New Menu Items at RA Sushi

Recently, we had the pleasure of tasting the new menu items and updated happy hour selections at Kierland’s RA Sushi location.

If you are as big a fan of sushi as we are, you don’t typically order non-sushi menu items when you go out for seafood fix. However, after having tasted the new items at RA, that is all about to change! We found some new favorites (one being a Vegetarian item) that will absolutely be on my ‘must-order list’ the next time I visit RA Sushi (which will be soon!).

Immediately when we arrived, we were presented the beverage menu and the new tasting menu. Of the beverages, we were open to select any one that caught our eye.

Taryn’s pick of the night was the Dragon Bite (Barcardi Dragonberry, strawberry puree, fresh lemon juice, Japanese yuzu & a splash of soda), a beautiful drink that she really enjoyed, being the girly-girl that she is. If you’re dining during happy hour (Monday-Saturday, 3-7pm), you can score this drink for $6.

We were served four courses, which was really a taste of every new menu item (and that’s a lot of food!).

First Course:

Shishito Peppers (RA Tapas)

Shishito peppers sautéed in an Asian seasoning ($6.50).

Amy: I thought these were incredible – if you don’t love them, you’re crazy! A little spicy if you happen to get a seed, but these are really delicious and crunchy. The added squeeze of lemon really brightens them up. These will absolutely be a must-have for me on all my future visits.

Taryn: These were almost lost on me – not because they were not fabulous, but because I am not a fan of peppers – never have been.  Being a trooper I decided to give them a try.  There was a nice crunch and a creeping heat that I definitely appreciated. For someone who loves peppers, these would be a fantastic way to start your meal!

The salad typically comes with your choice of chicken or beef, but we were presented with both to taste.

Grilled chicken or beef tossed in a spicy yuzu dressing with grilled red & green bell peppers, onions & asparagus; served over a bed of mixed greens in a rice wine vinaigrette & topped with watercress & fried ramen noodles(Chicken: $9 | Beef: $11).

Side note: ‘Otoko’ translated means man.

Amy: As an asparagus and meat freak, I really loved this. The salad was dressed was light enough to really let the natural flavor of the meat shine through. The fried ramen noodles added a needed crunch – something I love in a good salad.

Taryn: I loved this salad. Both proteins were very flavorful, but being the Midwest farm-raised girl that I am, I adored the beef.  It was just the right texture and temperature to not overpower the salad with.  I will definitely order this on my next trip.
Second Course:

A spicy mix or albacore, cilantro, jalapeno & cucumber rolled & topped with fresh avocado & mango salsa; finished with red beet tempura bits & sautéed cashew nuts ($9).

Amy: Very, very spicy. I wouldn’t re-order only because my tolerance for heat is very minimal, but several others enjoyed it.

Taryn: This one was quite tasty.  I liked the introduction of cilantro and jalapeno, but I am a big fan of spicy!

Vegetable Tempura Roll: Lightly battered asparagus, sweet potato & Japanese eggplant rolled & topped with colorful crunchy tempura bits; drizzled with a sweet eel sauce ($7).

Amy: Remember when we told you one of our new favorites was a vegetarian roll? This was it – YUM! My absolute favorite of the night. Although there’s no actual fish in here, it’s so so so good. Don’t let the sweet potato scare you, it’s such a nice addition and works really well. This roll completely won over our side of the table.

Taryn: This was fantastic!  What a surprise, the sweet potato really threw me for a loop in the best of ways.  Great texture contrasts and amazing flavor.

“RA” ckin’ Roll: Kani kama crab & cream cheese rolled in rice & seaweed, lightly tempura battered & topped with guacamole & “RA” ckin’ Shrimp; finished with a creamy ginger teriyaki dipping sauce, red beet tempura bits and togarashi ($12).

Amy: Cream cheese is always welcome in my world, but I was not a huge fan of the guacamole. The ginger teriyaki dipping sauce was fantastic though.

Taryn: Loved the fried shrimp. The cream cheese and crab was nice as well.

Tropical Roll: Usually, the mango salsa is served on top, but ours was on the side. Cucumber, mango & avocado rolled & topped with spinach tempura bits, spicy shrimp mixed with masago & mango salsa ($8).

Amy: Maybe I was so obsessed with the Vegetable Tempura Roll that this one didn’t wow me, but on its own it really was good.

Taryn: Got a little kick from the spice but it was tempered a little bit by the avocado.  A little spicy, but good.

Third Course:

Lobster with Garlic Sugar Snap Peas: Lobster sautéed with garlic, sugar snap peas & shitake mushrooms in an Asian seasoning; served with steamed rice ($16.50).

Amy: This dish was nice and I believe it was intended that each bite be eaten the steamed rice as it was a bit salty. But, it was one of those dishes that you’re almost addicted to. One bite turns into another and another and another… until it’s all gone.

Taryn: Adored the touch of Siracha on the plate.  As someone who really enjoys spicy food, it was nice to be able to create my own intentional heat – and nice for those that aren’t such spicy fans to be able to use as much (or little) as they like.

Fourth Course:

Sweet Mochi Trio: This dish was described to us as ice cream inside of a gummi bear. Intrigued? We were. A traditional Japanese dessert – ice cream wrapped in sweet rice cake; mango, strawberry & vanilla flavors garnished with sliced kiwi & strawberries ($7.50).

Amy: I received mango and vanilla. Although I wasn’t a huge fan of the texture (personal vendetta against gummi bears and all things resembling), I really liked the flavor of the mango mochi.

Taryn: I was really surprised by the contrast in textures. Once I was able to wrap my brain around what was happening, I really quite enjoyed it – and might just have a new dessert favorite!
Finally, the overall favorites of the night:

Amy: Shishito Peppers, Otoko Salad and Vegetable Tempura Roll!

Taryn: Otoko Salad, Vegetable Tempura Roll and the Sweet Mochi Trio…and of course my Dragon Bite!!

The new menu items are offered at all five Valley RA Sushi locations: Ahwatukee, Mesa, North Scottsdale, Old Town Scottsdale and Tempe. To find a location near you, visit rasushi.com