SUSHI SHOP
EAT WELL BE WELL 

If you don’t know about Restaurant Sushi Shop, then you must not get out much, and really need to read on! Anywhere you go in Montreal and surrounding areas you’ll see the very popular Sushi Shop franchise and it’s no wonder… I was fortunate enough to review their latest stores in the West Island. 

Sushi Shop is taking the West Island by storm with 2 new locations, one which opened in February 2008 on St. Charles in Kirkland and its sister store which was just launched this past month on St. Jeans Blvd. in Pointe-Claire. 

Owned and operated by Sami Bader and his partner Joseph Rizk, the Kirkland store is the first in the franchise to have the new décor, giving it a simple and tranquil feel. They have also won “Excellence in operational award 2009”. Their second store on St. Jeans blvd. is poised to do the same. 

What an original and practical concept! Healthy, delicious and beautifully presented dishes, to eat in, take out or have delivered (100 pieces or more). What a welcomed alternative to the drive thru's! 

Now the fun part…I was treated to some old time favorites and a little concerned about some suggestions Sami made. Yes, of course I eat sushi, but on the conservative side.

Well I threw old time caution to the wind and eagerly indulged. 

To my delight I found out that I loved eel! I started off with the “Dragon” Maki, a mix of eel, cucumber, lemon zest, avocado and eel sauce. The lemon zest complimented the eel and just the right amount of sauce made this sushi my favorite! 

Next I tried the “Miami” Sumomaki rolled with a soya sheet which is lighter tasting then traditional seaweed and gently envelope its content, smoked salmon, cream cheese, avocado, tempura, orange masago and spicy mayo. Sounds like a lot, but together each flavor took its turn. 

The “Red - Eye” not to be confused with a late flight, was full flavored, consisting of soya sheet, red tuna, tempura, red masago, crabstick and spicy mayo. The tuna paired with the spicy mayo was delicious.  

A few suggestions to take note of, the calamari and seaweed salad, assorted sushi packages and the latest addition and big seller the shrimp tempura, all are delectable. 

I could go on and on about my Sushi Shop experience, but will leave you with this, seeing is believing and trying will make you a lifetime client.  

Corporate and private event catering available. Check out their menu at http://www.gowestisland.com/sushishop/menu.htm and visit it often for seasonal changes and updates. Eat well be well, that’s Sushi Shop.