Sushi in Flagstaff began in 1990 when
the Japanese restaurant, Sakura Sushi and Teppanyaki
located in the Radisson
Woodlands Hotel Flagstaff opened to the public. It was Flagstaff’s
Original Japanese and Sushi Restaurant.
At
the time that Sakura Sushi opened, Flagstaff restaurants consisted
predominantly of fast food chains and more basic American style
“meat and potatoes” style restaurants. Some thought
that Flagstaff & Sushi wouldn’t mix. But now, 10 years
later, Sakura is one of the most popular restaurants in Flagstaff!
In fact, it sushi in Flagstaff became so popular, that four more
sushi restaurants have opened in recent years: Hiro’s, Monsoons, Karma Sushi Bar Tapas and Fuji Sushi.
Hiro’s Sushi is
owned and operated by Hiroshi Hashimoto. Hiro was the first
sushi chef at Radisson’s Sakura Sushi & Teppanyaki,
before opening his own sushi restaurant in Flagstaff in 2003.
Monsoons is owned and
operated by Steve Scully, who also has a Monsoon’s sushi
restaurant in Sedona.
Karma Sushi Bar Tapas
is one of the newest Sushi restaurants in Flagstaff. Located
downtown it boasts a trendy, hip atmosphere and specialties
like the Scarlet Roll.
Fuji Sushi,another new japanese restaurant in Flagstaff, is owned by Kyoko Makino and opened it's doors in Woodlands Village.
Why has sushi become so popular in the
small town of Flagstaff, Arizona? It could possibly be because
of the young population of the Northern Arizona University campus.
Students from all walks of life and cultures attend NAU and
are open to new culinary experiences. From the first day that
Sakura opened, the students of NAU swarmed to try something
new – Japanese food.
Another reason is that the locals discovered
that Japanese food didn’t only entail “raw fish”
– they were tempted by the fun and excitement of the Teppanyaki
table, where food is sliced, diced, (and yes) cooked right in
front of you! A little sake and some Asahi or Sapporo beer,
in no time guests were tempted to try a California roll, which
many sushi novices often consider “non-sushi” sushi.
In no time the Sushi Chefs in Flagstaff were creating all types
of new sushi creations at the request residents (and students)
of Flagstaff.
Residents, students and visitors are
known to enjoy adventure and excitement of the many recreational
options in Flagstaff, and now they can experience the
new adventure of sushi in Flagstaff.
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