The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the views of Spoon University.
Options abound.
Besides choosing classes and research topics, AU students now have yet another choice to make: which of the forty sushi rolls at Ace Sushi they will have for lunch.
The mind-blowing variety at this humble food spot in Kerwin Hall (home to AU’s School of Public Affairs) makes it the biggest menu anywhere on campus. Offerings include classics like California rolls and salmon poke along with unheard-of dishes that pique one’s curiosity.
What is a Hawaiian volcano roll? How about a dynamite roll? And dare I even try the “Great Big Giant Sushi Burrito”?
For this article, Spoon University has tried all those and more. One thing is certain: this new and exciting dining option is not for the indecisive.
Sitting on the dock of the bay
The Bay Bridge Roll is one of my favorite orders. Meant to invoke the inviting scenery of San Francisco, this dish is not a normal sushi roll. Instead, it’s a “sushi burrito,” which is wider and more substantial.
Avocado and rolled omelet garnish snow crab meat while a light drizzle of ponzu sauce accentuates the mild flavor of sticky white rice. Sesame seeds and ginger add a sharp, bitter tang. The spice level (without extra wasabi) is mercifully mild and makes for a hearty and sumptuous bite.
For those craving more spice, I recommend the dynamite roll. It features lightly battered shrimp tempura with more cucumber and a delightfully spicy dollop of mayonnaise spiked with sriracha.
Pleasant poke
Every Political Science major knows the essentiality of getting their pre-class poke fix.
Luckily for them, the poke at Ace Sushi is infinitely better than the pre-packaged poke bowls served at Kerwin in the past.
I like mine best with crispy fried onions, edamame and shredded carrots. But to be honest, it’s pretty much impossible to go wrong.
This is one of the most popular meal swipes on campus, and for good reason: the seafood here is impressively fresh.
Novelties, specialties and bubble teas
If you’ve read this far, you’re probably wondering: “What on earth is a ‘Great Big Giant Sushi Burrito,’ and is it worth my dining dollars?”.
The answer depends on the size of your appetite.
White rice takes the place of the usual tortilla; filled with a salmon-cucumber-avocado combo and wrapped together in deliciously crunchy seaweed. It’s a satisfying and toothsome treat.
The Hawaiian volcano roll is similarly bonkers.
It consists of salmon sashimi drenched in both spicy mayo and ponzu sauce—entirely too much of it. This volcano is overly fiery; sometimes less is more.
To cool off, Ace Sushi’s bubble tea menu has also been improved.
The Hokkaido milk tea is ideal for a midday caffeine boost while the raspberry lemonade is a more circusy, refreshing treat.
Super sushi
Ace Sushi promises healthy, affordable and adventurous dining to students in Kerwin Hall. But it can’t always deliver; it’s common for Ace to run out of some menu items at midday.
However, the menu items in stock so far have been invariably fascinating. When subject to the SpoonU taste test, Ace has aced it with flying colors.