"Winner, winner, sushi dinner. Who wudda thunk? A great sushi experience in the heart of Nebraska. This is my second sushi surprise this summer in the Midwest. First, Ichiban in Dubuque Iowa. Now Wasabi in Grand Island Nebraska. What is the world coming to? We landed at Wasabi on a road trip West staying the night in Grand Island. Wasabi offers Japanese Chinese fusion fare in a wonderfully fung shue Asian atmosphere. We chose to eat a selection of small appetizer plates from the Sushi bar and Japanese side of the kitchen. Overall awesome! If the Chinese offerings are in the scale of our Japanese fare, this place is a hidden Asian treasure. Our starter of salt and pepper calamari was perfect. We were told the calamari rings are fresh and cut in house. The tempura batter is also proprietary to the house, and one of the best I've had in recent memory. Light, crispy, well attached, and perfectly seasoned and cooked to a golden glow. My wife had a Sashimi Salad which was a delicately dressed assembly of lettuce, tako, maguro, sake (salmon), and kani (surimi crab). She loved it. For me, Sushi in Nebraska? Hmmm? Ever adventurous, I ordered the appetizer sampler. It was perfect in every possible way. Fresh, portion, rice, and a very simple presentation. Right out of a no frills Tokyo bistro. A respectful bow to the chef. This plate led me to ordering an ala carte plating of tako, surf clam, and unagi. Equally delightful. We obviously loved our food, but it was the table service that made the whole evening memorable. Xena, our server was a true professional and made two passing strangers feel like we were at home with family. I'd hire this talented and gracious young lady instantly. All great dining experiences often have one detraction and Wasabi did have theirs by our tastes. Gyoza. We always try the gyoza at any new Japanese restaurant we visit. And my own are rave favorites among our friends. These were home made, cooked perfectly, but just didn't work for us. I anticipate a gyoza being a light skin containing a pork, Napa cabbage, and possibly shrimp mix. These were more like a large all-beef meatball in a pasta shell. They are great for what they were, and I am so sorry to criticize an otherwise AWESOME kitchen and sushi bar, but the gyoza just didn't work for us. Don't judge Wasabi on the one item we didn't care for. This place is a winner hands down. Yes, sushi and Japanese fare is being well represented in the heart of Nebraska. If I'm ever overnight in Grand Island again, I'm headed here. Thank you for a really delightful dining experience. (Photos don't do Wasabi justice)"
Garlic Edamame
