Osiel Garza doesn’t have to drive out of town to get his sushi anymore since Emporia’s first sushi restaurant opened three weeks ago.
Peking Express Sushi opened at 1128 Merchant St. and Garza and Jennifer Galindo have been to eat there nine to 11 times, they said Wednesday afternoon. Garza said the sushi is just as good or better than he gets in Topeka. One of Garza’s favorite dishes is the Pink Lady, which has tuna and salmon in it with salmon on top.
Manager Meggie Yang said many of the customers are repeats. She said the restaurant is owned by her boyfriend, Allen Liu, who also owns Peking Express at 728 E. 12th Ave. Yang said the restaurant is the first of its kind in Emporia and after only three weeks in business, they are already in need of an expansion. Right now, the restaurant only seats eight. Another area will be added to increase the seating to 19 or 20, Yang said. A large buffet will be removed to make way for another seating area.
“We have a lot of customers who come every day,” Yang said. “They love it so much.”
The restaurant offers a variety of fish including crawfish, salmon, tuna, freshwater eel, shrimp, squid and crab meat. There also are vegetarian choices and some choices of cooked fish for those squeamish about sushi. Yang said the fish comes in fresh and for those who have reservations about trying it, there’s nothing to worry about.
“It’s good to eat,” she said. “I hope that some people who have never tried sushi will come and try it.”
The food is healthy as well. The rice is made with vinegar and sugar and no oil is used in cooking. The rice is only kept for a maximum of four hours and then it is tossed so it stays fresh.
“Everything is very healthy,” Yang said.
The menu will be expanding and evolving as customers give input to what they like, what they don’t like and what they’d like to see on the menu. Each week specials are offered — choices that are not on the menu.
“I would like to have customers tell me what type of fish they like most,” Yang said.
Yang said the restaurant also offers catering and carry-out orders. Catering must be done in advance and customers can get assistance in planning their catering menu for their party.
alsrac (anonymous) says...
Perfect!!! we won't have to drive over 100 miles to eat sushi anymore. We'll go for sure next monday.
April 2, 2009 at 1:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
antim (anonymous) says...
I've eaten there a couple of times and the sushi is really tasty. They have a large variety of rolls and the ones I have tried have been very well-made. I would encourage everyone to give the place a try!
April 2, 2009 at 1:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
madpoet (anonymous) says...
I thought the sushi fish was marinaded so it was "cooked" in a way. I've not tried it yet, though. I may have to start with the vegetable sushi first.
April 2, 2009 at 2:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
Allen and Meggie, I hope your business thrives and is successful. I think it's great we are seeing a variety of different restaurants to choose from besides the boring fastfood joints we have, just don't expect this meat/potatos(cooked) country boy to darken your doorway to try your sushi. I've heard several folks mention your business, word is getting around town. Good luck to you.
April 2, 2009 at 3:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Just as long as people don't acquaint sushi with raw fish, I wish you would have explained that, Brandy. Sushi is not raw fish. In fact, sushi is sometimes misunderstood to mean the raw fish itself, but the word "sushi" has to do with the vinegared rice used as the base preparation. Other additions to the rice MAY include raw fish.
On the other hand, sashimi, is raw fish, usually a very high grade of tuna, that is sliced very thinly and most commonly served on a bed of finely shredded cabbage or turnip.
I've been to this new sushi shop twice now and have enjoyed it immensely both times. As a native of Hawaii where sushi shops are as common as burger joints around here, you can imagine how happy I was when I found the taste of this sushi to be extremely good.
I hope all of you who claim you like your food cooked will go in to sample this delicacy. Just read the menu carefully, that's all.
April 2, 2009 at 6:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cheryl (anonymous) says...
create - What items on the menu would you recommend?
April 2, 2009 at 7:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
I would also love to hear create's suggestions. Thanks.
It great to get a new restaurant that is something totally defferent and pretty healthy. Bring on the crawfish!
April 2, 2009 at 8:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
I highly recommend the California Roll. What makes this one so interesting is that the rice is on the OUTSIDE of the roll. Inside is avocado, finely cut strips of cucumber, and imitation crab called surimi that is very low in cholesterol. The seaweed sheet is also on the inside, and seaweed is so good for you. Then before presenting, the entire roll is touched to a bit of fish roe which makes it ever so slightly crunchy. I love it! The cucumber adds such a fresh taste while the avocado gives it smoothness. You won't be disappointed.
When you go, be sure to take home a menu to study. Each selection is fully explained. I know where I'm going for lunch today.
April 3, 2009 at 8:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Oh, I almost forgot. The small amount of light green paste served with each order is called "wasabi." It is Japanese horseradish, very strong and pungent, so just use a little until you get used to it. I love the stuff, a surprise to your palate. The other condiment served with all orders is pickled ginger, also very good to freshen your tastebuds.
April 3, 2009 at 8:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
alsrac (anonymous) says...
I just hope they have Philadelphia rolls.
April 3, 2009 at 12:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Joe_Strummer (anonymous) says...
To add to create's comment about wasabi. It is awesome and addictive....in a good way.
Add me to the list who are enjoying the new restaurants.
April 3, 2009 at 1:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cheryl (anonymous) says...
Thanks, create, for the information/suggestions! Very helpful.
@alsrac - yes, they have Philadelphia rolls.
Dave and I ate sushi for lunch today. Everything was delicious. Wasabi, good.
I've posted photos on my website: http://www.flyoverpeople.net/news/ind...
April 4, 2009 at 1:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Great pictures, Cheryl. Oh my, those tiger rolls look really good. I believe I'll have that the next time I go in. Thanks for the shout out.
April 4, 2009 at 2:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )