The Nebraska sushi platter. (Photo by Kathy Tran)
Nebraska sushi?
Preston Hollow Village’s Blue Sushi Sake Grill isn’t authentic by any means, but that’s part of its appeal.
The Omaha-based chain launched in 2002, when that city was home to only one sushi joint. Three Nebraska natives teamed up with two Texans to open the restaurant, although they knew little about the popular Japanese food.
Their inexperience didn’t stop the concept from flourishing, as diners embraced an unconventional approach. In 2015 it came to Preston Hollow Village, just across the interstate from Lake Highlands. The founders established Flagship Restaurant Group, and they’ve opened additional Blue Sushi locations in Colorado, Kansas, Illinois, Kentucky and Indiana.
“We try to take traditional techniques, traditional ingredients and repurpose those in a different type of sushi,” executive chef Tony Gentile says.
Diners can choose from quirky vegetarian options like the Cowgirl Roll with fried pickles or elaborate sashimi such as truffle salmon.
The restaurant revamped their menu in early October. Longtime customers shouldn’t panic, Gentile says, but even popular items were reimagined.
“You don’t want to take things off the menu, because people get very upset about it, but you have a big picture to paint without making everyone mad. We took a lot of what we did and elevated it. It’s more vibrant, more colorful.”
Did you know: Tony Gentile worked for Eatzi’s before he helped establish Blue Sushi Sake Grill.
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
Hours: 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-midnight Friday, noon-midnight Saturday, noon-10 p.m. Sunday
Price Range: $15-$30
Ambiance: modern Japanese-inspired restaurant
7859 Walnut Hill Lane, suite 180
972.677.7887
bluesushisakegrill.com
-
- (Photo by Kathy Tran)
-
- (Photo by Kathy Tran)
-
- (Photo by Kathy Tran)
-
- (Photo by Kathy Tran)
