Aloha! No you didn’t just step off the plane to the island of Oahu, you’ve actually entered another sushi paradise, one on the main land, Aloha Sushi in Folsom. That was my experience when meeting a friend and co-worker there for a lunch get-away. After getting my lei from the nice lady at the door…I’m just kidding, there were no flower-bestowed greetings, however, the welcoming staff was as equally inviting as a tropical breeze. I quickly found my table and sushi-loving cohort and took a seat. We couldn’t help but notice the sign on the wall advertising their “Grand Opening” special of 50 percent off the entire menu…it was our lucky day, indeed.

After spending a fair amount of time daydreaming over the menu – there’s too many delicious combinations to name here – with unique specialty rolls like the Orange Tree with salmon, crab, cream cheese, basil, avocado and orange, and the Winding Dragon with shrimp, crab, avocado, eel, and sea steak, I can’t imagine anyone going wrong with their selections. We decided on the Aloha Roll and Tuna Sashimi, along with an order of edamame, which we devoured quickly. The Aloha Roll encompasses deep-fried shrimp, crab, avocado, topped with salmon and tuna. Let me just say “mahalo” for that roll, every component worked in great harmony. My friend was equally satisfied with her sashimi, only one problem, she could have eaten a second plate! We did have to get back to work, so it was a great amount at a great price. We were even surprised to note that all beverages are included in the half-off special. In addition to soft drinks, Aloha offers beer, wine, Shochu, Sake and specialty drinks.