Or is it?  I was so delighted the first time I had this fantastic roll, I immediately cursed my foolish self for not toting along my camera to share it with you.  So, of course, a second visit was most certainly in order, and I now proudly present the Pain in the Ass roll, designed and purveyed by Sushi Imari.

Allow me to elucidate why the roll is called Pain in the Ass.  On the inside rests shrimp, crab, tuna, salmon, white fish, and avocado.  On the outside, instead of rice or seaweed, is a delicately wrapped thin slice of cucumber with ponzu sauce.  In other words, it’s a ridiculous pain in the ass to make.  I know it sounds like the kitchen sink, but trust me, it’s both delicious and immaculately constructed.

This just goes to show that sushi doesn’t have to have rice, or seaweed, or just one type of fish to be acceptable or delicious.  The Pain in the Ass roll is now on my short list of favorite sushi rolls I’ve ever had, and Sushi Imari’s creativity certainly doesn’t end there.  If you’re in the area, definitely check them out.

What’s the most exciting or unique sushi roll that you’ve ever had?  Share your story in comments.

Sushi Imari
375 Bristol Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 641-5654

Mark posted this on August 12, 2008 and is filed under Musings, Restaurants.