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Be a Sushi Expert

Everything you need to know to know about the cuisine Springfield's crazy for.

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The biggest joy we get from a meal of sushi (pre-consumption, anyway) is reading the menu. Colorful names and colorful language are used to describe what is, more often than not, an equally colorful roll. But what does it all mean? To help you understand, we scoured local sushi menus for the most quizzical names and asked the restaurants why they picked them. The answers (when they could provide them) are below, as well as the ingredients, the price and a little bit about the restaurants we’re sure you’ll be visiting very, very soon.
 

Mijuri

<<< Ping Ping Girl Roll
What’s in it: Salmon, tuna, yellow tail, avocado and masago wrapped in pink sushi paper.
Etymology: History lovers should recognize the name of the famous Asian women’s Ping Ping Association that was formed after not being allowed to play in the men’s ping pong league. Actually: the guy had no idea what the name meant and told me to make something up… So, I did.
Cost: $12.95
About Mijuri: Large rolls at good prices. What you give up in cachet you more than make up for in super-fresh food and excellent service. New lunch special is also a great deal. 2710 S. Campbell Ave., 417-889-9593

Izumi Hatake

Spiral Ecstasy Roll
What it is: Shrimp and avocado topped with white tuna, salmon, masago, green onions, sesame and a special sauce.  
Etymology: No, the special sauce doesn’t have a popular nightclub drug as an ingredient; it’s apparently just named for the euphoria that comes from eating a spiral of seafood and rice.
Cost: $11.95
About Izumi Hatake: Downtown’s sushi mainstay. You can’t go wrong with the simple options, including the spicy tuna or an array of appetizers, including a fresh, heaping portion of edamame. 302 E. Walnut St., 417-865-0366

O’Hana

Spicy Jazz Roll >>>
What it is: Spicy Crawfish toped with spicy crab. 
Etymology: Crawfish and jazz… they’re like peas and carrots. They just go together. Very New ‘Awlins.
Cost: $9.50
About O'Hana: A newish spot on West Battlefield, O’Hana is also a hibachi. Those who have discovered it swear by it. 310 W. Battlefield St., 417-823-7788, ohanaofspringfield.com

Sakura

Lighthouse Roll
What’s in it: Spicy tuna and avocado, topped with white tuna. 
Etymology: Myth has it this was Virginia Woolf’s favorite roll, and was named after her famous book To the Lighthouse. All English majors are laughing out loud right now. The fellow I talked to actually said “It’s white… like a lighthouse.” 
Cost: $16
About Sakura: An insider’s favorite, Sakura did sushi in Springfield before sushi in Springfield was the norm. We suggest anything tempura, and remember you get free ice cream. 3230 S. National Ave., 417-882-8000