The Scottsdale-based RA Sushi Bar restaurant group recently added a list of new items to the menu offering fresh options for appetizers, shareable plates and a few new specialty cocktails to sip on too. Whether you’re headed in for dinner, happy hour or even late night dining, there is something here for everyone – especially with the addition of many new, non-sushi selections.
The restaurant recently added reverse happy hour specials at RA Sushi in Old Town Scottsdale and announced that guests will now be able to enjoy late night food and drink deals at all five funky/hip Valley locations (Ahwatukee, Mesa, North Scottsdale, Old Town Scottsdale and Tempe).
New starters include two edamame creations, the Edamame Dip (a creamy edamame and spinach concoction served warm with gently-spiced wonton chips) and the Garlic Edamame (steamed soybeans sautéed in garlic butter and Asian seasoning). The Garlic Edamame was a huge hit with me on my recent visit; I loved the little kick from their Asian seasoning and found that I couldn’t stop eating them. Highly addictive!
Edamame Dip
Garlic Edamame
If you’re seeking a bit of heat, try the Bonfire Shrimp shareable plate (or if you’re like me… order your own and keep it all to yourself!). Asian-breaded shrimp are lightly fried and tossed in a chile sauce and served with fried shishito peppers. I found the sweet and slightly spicy chile sauce to be mild at first bite, though it had a warmth that slowly crept in after the shrimp was savored. Its breading was perfectly crisp and lent a bit of crunch I really appreciated. Absolutely one of my favorite dishes on the new menu.
Bonfire Shrimp
If you are craving something a bit lighter, try their new Crispy Asian Tacos served in a crispy rice paper shell and offered in five variations: Spicy Tuna (spicy tuna mix, lobok, lettuce mix, crumbled wasabi rice cracker bits and guacamole), Spicy Salmon (crafted identically to the tuna taco, the salmon version is made with spicy salmon mix, lobok, lettuce mix, crumbled wasabi rice cracker bits and guacamole), RA”ckin’ Shrimp (RA”ckin’ Shrimp with coleslaw and guacamole), Crispy White Fish (lightly fried white fish with coleslaw and guacamole) and the Chicken (chilled shredded sake-steamed chicken with Asian vegetables). My personal favorite was the RA”ckin Shrimp – I’m not usually a fan of coleslaw, but their addition of ginger and wasabi in the mix made it an instant winner for me.
New Crispy Asian Tacos
Shareable dishes include the Asian Chicken Wings available in three new flavor options: Sesame Garlic, Black Pepper Teriyaki, and Chili Ponzu. The Chili Ponzu was by far my favorite with a crispy fry on the outside and drenched in their spicy chili ponzu sauce.
Black Pepper Teriyaki Asian Chicken Wings
Chili Ponzu Asian Chicken Wings
Other dishes great for sharing include the Salmon with Green Beans and the Drunken Black Mussels. I was a huge fan of the grilled salmon dish – the filet was incredibly moist and tender (something that can be tough to achieve when grilling), but still had a lovely crust and nice grill flavor. Served alongside crisp, saucy garlic green beans that stood up on their own, the dish was made complete with a drizzle of their fruity and spicy yuzu sauce that brightened the plate nicely.
Salmon with Green Beans
Mussels are one of my favorite dishes anytime of the year so I was especially looking forward to tasting this item on the menu. The Drunken Black Mussels are served piping hot having been steamed in a bath of sake and sautéed in garlic and seasoned soy sauce. The broth soaking the mussels at the bottom of the dish was amazingly rich and full of flavor – a must-order!
Drunken Black Mussels
To view the menu and cocktail selections or to find a location near you, visit rasushi.com.
*This meal was provided to us complimentary as a part of a media invitation. However, this has no effect on our opinions and comments regarding our experience. View our Disclosure Policy for further explanation.