When it comes to sushi, I’m a sucker for specialty rolls, so I was more than happy to try out the eclectic offerings at Hazumi Sushi Bar. Although at first glance, the menu seemed slightly intimidating—it’s quite extensive, and there are a few tricky words for the uninitiated—our server was quick to answer any questions and make recommendations. 

We started with the Mushroom Bomb appetizer—a soft, earthy mushroom stuffed with spicy tuna (fair warning: the heat kicks in a little late), all deep-fried in a perfectly crispy tempura batter before being drizzled with a touch of sweet teriyaki sauce. 

For entrées, we opted to go “family style‚” in order to try a little of everything. I ordered a bento box, which came with a miso soup starter, side of steamed rice, the traditional sectioned off plate filled with a hefty portion of teriyaki chicken, fresh salad topped with toasted sesame seeds and a light vinegary dressing, chewy gyoza that was perfectly browned, and a tempura tower of both veggies and shrimp.

In the roll department, we chose both the Sacramento and the Popper. The Sacramento enveloped an enticing combo of crab and creamy avocado, topped with spicy tuna, paper-thin slices of sweet mango and green onion, with a touch of creamy sauce. The appropriately named peppy “Popper” boasted zippy chopped jalapeños, spicy crab, spicy tuna, rich cream cheese and green onions—all battered, deep-fried and sliced. The process of frying turned the rice along the outer edge of the roll a bit chewy, resulting in a fantastically fun textural experience. 

Though dessert isn’t listed on the main menu, be sure to ask for the deep-fried Oreos—which get the same delectable tempura batter treatment before being served with a dollop of fresh whipped cream. Reminiscent of the tried-and-true versions you’ll find at the fair, I happened to prefer Hazumi’s version. Suffice it to say, I’ll likely be stopping by here rather than the midway this month.

By Jennifer Resnicke // photos by Dante Fontana

Hazumi Sushi Bar, 8685 Auburn-Folsom Road, Granite Bay, 916-771-9988.