Dining Spotlight of Roseville: Tang's Sushi; Freshness You Can Taste
1426 Blue Oaks Boulevard, Suite 100, Roseville, 916-781-0807, tangsushi.com
Tang opened his establishment several months ago—in the same spot he previously worked as the chef—so he knows the neighborhood, the clientele, and a thing or two about Japanese cuisine.
My party decided to start with the island-inspired poke salad. When our server, Brandon, asked if we liked mango, the table’s response was a resounding “yes!” and so our appetizer arrived with cucumbers, thinly cut white onions, fresh tuna, and wonderfully bright mango dressed in the chef’s special marinade. Despite being on the mainland, each bite transported us a little closer to paradise.
We followed with some additional small plates—all of which came playfully yet beautifully presented on a large wooden board embellished with edible flowers. The Noricho—Chef Tang’s take on nachos—was an instant hit, thanks to a unique application of ingredients (spicy tuna poke, tomatoes, and avocado atop chips made from tempura-coated seaweed chips) that worked in wondrous ways.
Cohabitating on our community plate was another delicate and palate-pleasing offering: Blossom Balls, featuring spicy crab salad enveloped by a velvety slice of tuna or salmon resting on a drizzle of caramel-hued sauce. These were so good that every time I reached for another, I felt as though I’d get my hand slapped for stealing.
Rounding out the presentation was the Tang Lobster Special Roll. I didn’t know what to expect, since it was a recommendation from Brandon (he was spot-on so far—why question him?), but it exceeded my expectations. Not really a roll, but rather a triangle of sushi rice crowned with a lip-smacking combination of crab salad, big chunks of baked lobster, avocado, and a medley of sauces (unagi, miso, and black pepper), plus a tempura crumb topping, it was the sushi version of a lobster roll and hit all the right flavor notes.
We finished with something off the entrée menu: Japanese pasta with beef. Just as the name implied, the dish boasted thick, al dente pasta bathed in a succulent sweet soy sauce with tender slices of caramelized beef strips (chicken and vegetarian versions are also offered) coupled with precision-cut carrots, zucchini, and broccoli.
With so many inventive eats and modern environs to boot, Tang’s has definitely mastered the art of Japanese fare with flair.
Hours: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5-9 p.m. (Monday-Friday); 5-9 p.m. (Saturday); closed Sunday
Try This: Blossom Balls, Noricho, Half Shell Scallops, Poke Salad, Japanese Pasta Beef, Fish Lover Roll, Tang Lobster Special Roll, Nigiri Combo
Drinks: Beer and wine
Tab: $$
Heads-Up: Spacious patio; happy to customize orders and create off-menu items based on ingredients you like; vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options; lunch specials; delivery available via Postmates; kids’ bento box includes one main, one side, miso soup, and rice
by Lorn Randall
photos by Dante Fontana