Sushi Sam
Trying to gravitate away from the recurring theme of pizza, the cuisine that I could think of that thwarted away from that as far as possible was that of sushi. After a couple recommendations, I decided to have dinner into Sushi Sam, a small sushi and Japanese place in Southlake that, based on word of mouth, was quite the big deal.
Entering Sam’s
Sushi Sam is located in a strip mall, which already cuts off the visual aspect on the outside, a pattern that has condemned most restaurants I’ve visited. The restaurant’s theme fits the concept, being fulfilled with Japanese décor.
Our server seated us and was constantly there to give us refills and make sure we were satisfied, albeit our food did take quite a while to get to us in a day in which hardly half the restaurant was occupied. After a long wait, and a daring appetite, our dishes did come to us.
The Food
We decided to get started with an order of Soft-shell Crab as an appetizer, and an Ahi Tower, A California Roll, and a Monster Roll.
Softshell Crab
Described in the menu as tempura fried soft-shell crab meat, we were gravely disappointed when trying out this dish. Not only did it come along with the food, rather than as an appetizer, as it was described, but was chewy, hard to eat, and tasted mainly of tempura batter. Definitely the low-point of our meal.
Ahi Tower
A take on a tuna tartar, had a great presentation and was excellent, highlighting the flavor of the tuna, with just the right amount of spice.
Monster Roll
A crab meat roll with baked white fish (didn’t specify) on top of the roll with some spicy mayonnaise. The fish was barely felt, but the crab and the mayonnaise complemented each other in an excellent fashion.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, I would certainly not condemn Sushi Sam. Based on our experience there, the weak point would be service, as our waitress got some of our orders wrong and had an attitude that projected annoyance, at best. Taking into account all that I had heard about this place, I must admit some slight disappointment from my part, but I will certainly be returning to give this place one last shot!