Greer's OC

Today at Fashion Island, the first Sushi Roku, considered a pioneer of contemporary sushi that also pays homage to traditional Japanese cuisine, opens in Orange County. The sophisticated and modern restaurant was designed with striking natural elements such as an 8-foot bamboo forest-inspired wall, a warm walnut counter at the sushi bar, a custom, organic lit sculpture, a 20-foot Japanese hand painted glass screen, and locally made tiles and lighting.

Sushi Roku’s Executive Sushi Chef Hiroshi Shima has honed his craft over four decades. He’s inspired by California flavors and nontraditional global ingredients such as jalapeños from Latin America, French black truffles, and Italian cheeses presented in one-of-a-kind dishes. Sushi Roku sources the finest, fresh fish from around the world hand-selected every morning for its sashimi and nigiri sushi offerings, which include more than two-dozen varieties.

The menu also offers hand and cut rolls and signature rolls, ranging from Crunchy Spicy Tuna with avocado and Baked Lobster in creamy miso sauce, to a more intricate Katana Roll with spicy tuna and shrimp tempura topped with tuna and yellowtail

Sushi Roku features both hot and cold plates, from the “Garden,” “Sea,” and “Farm,” including  Kimchee Cucumber Sunomono, Fluke Kumquat Sashimi with yuzu vinaigrette, and Sushi Roku’s signature “Hanabi,” which is spicy tuna on crispy rice. The menu also offers Japanese salads, including an Organic Kale Salad with king oyster mushrooms, crispy shiitake, and ginger plum vinaigrette.

Select entrees are cooked with Japanese Bincho Charcoal, a traditional kilned Japanese oak that emits intense heat for its delicious Filet Mignon with Ginger Teriyaki Sauce, “Ji-Dori” Free-Range Chicken, and Grilled Salmon with Roku BBQ Sauce. 

Other options on the menu include soups, noodles and rice, and a Katana Robata section on the menu, with the options of five skewers – Filet Foie, Kobe Black Pepper, Shrimp Bacon, Sea Bass, and Chicken. 

Certified sake sommeliers and mixologists have designed an enticing beverage menu to complement the cuisine. 

Sushi Roku’s happy hour menu will feature $3 to $6 bites, including edamame with truffle butter, seared Albacore sashimi with crispy onions, and pork kakuni sliders, all of which can be paired with a fine selection of $3 beers and $4 to $7 cocktails and wines.

Open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch from daily; open 3 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; and 3 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

Sushi Roku Fashion Island is adjacent to Macy’s, across from True Food Kitchen at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. 949.706.3622

Tip A Cop at Irvine Spectrum Center

On Thursday, from 5 to 9 p.m. the Irvine Police Department will be participating in Tip-A-Cop, a community fundraising event benefitting Special Olympics of Southern California. 

Irvine Police Officers will be waiting tables and collecting tips for Special Olympics at six Irvine Spectrum Center restaurants including Javier’s Cantina & Grill, Ruby’s Diner, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Kabuki Japanese Restaurant, Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill and California Pizza Kitchen.

Irvine Police Officers will also be doing demos in Edwards Court, including patrol vehicles, police motorcycles, K-9s, the mobile command post and the SWAT armored vehicles.

Irvine Spectrum Center is at 71 Spectrum Center Drive in Irvine.