hibachi Bowl is cooked for you !!!

So many sushi rolls

Seared White tuna and sauce

Cooked Octopus Sashimi

OHHH That Salmon !

Veggies at Hibachi

Dining Room

SUSHI !

Freshly prepared- all you want

Kani – imitation crab

Here is your bowl for hibachi raw ingredients to be placed into

Tuna and Salmon

Deep fried rolls , salmon and tuna -its like paradise

Spicy Crab Roll and salmon Nigiri for days ….

Tuna and Squid

dessert bar

We went overboard …AGAIN

Jalapeno Sushi

Chinese and Japanese Appetizers

More Veggies at the Hibachi

Vanilla Pudding

The sushi is terrific

Hibachi Stir Fry ! – Shrimp Scallops, Squid and more

Do you have bigger plates? How about a cookie sheet ?

View of a bar

Tokyo Grill Sushi & Hibachi Buffet Now Open in Washington Township

July 31, 2019 By Lisa Grigsby

I’ve been watching the old Rue Dumaine spot ever since it was announced that has been leased and would soon house Tokyo Grill Sushi & Habachi Buffet. Yesterday I noticed it draped with flag and stopped in for lunch. The server told me they’d opened quietly this past Sunday.

First impression – you can’t help but notice it’s been totally transformed and the blue walls are meant to invoke the feeling of the sea, according to owner Tony Huong. This 37 year old entrepreneur explained this is his 4th restaurant, with one in Virginia and two in South Carolina and has been in the business for 20 years. Family friends suggested he come to Dayton because it was a friendly city. The old bar has been removed, but I was informed they applied for their liquor license 3 months ago and are still waiting for it to arrive.

Across the back of the restaurant is the hibachi line. You are give an order form to choose your base (white or brown rice, noodles) and a bowl to put your ingredients in. You are welcome to select as many as you want from the over 20 ingredients on the bar, and then yous get to the protein choices, which included pepperoni, Italian sausage, squid, Krab meat, chicken, pork and salmon and turn it in to the Habachi Chef. When your bowl is ready, they will bring it to your table.

If you prefer you can order a poke bowl. Poke means “to slice or cut” in Hawaiian and refers to chunks of raw, marinated fish — usually tuna — which is then tossed over rice and topped with vegetables and umami-packed sauces. Their will be several to choose from, the classic which is tuna and several variations with crab and shrimp, salmon and a veggie tofu bowl.

Owner Tony Huong at the sushi line.

Along the west wall buffet you can begin your selections from coconut or tempura shrimp, mozzarella sticks, french fries, stuffed crab jalapeno, crab rangoon, and then there is a section of over 24 sushi rolls- fried tuna roll, yellow tail roll, sesame chicken roll, California roll, fried salmon roll, mango banana, dragon roll, spicy tuna roll, rainbow roll and more. Huong let us know that he has two sushi chefs that each have over 15 years experience, so you can expect quality and variety on the buffet.

Tokyo Grill will also carry a full line of bubble tea, with flavors like Honeydew, Lychee, Coconut and Carmel Mocha as well as Pepsi products.

Tokyo Grill Sushi & Habachi Buffet
1061 Miamisburg-Centerville Road
Washington Township

Lunch Buffet served 11am -4pm Monday -Saturday

Adults $12.95

Dinner Buffet Served 4-10pm and all day Sunday

Adults $18.59
Children 7-10 $8.99
Children 3-6 $6.99

Turning Point for Ace Asian Cafe ?

October 31, 2018 By Dayton937

Teriyaki Salmon in a Bento Box

When familiar faces struck a deal with The Greene to again take over the closed Choe’s Bistro, it was a case of old owners, cleaning up a new owners mess. Michelle and Charles Yang managed “Choe’s Asian Bistro” from December 2014 through March 2017. After turning it over to new management, back rent and tax questions forced The Greene to close the restaurant. The Yangs came back to the rescue re-opening the eatery in April 2018. Today, after 7 months, new management has fine tuned their dishes. They will be adding a new chef and new menu additions are around the corner. The Food Adventures Crew has exclusive scoop on what could be the turning point for Ace Asian Cafe.

Outside of Ace Asian Cafe

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON ACE ASIAN CAFE at THE GREENE:

— Located at 4394 Juniper Way at The Greene outdoor mall in Beavercreek, Ace Asian Bistro has a menu that encompasses many countries, including THAILAND, CHINA, KOREA, and JAPAN.

— The restaurant is open
Monday – Thursday: 11:30am -10pm,
Friday: 11:30am – 11pm
Saturday: Noon – 11pm
Sunday: Noon – 9pm

Option for a Korean BBQ Table with built in grill

— Ace Asian Cafe is currently developing some new specials for kids and seniors, as well as special discount days for Air Force members. Could we see a weekly special of endless sushi? Plans are also in the works for a special Food Adventure Tour of Asia ! Stay tuned to Dayton Most Metro for info on the December event.

— Then menu highlights are a full-blown list of sushi offerings, an option to sit at a table with a Korean BBQ built in, Pad Thai and Chinese Dishes. Want some Sake? They’ve got you covered there with a full selection and a cocktail rich bar.

— Besides a full dining room, sushi bar and cocktail bar, Ace Asian Cafe has a 50 person upstairs seating area for private events. It also has a Korean BBQ seating option for about 24 seats in the dining room. The ambiance is elegant and makes it feel like you are at a special occasion.

— Menu prices are typically $12.95- $14.95 for entrees. Lunch Bento Boxes are a great way to try a variety of foods and run about $10.95. Sushi Rolls run from 8 bucks to about $13.50.

We have had good service on our visits here. The wait staff was attentive and friendly.

Time to explore the menu which takes on an entire continent.

Our patented “must eats”…

MUST EATS at ACE ASIAN CAFE:

Calamari and Sweet Chili Sauce

—CRAB RANGOON:
The old standard and everyone’s favorite, seems to be the most popular menu item here. Nice and creamy and a sauce like you have never tasted before for dipping. It is a smoky sweet n sour sauce.

— BENTO BOX WITH TERIYAKI SALMON:
One of the best ways to sample the menu is through a Bento Box. And at the lunch price of $10.95 it is economical. You pick 2 entree dishes and it is served with a spring roll, rice, orange slices and a salad. Your entree choices include pad Thai, sushi rolls, Korean Bulgogi, Curry dishes and Chinese entrees.

— CALAMARI IN SPICY CHILI SAUCE:
Deep fried calamari rings with a fantastic dipping sauce. The sweet sauce and spice, is the perfect contrast to the light crunch. The calamari does not have a fishy taste at all.

Hot n Sour Soup

— HOT N SOUR SOUP:
Their version is definitely worth ordering. All of their soups are good, but this one is the best. Mouth watering with a touch of heat.

— YELLOWTAIL NIGIRI
Then simple thought of a fresh piece of raw fish and rice. If raw is your thing, try the Yellowtail. Dip in wasabi and soy sauce to complete the tasty deal.

— THE WASHINGTON SUSHI ROLL:
Our favorite sushi roll is this one. It features cooked Shrimp Tempura, Cucumber, and cooked Crab topped with Salmon, Avocado, Tobago, Wasabi Dressing, Sweet Sauce & Goma Dressing. The result is a sweet and crunchy taste. If you like shrimp, crab and salmon, you must try this roll.

— GENERAL TSO’S CHICKEN:
They have a nice take on an old favorite. Medium sized chunks of deep-fried shrimp, tossed in a light brown sauce with stir fired vegetable surrounding the plate. A good, old-fashioned staple of Chinese cuisine done right.

— CHICKEN BULGOGI on the KOREAN BBQ TABLE:

General Tso’s Chicken

You or the server get to cook this shredded marinated chicken on the table side grill. It is a fun experience and the aroma as the chicken cooks is amazing. A few minutes and sizzles later, and you have a piping hot chicken grilled dish in front of you. Served with rice, the grilled onion and spices are a perfect blend.

Honorable Mention:

Katsu Chicken Bento Box – A nice white meat piece, sliced and panko fried, drizzled with Asian sauces.

Blue Crab Stuffed Salmon – Baked Salmon with blue crab, stir fired vegetables and Asian spices.

***EXCLUSIVE SCOOP ON NEW MENU ITEMS COMING TO ACE ASIAN CAFE !!***

This Spring some new menu items will be in play . Only Food Adventures and Dayton Most Metro has the scoop.

Sorry about the quality, we had to do mission impossible and Indiana Jones type stuff to get you these papers….

They are adding salads, udon and soba soups, and even a katsu curry dish.

Make sure you visit Ace Asian Cafe at the Greene. The atmosphere is perfect for a special occasion meal or meeting. Any celebration would be a success at this restaurant.

For more Food Adventures , look for us each and every week here at Dayton Most Metro !

Cant get enough? Then join the nearly 8,000 foodies following us on FACEBOOK by clicking here!

Feel free to browse the gallery below as only we can produce – tons of great food photos week in and week out…

Spicy Pad Thai Shrimp

Sashimi

Window decor

Spicy Pork Bulgogi

Spicy Tuna Roll

Pad Thai Chicken

Sardines

The sushi menu is extensive – a salmon covered crab and avocado roll

Caterpillar Roll

Salmon Avocado Roll

Blind Date Roll

Avocado Roll

Fresh Sushi Rolls

Avocado on top

Spicy Scallop Roll

Tofu Stir Fry

Tofu and veggie stir fry

Fish Cakes

Korean BBQ Chicken !

Pad Thai

Cooking yourself

Korean BBQ Beef

Full bar and happy hour

Fresh Sushi

Egg Drop Soup

Edamame

Buckeye Roll

Sushi Plate

Sushi Platter

Blind Date Roll and an Albacore Roll

Blue Crab Salmon

Cooking on the Korean BBQ

YellowTail Nigiri

Squid salad

Sushi Plate

Bento box chicken

Buckeye Roll

Inside The Greene’s New Restaurant – Ace Asian Cafe!

April 18, 2018 By Dayton937 1 Comment

Ace Asian Cafe will specialize in 3 types of cuisine: Chinese, Japanese and Thai food.

The restaurant will open in the former Choe’s Asian Bistro location. Ace Asian Cafe plan to start serving food this Friday, but they are not sure of the exact time. As crunch time approaches, management has set that day as the target. The carpenters and management are hard at work finalizing the menu and details.

NOW HIRING !
Ace Asian Cafe is looking for servers, dishwashers and table bussers. The jobs promise to be in fun, face paced environment. Please call 937-320-0002 for information.

The restaurant will feature a sushi bar, an upstairs dining area and a full wine area loaded with wine, sake and booze. The windows have been decorated in Asian Koi goldfish designs to match the inside dining room’s accent shades.

HERE’S THE SKINNY on ACE ASIAN BISTRO:

New Sign outside Ace Asian Cafe

— Opening at 4394 Juniper Way in the Greene Town Center

— Hours:
MON-FRI 11:30am – 10pm
SAT – NOON – 11pm
SUN – NOON – 9pm

—Menu will feature Chinese, Japanese, and Thai Cuisine

Menu Highlights:
— Sushi Rolls
— Hibachi Style entrees
— Sashimi
— Nigiri
— Kung Pao
— Szechuan
— General Tsao’s
— Pad Thai
— Soups

You can view Ace Asian Cafe’s Facebook Page here. A full website will be added soon as well as menus and photos to Facebook.

Sushi Bar Area

Their brand new TWITTER account is here and their INSTAGRAM account is here.

The owners of Ace Asian Cafe are part of the team that originally opened up Choe’s, but then they sold it to another group and the restaurant closed. Expect moderately fine dining and a sleek atmosphere, with a grand piano. The owners are looking for a weekend piano player, call 937-320-0002 if interested.

This gourmet restaurant is soon to be a popular destination for Miami Valley diners seeking a Food Adventure. If the end product is as good as the expectations, they should have no problems keeping this cafe busy.

BROWSE THE GALLERY BELOW FOR MORE SNEAK PEEK PHOTOS INSIDE THE NEW ACE ASIAN CAFE !!

For more Dayton area food scoop, check back here at Dayton Most Metro each week fro a new article from the Food Adventure Crew. Our food blog can be found on Facebook HERE

Sushi Bar up close

Stairway to upstairs room

Last minute touch ups

Decorative sake shelves

logo

Looking Out at the Greene

One of the main dining areas

Another Bar Area

CJ Chan Quietly Enters Year 8

March 19, 2018 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Inside CJ CHan’s Bar on Alex Bell Rd.

An unsung restaurant has developed a solid following over the past 7 years. The restaurant is the locally owned CJ Chan on Wilmington Ave, with a second thriving location on Alex Rd for the past 2 years.

Recently, we have heard more and more fellow foodies ask us to meet at CJ Chan for dinner or lunch. We have obliged, and after eating there about a dozen times in the past 10 months, our Food Adventure crew understands the attraction. If they don’t get you with a sauce, they will get you with the sushi boss.

HERE’S THE SKINNY on CJ CHAN:

— This mom and pop restaurant opened up in 2010 at 536 Wilmington Ave in Dayton, and 2 years ago on 2747 W. Alex Bell Rd in Moraine/Centerville.

Full Sushi Bar

— The menu features CHINESE and JAPANESE cuisine, so you can try the best of both worlds, made by local chefs. From Sushi and Hibachi to Szechuan dishes and Crab Rangoon, the menu has something for everyone covering the food spectrum of 2 countries.

— Both CJ Chan locations are small, seating about 40, but the dining room size is perfect for an intimate lunch and the crowds seem to flow quickly in and out. Both locations have sushi bar seating as well.

— This eatery has some of the friendliest, most attentive service staff in town. Sometimes there may be a slight language barrier, but overall, the service is very impressive.

Egg Roll and Spicy Shrimp dish

— The hours are great for early lunches or later dinners:
Mon – Thu: 10:30AM–10PM
Fri – Sat: 10:30AM–10:30PM
Sun: 11:30AM–10PM

— We just found out that they have a second menu at the Wilmington Ave location called the “Hot Pot” Menu. It features, chicken, beef or seafood hot pots for $18-$20. Are they soups? Are they just hot bowls of food? Guess what we will be having next visit …. ?

But what dishes are the best of the best on this extensive Asian Menu? Food Adventures is here to sort it out for you on our patented MUST EATS list. Grab your chopsticks and a napkin, because these aren’t fusion menus, they are 2 separate Chinese and Japanese full menus.. Here we go …

MUST EATS at CJ CHAN:

— THE EGG ROLLS:
We don’t know why, but the distinct flavor of these egg rolls are delicious. Mostly cabbage and wrap, the hand rolled appetizers have some spice in them that we find delicious and addicting. Definitely take time to splash the egg roll inside with soy sauce and dip it in sweet and sour sauce. You have to ask for that sauce, or they will bring you duck sauce. Trust us, the sweet n sour sauce is night and day better than the duck sauce.

Kani Salad

—THE KANI SALAD:
Incredibly refreshing mound of shredded cucumber, crab and touched off with hot mayo and vinegar mix with crunchy sprinkles on top. Fun to eat with chopsticks, this appetizer will bring a smile to your face. If you love crab, this appetizer is for you. A perfect way to start your meal, it is an essential part of a successful visit to CJ Chans.

— SALMON TERIYAKI BENTO BOX LUNCH:
This bento box has it all for a great lunch. The salmon is grilled to perfection. Other bento box items include a California Roll, White Rice, and Salad. It is priced right and filling option for a nice lunch. They serve you a nice piece of salmon as the highlight to the meal. Don’t forget to dip thjat California roll in wasabi and soy sauce.

—GENERAL TSO’s SHRIMP:
A great twist on a dish normally used with chicken. It is a breaded shrimp dish with a hot and sweet browninsh sauce. Typically served along with broccoli, they serve it with cucumber slices. This was one of our all time favorite dishes at CJ Chans. Great flavors in this Chinese dish.

—SASHIMI LUNCH:
This is for the serious sushi lover. You get a bento box with 8 pieces of raw fish chosen by the sushi chef. Also served with a California Roll. This is a great deal and a steal at 9.55 for lunch. You also get white rice and a salad in the bento box too. In the past they have given us fish like salmon, tuna, white tuna, tilapia, octopus, and yellowtail. Get a side of soy sauce, pout it in the small sushi soy dish, add the wasabi, stir it in and dip the fish into that. This is PURE heaven … Amazing, because the fish is so fresh it melts in your mouth.

—THE TRIPLE ROLL
Absolutely fantastic combination of Tuna, Salmon and avocado. It is the best sushi roll at CJ Chan and one of our all time favorites anywhere. Do you love raw fish? This roll is for you and not for the squeamish. It is a great deal because they pack a lot of salmon and tuna into this roll. If you are not doing our wasabi and soy sauce dip to finish this off, then you are missing half of the taste.

Teriyaki Salmon Bento Box

The key to CJ CHAN is to find your sauce and experiment with various dishes until you find your favorites. Since the menu is so extensive, the sauces will lead you to the promise land. Lunch is the best deal of course, due to better prices. The sushi is a fantastic option and cannot be missed on any visit. Both locations are great, but the busier lunch crowd is on Wilmington Ave, the bustle in and out and there is usually not a wait, but it comes close.

So stop in at Alex Rd or Wilmington Ave and experiment for yourself. Make that sushi chef work his magic, and keep the bento boxes coming. You will love it !

Food Adventures is a local Dayton area food blog that focuses on Miami Valley food places. We have no rules, and eat it all, We have a weekly article feature right here on DaytonMostMetro.com Follow Food Adventures on Facebook for lots of food photos and fun by clicking here.

Please feel free to browse the gallery below, for more on CJ CHAN !

The Triple Roll

Sashimi Lunch at CJ Chan

Wilmington Ave Location

Dipping Spicy Salmon

Coconut Jello

Crab Rangoon

Great Sushi

Unreal Sushi Rolls

General Tso Chicken

Gyoza

Honey Chicken

Lunch deals are the best bang for your buck

CJ Chan – Wilmington Ave

Sushi

up close

Bento box

Bar Area

Spicy Tuna

Avocado Much

Spicy sushi roll

Mongolian Chicken

Fried Shrimp

Triple Roll

HIbachi Chicken

Sesamie Chicken

Fried Wonton

Rice

Miso soup

Norturo Roll

Teriyaki Salmon

Spicy Salmon

sashimi bento

A Unique Valentine’s Day Choice + Win $20 Gift Card

February 14, 2018 By Dayton937 3 Comments

Japanese Style Dining Room – sit on the floor

Looking to impress a loved one this Valentine’s Day? Well, we are about to let a secret out of the bag, so move quickly on this one. Couples are always looking for something fun and new, so here is the scoop on the Food Adventure you have been looking for.

The place is in Miamisburg, and has Dayton’s only traditional Japanese style dining room. This means you sit on the floor, on pillows, no shoes. They give you warm towels to wipe your hands, the whole nine yards. More importantly you will have 2 incredibly authentic Japanese menus at your fingertips. One for sushi, and the other features appetizers, soups and entrees. Many of these dishes, you won’t find anywhere else in Dayton.

The place is called ARIAKE SUSHI BAR and is located at 59 Fiesta Lane near the Dayton Mall.

***WIN a $20 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO ARIAKE from Food Adventures !***
COMMENT BELOW ON WHY YOU SHOULD GET THE CERTIFICATE and a WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN AT RANDOM.

How about a warm bowl or Udon or Ramen Soup ?

What a great chance to try some of Dayton’s best sushi for free.

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON ARIAKE SUSHI:

—RESTAURANT HOURS ARE:
TUES – THURS: 11am-2pm lunch, 4pm-9:30pm dinner
SAT & SUN: 11am – 10pm
They are closed on MONDAYS

— Extensive, authentic Japanese menu. The owner Miko Whigham, is a Japanese native. Her daughter recently has joined the team as the customer base has grown. The word is getting out about Ariake.

—The dining area consists of 3 options – sushi bar seating, regular dining room seating, and the special Japanese style dining room, the only one of its kind in Dayton.

—Ariake has a nice selection of Japanese beers and Sake.

—The kitchen specialties include Udon Noodle Soups, Katsu Curry, and Ramen Noodle Soups. The Dayton Roll is the Big Ragu’s favorite and the Sunset Roll and Ngiri (raw fish on rice) and Sashimi (Raw fish slices) options are top notch.

The Cupid Roll – BRAND NEW ROLL at Ariake !!

Whether you are a sushi pro, a sushi rookie, and even if you don’t like sushi, there is something for everyone on their menus.

Sushi Chef Sasaki has some new tricks up his sleeve this Valentine’s Day and ONLY FOOD ADVENTURES has the scoop…

NEW MUST EATS at ARIAKE SUSHI:

—THE CUPID ROLL:
A spicy crab roll, topped with raw tuna, and dabs of spicy mayo. We have fallen in love with this BRAND NEW roll !! A MUST EAT !!!

—THE SURF and TURF ROLL:
A crab sushi roll, topped with a teriyaki beef. Sea and land all wrapped in a sushi roll.

—THE SAKURA ROLL:

Surf and Turf Roll NEW

Sushi rice wrapped with salmon and whitefish, then deep fried in a tempura batter and topped with scallions, spicy mayo, fish eggs and eel sauce. This roll has a zing in the flavor, and is a huge, filling sushi roll!

—FRIDAY SPECIAL:
5 pieces of Nigiri (fish on rice), A Handroll, and a California Roll for $9.99. This is a great deal, as the Nigiri alone would cost more than that if ordered at regular prices.

The Sakura Roll – nice and spicy too !

The secret to Ariake is try things on this huge menu… from Bento Boxes, to Meal Sized Soups, Cooked Sushi or Raw Sushi, you will find and favorite and get hooked like us. It’s just like being in love ….

This is the inside scoop, you won’t see this featured anywhere else, these are the first sneak peeks !

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY from FOOD ADVENTURES !

***DONT FORGET – WIN a $20 GIFT CERTIFICATE to ARIAKE SUSHI !!! ***
Just comment below on why you should win and winner will be chosen at random within 2 weeks. Now is your chance to enter for the opportunity to try some new tastes FOR FREE !

Sunset Roll

Join Food Adventures every week right here on Dayton Most Metro for our feature articles that you wont see anywhere else ! We have more scoop than an empty Baskin Robbins…

If you think Miko’s name is familiar … she used to own AKASHI Sushi Restaurant in Dayton. After she sold it, she waited 3 years and decided come out of retirement. We are so lucky that she did. Eat up Miami Valley- try the Japanese Dining room this week with that special someone. It will be a romantic dinner you won’t forget. Also, perfect for groups. Either way, everyone will be impressed !

Follow Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Please feel free to browse the photos below.

Peek into the Japanese Dining Room at Ariake Sushi

FRIDAY SPECIAL – Hand Roll, 5 Nigiri, and a California Roll for 9.99

Sakura Roll

Sunset Roll

Japanese style dining area

59 Fiesta Ln in Miamisburg

Beer and edamame

seaweed salad

Calamari

Katsu Curry

FRESH SUSHI

Shrimp Tempura

Spider Roll

Miso Soup

Sunset Roll

Shrimp Tempura roll

Salmon and Tuna

Kani

Sashimi

Sashimi plate

Sashimi Tuna

Lovers Boat

Japanese dining room

Dining room

Dining Area

sashimi plate

Handroll and miso soup

Japanese dining room

Dinner for 2

Cupid Roll

Sakura Roll

Hibachi up Close: Sake Japanese Steakhouse + WIN LUNCH !

November 28, 2017 By Dayton937 3 Comments

Fire it up at Sake

***COMMENT BELOW on why you love SAKE restaurant and win a lunch with the Food Adventure Crew at Sake !*** One winner will be chosen at random.

The chefs at Sake Restaurant have been tossing it, flipping it, and slicing things up for decades. The attraction here are the giant Hibachi grills that each seat 8 people. As the meal begins, so does the fun “show” of each chef demonstrating knife skills, sharpness of blade, and spatula talents. Welcome to Sake Japanese Steakhouse, my friends, a locally owned eatery, where each meal is an entertaining Food Adventure.

What is the secret to their success? They have outlasted all the other Japanese steakhouses in Dayton. They are the only game like it in town, except for another locally owned restaurant in Troy called “Sakai” which is also an excellent place to grab hibachi and sushi

Dipping Spider Roll into Yum yum sauce

meals.

Sake is not a cheap outing, but is perfect for a celebration or special treat. Let’s learn more….

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON SAKE JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE and SUSHI BAR:

—There are 3 Dayton locations of this, one on Miller Lane, one by the Dayton Mall and another across the street from the Greene.

—Hours are strange at Sake during the week. Mon – Fri they are open 10am -2pm but they close from 2pm -4pm as a break between lunch and dinner. They open back up at 4 and serve dinner until 10pm, 11pm on Saturday.

—Each restaurant offers seating around the hibachi grill, seating in a dining room, or seating at the sushi bar. The menu varies on where you sit, but you can pretty much ask for everything, no matter where you are located. We suggest to always sit at the the Hibachi grill for a full experience.

—Each restaurant offers a full sushi menu. Each location offers discounts on sushi during

Fresh Salmon Nigiri

weekdays. For example the Greene location offers 50% off sushi rolls, and the Dayton mall location offers 30% off. This is for sushi rolls only and does not include pieces of Nigiri (fish over rice) or Sashimi (fish slices alone).

—Always order sushi every visit. They serve it before your hibachi meal as an appetizer. Do it up in style, don’t skimp on this treat. The sushi bar is good and needs to be taken advantage of.

—Every hibachi meal starts with the chef setting an oil flame that shoots 2 to 3 feet in the air. The chef then launches into various knife and spatula tricks and the cooking show is underway. Expect a light comedic atmosphere, but serious flavor!

Miso Soup to start the Food Adventure

—Each Hibachi Dinner is served with Miso Soup and a house salad with house dressing. Hibachi dinners come in one meat choices or combinations of 2 or 3 meats. Meat choices include steak, shrimp, chicken, salmon, scallops, and lobster.

—All of the hibachi entrees are served with 2 sauces. One is a brown ginger sauce used for seafoods. The other is “Yum Yum” sauce, a creamy condiment loved by almost everyone, and great on rice and steak. Both sauces are delicious. Experiment with our own flavor combinations and push the envelope. Dip the seafood in the yum yum sauce you rebel, it is actually incredible !

Yum yum and Ginger Sauce

—Our biggest tip or suggestion: Whenever you can, come to Sake for lunch because the prices are almost half as cheap and the portions are pretty much the same. Also, ALWAYS order the fried rice option with your meal, it is their specialty.

Speaking of specialties.. let’s get to the menu at Sake and see the best this kitchen has to offer. We have been exploring this place for years, and have literally eaten everything on the menu from the hibachi salmon to the Alaskan roll. In our dozens of trips, we have compiled our patented list of “must eats.”

MUST EATS at SAKE JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE:

—KANI SALAD:
A secret “off the menu choice,” this is a Food Adventure tip. Kani salad is shredded imitation crab strips tossed in vinegar and spicy mayo. The result is a slightly creamy, delicious delicacy. Try it, and thank us later.

—THE SPIDER ROLL:
For some reason, Sake has the best Spider rolls in town. These sushi rolls are made of soft shell crab with shredded celery.

The Spider Rolls at Sake are the best ones in Dayton.

—SALMON NIGIRI:
Nice slices of fresh sushi Salmon over rice. Melt in your mouth good, dipped in soy sauce and wasabi.

—HIBACHI STEAK:
Steak overs seem to love this dinner/lunch entree choice. The steak is cooked to your liking rare to well done. It is cubed and tossed in teriyaki sauce. The aroma is amazing.

—SHRIMP, SCALLOPS and LOBSTER COMBO:
This is the ultimate of the combo choices and Big Ragu’s all time favorite.
The hiibachi scallops are so tender and delicious, and touched off with a spray of lemon juice. The

Hibachi Shrimp,Scallops, Lobster and fried rice

same for the lobster, which is buttery and so good it is indescribable. The shrimp is always a winner and loads up the plate as well. This is the best of best at Sake.

The House salad

These are our must eats, but know that your best combo is what you meats you love most from chicken, salmon, steak, shrimp, scallops and lobster. Find your favorites and get them on the hibachi grill. Another tip for hot sauce lovers: Ask for Sriracha sauce and spray your fried rice with it while it is on the hibachi. Ask the chef, they will do it up and the taste is one of a kind.

There you have it .. all the fire, food and fun from Sake Japanese steakhouses. Check out all of the locations, as they each have their special charm. Have fun with “egg roll” and the squirting kid toy as well as the “catch a shrimp in your pocket or food in your mouth” trick too. Lots to experience in this fun Food Adventure.

DONT FORGET –

***COMMENT BELOW on why you love SAKE restaurant and win a lunch with the Food Adventure Crew at Sake !*** One winner will be chosen at random.

Are you a foodie like us? Make sure you check back each week for our feature article on Dayton Most Metro. Want more Dayton food photos ? Then follow Food Adventures us on Facebook here

Hibachi Shrimp and more

Lobster roll and more

Sake by the Greene

Fresh, raw Salmon

Spicy Salmon Roll

Hibachi Chef

Hibachi Scallops and Shrimp

Hibachi Vegetables

Edamame

A deep fried sushi roll

Steak and chicken cooking with veggies

Big Plate of Sushi

Nigiri Sushi

Sushi

Deep fried goodness

Specials at Dayton Mall

Hibachi Salmon and Shrimp

Hibachi Shrimp and Scallops

Tuna Roll

A Sushi Boat

Rainbow and Spider Roll

The pee pee trick !

Ready to rock n roll

flaming volcano onion

Tuna

Cooking Salmon and scallops

Big Ragu – you ordered this whole page?

Sauce chef

We are hungry

Sake and chopsticks are a must

Salmon Avocado Roll

Lobster Roll

Sushi – so good

Another take on Kani Salad

Sushi Rolls 50% off at The Greene Location

Before Hibachi get a plate of sushi

Miso hungry

Cucumber Sushi

Deep Fry me

starting the fried rice

Across from the Greene location

Sushi !

A sushi roll with tuna and salmon

Big plate of Sushi

Have You Been Eating Sushi Wrong?

August 29, 2017 By Dayton937 1 Comment

Is this the correct way to eat Eel?

Did you know there is a correct way to eat sushi?

Neither did we, and we have been doing it all wrong for years ! It’s a good thing we have Japanese native, Miko Whigham, in town. Miko is here to teach us how to eat sushi correctly, like they do in Japan. This will ensure politeness and manners, if you ever find yourself in an authentic sushi restaurant on a Food Adventure.

How do they eat Salmon sushi rolls in Japan ?

Miko is a sushi expert. She grew up in Japan, moved to the United States decades ago. She now owns her second Sushi restaurant called ARIAKE SUSHI BAR which is near the Dayton Mall, at 59 Fiesta Lane, by the intersection of 741 and 725.

THE BIGGEST ERRORS IN SUSHI EATING:
Many of us find ourselves using chopsticks, when actually it is more customary to use your hands. This can save you from fumbling with chopsticks, if you aren’t well versed. It can also save your sushi from crumbling, which happens to the Food Adventure Crew a lot. Miko also says mixing the wasabi in the soy sauce is only a sometimes thing.

Exotic Sushi rolls at Ariake demand special handling

CORRECT WAY TO EAT SUSHI ROLLS : VIDEO
(Sushi rolls are the most common sushi, cooked or raw filling inside of rice cut into circles)
1) Fill your little sauce tray up 2/3rd the way with soy sauce.
2) Brush a little wasabi anywhere on your sushi roll pieces using chopsticks.
3) Next, get rid of the chopsticks or forks and use your hands only.
4) Pick up the sushi piece (it is typically a small circle shape) and dip it quickly into the soy sauce
5) Put the whole thing in your mouth. Yes, the whole thing. They are made for you to taste it all at once.

CORRECT WAY TO EAT NIGIRI SUSHI: VIDEO
(Ngiri is typically a piece of fish laying on top a small bunch of rice, raw or cooked)
1) Fill your little sauce tray up 2/3rd the way with soy sauce.

What is the customary way to eat Nigiri ?

2) Brush a little wasabi on the fish side of your sushi using chopsticks.
3) Next, get rid of the chopsticks or forks and use your hands only.
4) Pick up the sushi piece with your hand fish side down, rice side up,and dip the fish part into the soy sauce
5) Put the whole thing in your mouth. Yes, the whole thing. They are made for you to taste it all at once.
(#4 makes sense, we always dipped the rice side into the soy and it fell apart.. NEVER AGAIN !)

This VIDEO will help you with a little known Wasabi request …

Sashimi – Fatty Tuna

CORRECT WAY TO EAT SASHIMI: VIDEO
(Sashimi is raw fish, sliced into bite sized squares)
1) Fill your little sauce tray up 2/3rd the way with soy sauce.
2) Put a little dab of wasabi into the soy sauce, and using chopsticks mix it into the soy sauce until blended.
3) Using chopsticks, pick up a piece of sashimi, dip the fish part into the soy sauce
4) Put the whole thing in your mouth.

CORRECT WAY TO EAT A HAND ROLL:

Fold the Hand Roll Bottom closed, pour a few drops of soy on the top

1) Hold the roll like an ice cream cone
2) Using chopsticks, smear a small amount of wasabi across the top opening of the roll.
3) Fold the bottom opening closed and hold it closed with your pinky finger while holding the hand roll like an ice cream cone.
4) Pour a small amount of soy sauce across the top opening of the roll.
5) Take bites out of the roll, like eating an ice cream cone.

OPTIONAL WAY TO EAT SUSHI ROLLS AND NIGIRI: (THE GINGER MOP METHOD): VIDEO
There is another way to soak your sushi with soy and wasabi. Food Adventures has named this the “Ginger Mop Method”
1) Fill your little sauce tray up 2/3rd the way with soy sauce.
2) Put a little dab of wasabi into the soy sauce, and using chopsticks mix it into the soy sauce until it disintegrates.
3) Next, using your chopsticks, get a pinch of ginger, and dip it into your soy sauce

Japanese native Miko Whigham, owner of Ariake Sushi

4) Using the ginger like a “mop”, brush the sushi with the wet ginger, spreading soy sauce on the sushi. If you want to break tradition, you can mix wasabi into the soy sauce here.
5) Pick up the sushi piece with your hand, if it is nigiri (fish on a bed of rice) turn it fish side down, rice side up,and dip the fish part into the soy sauce. If it is a roll you can dip it by hand or by chop stick.
6) Put the whole thing in your mouth. Yes, the whole thing. They are made for you to taste it all at once.

There you have it, you are now an official Sushi Ninja…

Thank you to Japanese native Miko Whigham for her guidance on “How to eat sushi correctly.” Make sure you visit her restaurant, Ariake Sushi Bar in Miamisburg for Dayton’s most authentic Japanese menu. When you do, you now know how to mind your sushi manners!

Please browse our sushi photos below, and follow Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Now you can tackle sushi in the “correct manner”

How would you address this roll??

Kani, Tuna and Salmon Nigiri – use the upside down dip method

Spicy Tuna Roll

Shrimp Tempura

Sushi is life

Tell your friends to use their hands !

Sushi Boat at Ariake

How would you tackle this one? With your hands !

Sashimi Plate

Sushi roll

Roll topped with eel

Ariake Feast !

Dreams come true at Ariake Sushi Bar

hello , lover…

Mackrel, tuna and yellow tail

The Kani imitation Krab is good stuff

Some sushi rolls come deep fried

Love the Spicy tuna roll

Hand Rolls – $1 – limit 1

Sashimi Plate

Ngiri Plate – Salmon, Tuna, Crab

Tuna Roll

Outside Ariake Sushi near the Dayton Mall

Ariake to Host All-You-Can-Eat Sushi Adventure!

April 18, 2017 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

The Dayton Roll

All You Can Eat Premium Sushi Rolls?? YES !! Sushi Lovers… unite !!

Food Adventures has done it again.

We have partnered with Ariake Sushi to host a ONE NIGHT ONLY, all you want sushi event on Monday, May 1st, 2017. They have agreed to open up on a Monday evening and let our Food Adventures Crew have the entire restaurant.

TICKETS ON SALE AT THIS LINK. Tickets include tax, tip and water/tea.

Please note, we only have room for 50 people at this dinner, and have about 25 seats left. So get your tickets NOW !

Ariake is known for terrific, premium sushi. You may have seen our previous article on this restaurant HERE.

Miso Soup included

Owner Miko Whigham and her sushi chef, Chef Sasaki have planned an incredible spread, and this night will be one of a kind. This is the foodie event you have been waiting for.

HERE’S THE SKINNY on ARIAKE SUSHI’S ALL YOU CAN EAT FOOD ADVENTURE:

WHEN: MONDAY, MAY 1st, 2017 at 6:30pm

The Godzilla Roll

WHERE: ARIAKE SUSHI RESTAURANT, 59 FIESTA LANE, MIAMISBURG

COST: $45 per person this includes the tip and tax and the following….

— MISO SOUP

— CRAB & SEAWEED SALAD

— ALL YOU CAN EAT SUSHI ROLLS and NIGIRI SUSHI UNTIL 8:30pm.

— HOT TEA and WATER

Shrimp Tempura Roll

There will be other drinks and alcohol for purchase.

NOTE*** The sushi rolls and nigiri sushi available will be a good variety chosen by the chef. Diners will pick from a nice display of sushi that will be constantly replenished and some made to order.

*** CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS *** Seats are limited and PRE-PAY only.

Join us for this MUST EAT event on Monday May 1st, 2017. As always, this Food Adventure will also be filled with Trivia, Door prizes and more…

Check out some more photos below of what you can expect at the special dinner.

Are you a local foodie?? Then join the more than 7,000 Dayton foodies on our Facebook Food Adventures Page HERE

All you can eat Jan 16th

Up close Spider Roll

Tuna Roll

13076827_1005972022771162_6488586225986041540_n

Front Entrance across from the Dayton Mall

Dayton Roll

Shrimp Tempura roll

The Crab Seaweed Salad

Deep Fried Roll

Rainbow roll and Tuna Roll

Ariake Roll and more

Spider Roll – Softshell crab

Salmon Roll up close

Salmon Roll

All the sushi you want ..

Tuna Roll up close

Chef Torching an eel roll

Look at that plate !!

Buy your tickets NOW !

Spicy tuna roll

Oh my goodness… an Ariake Roll!

Ariake Sushi Event Announced for Jan. 16th

December 1, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

The Dayton Roll

All You Can Eat Premium Sushi Rolls?? YES !! Sushi Lovers… unite !!

Food Adventures has done it again.

We have partnered with Ariake Sushi to host a ONE NIGHT ONLY, all you want sushi event on Monday January 16th, 2017. They have agreed to open up on a Monday evening and let our Food Adventures Crew have the entire restaurant.

TICKETS ON SALE AT THIS LINK. Tickets include tax, tip and water/tea.

Please note, we only have room for 50 people at this dinner. So get your tickets NOW !

Ariake is known for terrific, premium sushi. You may have seen our previous article on this restaurant HERE.

Miso Soup included

Owner Miko Whigham and her sushi chef, Chef Sasaki have planned an incredible spread, and this night will be one of a kind. This is the foodie event you have been waiting for.

HERE’S THE SKINNY on ARIAKE SUSHI’S ALL YOU CAN EAT FOOD ADVENTURE:

WHEN: MONDAY, JANUARY 18th, 2017 at 6:30pm

The Godzilla Roll

WHERE: ARIAKE SUSHI RESTAURANT, 59 FIESTA LANE, MIAMISBURG

COST: $45 per person this includes the tip and tax and the following….

— MISO SOUP

— CRAB & SEAWEED SALAD

— ALL YOU CAN EAT SUSHI ROLLS UNTIL 8:30pm.

— HOT TEA and WATER

Shrimp Tempura Roll

There will be other drinks and alcohol for purchase.

NOTE*** The sushi rolls available will be a good variety chosen by the chef. Diners will pick from a nice display of sushi that will be constantly replenished

*** CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS *** Limited to the first 50 people. We are expecting a sell out.

Join us for this MUST EAT event on Monday January 16th, 2017. As always, this Food Adventure will also be filled with Trivia, Door prizes and more…

Check out some more photos below of what you can expect at the special dinner.

Are you a local foodie?? Then join the more than 7,000 Dayton foodies on our Facebook Food Adventures Page HERE

All you can eat Jan 16th

Up close Spider Roll

Tuna Roll

Front Entrance across from the Dayton Mall

Dayton Roll

Shrimp Tempura roll

The Crab Seaweed Salad

Deep Fried Roll

Rainbow roll and Tuna Roll

Ariake Roll and more

Spider Roll – Softshell crab

Salmon Roll up close

Salmon Roll

All the sushi you want ..

Tuna Roll up close

Chef Torching an eel roll

Look at that plate !!

Buy your tickets NOW !

Spicy tuna roll

Oh my goodness… an Ariake Roll!

Ariake is the Spot… Raw or Hot!

February 2, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Sushi Chef Sasaki

The original owners of Akashi on Harshman Rd. are back with a raw vengeance, literally. Their newest restaurant, Ariake Sushi Bar is a great spot, raw or hot !

Eat it raw you say? Great Sushi, or fully cooked Japanese specialties you say? Hot Soups? That’s right up our exotic food alley! Hungry Jax, Big Ragu and Chef House never miss a chance for good Food Adventure. Expert Chefs and cooks, giving you an authentic taste of Japan.

The restaurant is nestled into a small strip mall across from the Dayton Mall near Prestige Plaza. Ariake is starting to gain a loyal following and is a fun place to explore the bounds of your tastebuds. Originally suggested to us by Hungry Jax’s friend Parker, we dove in, mouth first. After several return visits, we knew this was a perfect subject for one of our highlight articles.

So here you go, another little secret spot off the beaten path….

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The owner is a wonderful lady named Miko Whigham, who along with Chef Sasaki provide a warm, inviting atmosphere with fresh, quality food and prompt service.

— Ariake Sushi Bar is located at 59 Fiesta Lane in Miamisburg , and are open

Salmon Belly – Grilled perfectly

TUE – FRI 11am-2pm, 4pm-10pm
SAT noon – 10pm
SUN noon – 10pm

— Ariake’s specialty is a full Japanese sushi menu of raw sushi rolls, cooked sushi rolls, nigiri (raw fish on rice), and sashimi (raw fish, no rice). They put the chef’s personality on display with a few original creations like the “University of Dayton roll.”— Don’t like sushi? There are plenty of other options for you freaks. Meal sized noodle soups, Chicken Katsu (fried chicken), Bento Boxes of non-sushi options, and fried Tempura vegetables are just some of the alternate food choices.

— If you and a friend are in for sushi, we suggest siting at the sushi bar for an intimate experience, and great conversation with the sushi chef. If you are in a group of 3 or more, hit the comfortable dining room instead.

Now, drum roll please, after many visits and trying most of the huge menu, here are our patented “Must Eats” at Ariake !

MUST EATS – COOKED:

— SALMON BELLY: Not what you think. This was a couple of filets of salmon, grilled with the skin attached. Perfectly seasoned, slightly crunchy from the charring and delicious. Chef House deemed this as one of her favorites and we agree wholeheartedly.

The Squid Salad is a “Must Eat”

— SQUID SALAD with SEAWEED: Here is where you trust us… Food Adventure time…. take a leap of faith, listen to your mouth and not your mind on this one. Amazing flavor and one of our favorite things that all 3 of us raved about. We don’t even know what the name for it is on the menu. We have been there so many times, they brought it out as a complimentary treat from the kitchen. It is one of the best things we have eaten at Ariake.

— OCTOPUS SALAD aka “TAKO SALAD”: Yes they call it “Tako Salad,” but is is nothing like taco salad. Sliced, poached octopus slices in a creamy, spicy mayo sauce. It is wild, it might seem weird. But it is one of those dishes you say “Wow, that’s really good.” Go ahead.. go on a Food Adventure.

— THE GODZILLA ROLL: This is pretty much a deep fried Philadelphia roll, of salmon and cream cheese, with some spicy mayo, and green onion toppings. This is one of Hungry Jax’s favorite menu items.

— CURRY UDON NOODLE SOUP: A meal sized bowl, it is perfect for warming up your winter blues. Homemade noodles, spun in-house, make this a one-of-a-kind delicacy like no other. And ohhhh man the broth, is tremendous.

— CHICKEN TERIYAKI BENTO BOX: Pockets of love on your dinner dish. It is like a tour of Japan on your plate. From Hibachi Teriyaki Chicken to Tempura Vegetables and Seaweed Salad, this one is a winner.

— KANI HAND ROLL: Just 99 cents and comes with cooked imitation crab, zucchini, and rice, all wrapped in rice paper like a mini bugle. A hell of a deal, thanks to our friend Jason for pointing this out.

Honorable Mention:

Fried calamari appetizer- You know it’s good when even the kids devour it

Okinawa Soba – Noodle soup with spare ribs on top, perfect in cold weather

Okinowa Soba – Homemade Noodles and Spare Rib Soup

MUST EATS – RAW:

— THE DAYTON ROLL: One of the most hardcore, meaty rolls we have ever eaten. Covered in raw ahi tuna, this roll is filling and frighteningly addicting. This was the Big Ragu’s favorite item.

— SPICY TUNA ROLL: Simple, spicy and full of flavor. We think Ariake really shines on any item where the main ingredient is Ahi tuna. Call it their “specialty.”

— SEA URCHIN NIGIRI: Chopped, tossed in spicy sauce, and wrapped in rice paper. This is the best way we have ever eaten sea urchin.

— UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON ROLL: A huge triangular roll that we have never seen anything like before. With blue and red fish roe, over the white rice and raw tuna, salmon and yellowtail with avocado. They try to get the university colors, except for the yellow rice paper outside of the roll. This is the biggest sushi roll we have ever seen. Lots of rice, lots of good roe…

The Dayton Roll – so much Tuna

— ARIAKE ROLL: Part raw, part cooked. Tempura Shrimp inside, Raw Salmon on top, makes this a colorful roll with sauces splashed on top. Delicious and filling.

— DINNER FOR 2 (SERVED IN WOODEN BOAT): It has raw and cooked items but is a masterpiece of fun. It is what Food Adventures are made of… from sliced beef, to cooked ngiri, and raw sashimi, this is for people with intermediate sushi experience.

We have been here a lot…. so much that they use our Food Adventure photos on their website… so much that our friends have been married at the owners previous restaurant. We have a fun relationship with the owners and appreciate their great food.

Dinner for 2 Sushi Boat

Give this locally owned restaurant a try!

Also – “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE. Follow Hungry Jax, Chef House and The Big Ragu as they leave no plate unturned. Every week, we write a feature article, right here, exclusively for Dayton MostMetro.com. We write the stories ourselves and use our own, original photos.

Please feel free to browse the photo gallery below from our visits to Ariake Sushi Bar.

Ariake roll (bottom) and other sushi

Ramen Soups

Sea Urchin

Delicious

Curry Udon Noodle Soup

Special Sushi Plate

Octopus Salad

Spicy Salmon roll

Tempura on a boat

Salmon Bento Box

Green Tea Ice cream

Sushi Boat

Sashimi on a boat

Dinner Boat for 2

Lunch at Ariake Sushi Bar

Ramen Soup with Beef

Entry in Miamisburg

Spider Roll

Chicken Teriyaki Bento Box

Spoon it

Lots of Kids options

Salmon Bento Box

University of Dayton Roll

Hand Rolls for a buck each

Salmon, Mackrel and Ariake Roll

Potato Appetizer

Shumai appetizer

Salmon, Tuna, Ariake Roll

Sushi Boat

Sunset Roll and Godzilla Roll

Ramen Soup with Beef

Shrimp Tempura app

Chef using blow torch for Sunset Roll

Dayton Roll

Sushi for 2

Ariake Menu

Spider Roll

Hungry Jax eating sushi at Ariake

Spicy Tuna for you

Osaka: New Buffet with Conveyor Belt Sushi

September 29, 2015 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Raw Salmon Sushi & Raw Salmon Sashimi

A new Japanese / Chinese Buffet called Osaka has opened behind the Dayton Mall and the Food Adventures Crew has the scoop after a few visits. The newly remodeled building formerly housed Max & Erma’s for decades, and most recently Hazel Grill. The place is basically a buffet, yet they are trying to distinguish themselves by doing a few things differently.

One attraction at Osaka, is the “Conveyor Belt of Sushi.” Now, this is not the typical conveyor belt sushi at restaurants that winds its way around the dining area and is priced based on color of the plate you pick up. No, this is just a side attraction and part of the “All You Can Eat” concept.

But this concept is a bit different at Osaka Sushi and Hibachi Buffet.

Owner/ Manager John Weng of Osaka Buffet

Gone are the metal steam pans, replaced by large family style, white serving dishes. Each dish looks more appetizing. Owner/Manager John Weng told us that this allows for a smaller quantity on each dish, in the hopes that no buffet item sits too long. Beyond that, this buffet is similar to the ones you have seen in the past, although this one seems a little cleaner.

We have visited Osaka four times since it opened, and have tried virtually every menu item. Here are the Food Adventure findings…

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Osaka Sushi & Hibachi Buffet is located at 8901 Kingsridge Dr.

— Buffet prices are as follows: Lunch = $8.95, Dinner = $14.95

— Not a fan of “All you can eat?,” that’s ok ladies, you can order from a full Sushi, Japanese and Chinese Menu.

— Hours are: Monday – Saturday 10:30am – 10pm, Sundays 10:30am – 9:30pm

Prawns on the Buffet

— Buffet highlights include:

A sushi conveyor belt with plates of 2-3 pieces of sushi

A raw hibachi bar and grill, where you mix your ingredients and a hibachi cook stir fry’s your mixture with your choice of sauce.

Appetizer area and Main Entree bars

Soup, Fruit and Dessert areas

With dozens of menu items, what are the best eats? From Duck to Crab Sushi, we sort through it all and give you our patented MUST EATS !

MUST EATS:

— THE SALMON SASHIMI: Scope out the conveyor belt for the pieces of raw, sliced salmon with no rice. These slices are fresh and melt in your mouth. Absolutely the best item on the conveyor belt of love.

Spicy Crab sushi with Flying Fish roe on top

— THE HIBACHI RAW BAR & GRILL: Take advantage of your own mini-Mongolian Grill. Whatever your concoction of meats and veggies, may we suggest you ask for your mixture to be cooked in the Brown Hibachi Sauce. It is absolutely delicious.

— SPICY CRAB SUSHI with FISH ROE on TOP: These are easy to spot, because they have colorful fish eggs sprinkled on top of the sushi roll in colors of green,black or orange.

— THE CRAB ANGLE: These huge, triangular deep fried snacks are STUFFED with crab and cream cheese. The result is a big, filling couple of bites of cheesy goodness.

— THE DUNGENESS CRAB: Hardshell crabs, cut in half and separated at the leg joints. The leg joints are then battered and stir fried with a brown sauce. The result is a crab crackin’, shell suckin’ good time.

— CHEESEY MUSSELS: Baked Mussels in the shell, covered with creamy cheese mixture. Perfect description would be “they’re heavenly.”

— RAW OYSTERS: Rarely seen on buffets in Dayton, take advantage when you see these bad boys laying out on ice.

Honorable Mention: The Crab Nigiri Sushi was huge and delicious. Also, the Fried Shrimp are nothing short of addicting.

The Conveyor Belt of Sushi runs the entire time, replacing and adding plates constantly.

So there you have the lowdown on Osaka Sushi and Hibachi Buffet, the newest buffet in town. Smaller plates, less waste, fresher food

is their philosophy. They have some great items, we are fans and hope the restaurant takes hold for a long time.

Osaka is a perfect place to push your pallet comfort zone. Try new things from crawfish to frog legs. Come out to Kingsridge Drive by the Dayton Mall and experience your own little Food Adventure. P.S., the conveyor belt doesn’t work if you sit or stand on it … just kidding, but don’t try it anyway…

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In the meantime, browse the photos below from our visits to Osaka Sushi and Hibachi Buffet.