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Cave Fish

While trying to decide on a lunch spot downtown today, I was reminded that the Arkansas Times reported that Hanaroo Sushi Bar at 205 West capitol had changed ownership.



My first experience a couple of years ago had been less than stellar.  They were out of some items, like fish for instance.  Good service was missing as well.  This time, however, the service was fast and the fish was fresh.

Started out with the obligatory Miso Soup.



Ordered a lunch special- BBQ Eel Roll.  Eel, avocado, and cucumber with a special Asian BBQ sauce drizzled on top.  Served with five pieces of nigiri- Crab, Tuna, Snapper, Salmon, and Shrimp.



All of this for $7.50, and it was one of the more expensive ones, so it was quite the affordable lunch.   Is it my new favorite Sushi spot?  No, but it was pretty darn good.  The fish tasted as fresh as I've had in a land-locked state.  The BBQ eel roll was unique, with a sweet and salty zip that I liked.  I will certainly go back for the lunch specials.

Why the title of "Cave Fish"?  I'm still bitter at the low lighting.  The really, really dim lighting that made it feel like a cave.  Sorry, but it makes photography difficult. 

Got a good lunch special to tell us about?

Comments

I have been loyal to Igibon's for years, but I have to say that I have converted to Hanaroo.

They have 3 choices for salad dressings. The Ginger is a bit strong for my taste, but the other 2 are great.

The tuna, salmon, & makrel have been excellent. My favorite rolls are the B52 (spicey crawfish with tuna on the outside), the Dynamite Roll, The Po Boy (fried oyster), and the Spider Roll (soft-shell crab). I ask them to make the spicey rolls extra spicey.

The anytime prices are basically the equivalent of Happy Hour prices at other places. The rolls are $1 off from 5-7 (I think that's the time).

I haven't explored their Udon yet, but it may be hard to beat Igibon's.

The atmosphere is comfortable with good music & a clean bathroom. Best of all, it's quick & easy.

If you're like me & resistent to change, I really encourage you to break out of the routine & try Hanaroo. It's on Capitol near Main (street parking outside the door is no problem at night).

I am also a huge huge fan of Hanaroo. Living downtown but working towards Saline County means that although I've dined at Hanaroo many an evening (like last night, for instance) - I have yet to try one of the lunch bento boxes. This makes me quite sad and is something I intend to remedy soon.

Anyone stopping in is encouraged to try a Tropical Roll (listed now as a special, but I believe it's a permanent fixture), which has smoked salmon, cream cheese, mango and avocado wrapped in a soy paper wrap and topped with kiwi. The citrus is SO good with the salmon! Also, I'd suggest the Atlantic, Pretty Women, and Samurai rolls (if you're into rolls with a bunch of ingrediants - if not, the simple rolls are tasty as well).

Three cheers for Hanaroo! Hip hip hooray! Hip hip hooray! Hip hip hooray!!!

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