I celebrated Christmas during my vacation to Scottsdale, Arizona. I don't actually celebrate Christmas, but I grew up with Chinese food and a movie on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, so we were looking for a way to continue that tradition out there. I also grew up a Stallone fan (was anyone NOT a Stallone fan?) so it was clear that "Grudge Match" was the movie of choice this year. Not far from the theater was Sushi Roku at the W Hotel.
According to their website, Sushi Roku is one of the top 10 restaurants in Arizona, and "is a pioneer of contemporary sushi, incorporating diverse, non-traditional ingredients from Latin America (e.g. jalapeños) and Europe (e.g. olive oil) into its edible works of art. This unique culinary experience that bridges past and present is the result of an eagerness to embrace new ideas and a profound respect for tradition. Sushi Roku’s bold and diverse menu also offers an array of hot and cold specialty appetizers and an extensive selection of exotic entrées."
As highly as they rate their quality of fish, that was not a selling point for me, but let me tell you that their vegan options should rate just as high. Edamame, steamed rices, green salads - they can all be found on the menu and are common enough, but their seaweed salad includes cucumber sunomo and a plum gelee. The warm pieces of miso eggplant dengaku with sesame seeds melt in your mouth. The tofu steak with mushrooms in a ponzu sauce was tempted but I went with tofu three ways ~ a striking and flavorful dish with tofu in white truffles, caviar and lemon oil (obviously they left off the caviar for me) and Tokyo scallions with sesame. It was a fabulous meal for the whole family (which did include sushi as well.) Our friends happened to dine at one of the LA locations and could not stop raving about their meal.
Not only is the food beautiful and inviting, so is the decor. The W Hotels are always fabulous in my opinion, and this sleek, dimly lit setting was no different. Pendant lighting, mirrors and lots of glass, bamboo and natural woods. A truly zen-like place (not to mention the hot and surely trendy rooftop space to match!) Here is more about this restaurant group: "Escape toInnovative Dining Group’s (IDG) restaurants all over Los Angeles for exceptional cuisine and rub shoulders with the “who’s who” of the city. EnjoySushi Roku’s unparalleled selection of sushi and Japanese favorites whether you are by the beach in Santa Monica, in the heart of the city in West Hollywood, or in historic Old Town Pasadena. AtKatanayou can sit on the Sunset Strip patio while enjoying sushi and Robatayaki. Escape to the French Riviera without your passport at Delphine Eatery & Barat the W Hollywood. Start your night with a drink at one of Conde Nast’s hottest Bars & Lounges -Station Hollywood & The Living Roominside the W Hollywood. Soak in striking city views in the heart of Downtown LA atSoleto Trattoria & Pizza Bar. Step intoRivaBella, a sprawling indoor-outdoor space evocative of a rustic Tuscan farmhouse accented by sleek, ultra-stylish contemporary elements.”
