Something for Everyone at Sushi Kinoya

The title says it all! I’m a little particular when it comes to sushi. A lot of my friends think sushi means fried shrimp, panko crumbs, and cream cheese. Yes, I said cream cheese. I’ve seen it, and it’s sad. However, once in awhile, you find a place that will please everyone’s definition of “sushi,” without the cream cheese. Sushi Kinoya has sashimi, they have rolls, they have fresh sweet shrimp, they have teriyaki chicken, and more!

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The salmon sashimi here is fresh, fatty, and DELICIOUS! I would recommend this to everyone, especially those who aren’t super into raw fish. If they don’t like this, then there is no hope for them.

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These thick cut pieces of yellowtail are melt-in-your-mouth goodness with just the right hint of spicy from the jalapeno.

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For your pickier friends, I’ll delve into more familiar territory. This spider roll was fresh and crunchy in all of the right ways.

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The spicy tuna roll is a great safe choice for your friends that are just getting into sushi. They can get it pretty much anywhere that serves sushi, so it will be familiar. However, here, it is a standout. I’m not normally impressed by spicy tuna rolls anymore. I would rather indulge in another fun roll, but this is the perfect level of spicy and great quality, so I always order it.

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This blue crab roll with avocado is the definition of #bombdotcom.

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The Rock n’ Roll is my ABSOLUTE favorite! I have never had a cucumber wrapped roll, but with little to compare it to, I am still confident that this is the best around! It is filled with albacore, salmon, crab, tuna, avocado, and sambai sauce. It’s great to indulge in a roll without feeling full from rice.

Everything is reasonably priced and so fresh! They don’t have  a website, but if you need more proof that they kick ass, visit their Yelp page (not that I endorse Yelp).

Fried Food Fest at the OC Night Market

Two weekends ago, I went to the OC Night Market with my family at the Orange County Fairgrounds.  It was filled with food, music, and PEOPLE. Seriously, so crowded.

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First, we indulged in some french fries covered in crab and cheese. These were definitely a little indulgent. They were delicious, but too heavy to start out with.

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This Horchata/Coffee concoction from Contra Coffee & Tea was GOLD. I love putting horchata and coffee together, and when someone is serving it, I have to try it! This definitely didn’t disappoint!

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I was not expecting this Strawberry Lemonade to be this amazing! Seriously! This lemonade was not overly sweet, though I’m sure it had plenty of sugar. It was so refreshing; I wanted to try all of the flavors. If you are at a fairground that is serving Main Squeeze, do yourself a favor and indulge!

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We also couldn’t resist the whole fried squid from Squid Roe. We opted for the spicy asian seasoning, which really wasn’t all that spicy. I enjoyed this because I LOVE squid; however, if you are sensitive or dislike a heavy batter, this is NOT for you.

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This was a great way to end our fried food tour. The ice cream wasn’t too rich and the churro was perfectly crispy! Check out Ridges Churro Bar’s other flavors! It also made for a great Insta photo!

 

Between the food, art, and crowds, the OC Night Market is definitely a must-see! For more information and future dates, visit http://www.ocnightmarket.com/

Passing through Paso

I just got back from a trip to San Francisco, which will require several posts given all of the food that was consumed. However, we found a pleasant patio when we were passing through Paso Robles. I have never been there and wasn’t familiar with the area, but online reviews and other foodie Instagram photos confirmed my initial thoughts that Thomas Hill Organics would be the perfect place to stop on our road trip back home.

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We started off with Fresh Burrata Cheese over Prosciutto and topped with Arugula, Toasted Almonds, Raspberries, and a Balsamic Reduction. It was a great mix of sweet and savory  with the raspberries and honey laced Burrata.

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This burger was CRAZY in flavor! The PC Cattle Beef Burger was topped with Romesco, Cambozla Cheese, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Roasted Garlic Aioli and Caramelized Onions. I was afraid that the cheese would be too strong, or too moldy, but it was just right. For such strong flavors, the burger wasn’t too complicated or overwhelming in any way. A good burger can just make any day better, and this was definitely one of those occasions.

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The Charbroiled Chilean Sea Bass Sandwich was the surprise of the meal! The perfectly cooked fish was topped with a Sweet Chili Glaze, Marinated Carrots, Wakame, Rainbow Micro Greens, and Aioli. The seaweed salad in every bite was the BOMBdotCOM!

 

This is a great stop right off of the 101 in Paso! I would highly recommend stopping here next time you are driving up or down the state. If you’re early enough for lunch, your road trip clothes are acceptable, whereas brunch and dinner would be a little more dressy casual.

For more information, visit http://www.thomashillorganics.com/