Surprise! Janesville has a sushi restaurant!
If I had more time on my hands, I might be inspired to write a haiku about how much I like sushi. Feel free to do that for me. I developed a taste for sushi (shockingly enough) when I lived in Madison. It started when I decided to experiment with grocery store sushi. I suppose you could say grocery store sushi is like marijuana: a gateway to more expensive and dangerous things. Go to a Japanese restaurant and you can get all sorts of exotic sushi. At Takara on State Street in Madison, I saw two people share a $50 wooden boat of sushi
My discovery of sushi in Janesville came from an unexpected source. Janesville School Board Commissioner Tim Cullen brought sushi rolls to a school board workshop. I have to admit, I fully expected him to say he was in Madison and brought some down. Instead, he told me about Tokyo Grill. It's on Milton Avenue across from the mall. Cullen also told me about Charlie, Tokyo Grill's sole employee.
Charlie has operated the restaurant seven days a week for three years. He takes no holidays, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. He lives in Madison, so it's hard to drive down on snowy days, but he also got a few days off with the snow this winter. It's hard work, and he says the pay isn't great. He says he charges less than other restaurants because he has a basic menu. In April, when the restaurant has new ownership, it will close for two weeks for renovations. When it reopens, it will have a new menu with Hibachi and new types of sushi. Charlie says it will be owned by a corporation that can afford the upgrades. He also says that restaurants don't offer the types of homemade food he cooks now. He has a full menu of Japanese cuisine, although sushi is his biggest seller. He says not many people cook teriyaki the way he does, cooking the base for 24 hours after making it from scratch. If you've never tried sushi, you can start with cucumber rolls or avocado rolls. There's cooked sushi, also. It's something new, and sort of unexpected in Janesville.
Mar 25, 2008 at 10:21 a.m.
Suggest removal
To localmatters: Good comments. I actually did say in my "Wish List" post that I would soon write about what I like in Janesville, too. I appreciate the things we do have here, for sure. But after spending my first 18 years in a metropolitan area of 3 million people, I can't help but miss certain things.
Also, Book World is great for certain things, and I love that it's independently owned, but it doesn't have the range of titles, nor the ambiance I love. It's nothing against them; there's just not enough there for me. But I do love independent bookstores. If you want a great example, visit Harry Schwartz bookstore in Milwaukee.
Mar 25, 2008 at 9:25 a.m.
Suggest removal
Sushi Haiku!
veggies, rice and fish
rolled in an easy package
to enjoy with friends
Mar 24, 2008 at 2:14 p.m.
Suggest removal
And Bookworld is independently owned! They are very good about accomodating any special orders.
I've been frequenting Tokyo Grill since it opened because I'm a lush for sushi. I always wondered if it would "make it" in Janesville and hoped that it would continue operating--thanks for the blog!
Mar 24, 2008 at 9:52 a.m.
Suggest removal
Bookworld has books written by Janesville authors.
Mar 24, 2008 at 9:31 a.m.
Suggest removal
The reason for my post was for everyone to realize that the "wish list" may be reality in town. You just have to look for it. As I stated, Tokyo Grill has been around for quite a while. It shouldn't have been a "wow" that we found sushi. It's been here. A nice bookstore is already here too and it's right next to Tokyo Grill. Bookworld may not be a Barnes and Noble or Borders (Borders is in the mall under the skin of Waldenbooks), but it is a different type of local store. Again, just take a step back and take in what we have in this town.
Mar 23, 2008 at 12:09 p.m.
Suggest removal
localmatters:
I think part of the purpose of the blog is to find diverse things we like about Janesville and Rock County and celebrate them. A lot of us have friends in larger cities who don't think there's much to do around here, so we're searching things out.
I don't think I'll be revealing too much of a secret by saying that Adam's "Wish List" blog is the first part of a two-part blog. Stay tuned for the sequel.
And look at all the posts about different sorts of food here! Way to brainstorm, readers!
Mar 22, 2008 at 3:05 p.m.
Suggest removal
i meant take them to go cause it isnt a sit down place just food counter
Mar 22, 2008 at 2:58 p.m.
Suggest removal
best gyros in town believe it or not- But go to
5 POINTS gas station- small food station has gyros right off the spit!!!!!! and only $5
Mar 22, 2008 at 8:09 a.m.
Suggest removal
Hey off the clockers: I just tipped the under 35 scale but thought I'd give my sage 36 year old thoughts :)
Tokyo Grill has been around for several years. Another blog thread has a "wish list" for Janesville. Rather than looking for what's not in Janesville, take a step back and enjoy what's in Janesville.
Sure, this local yokel would like some variety in town, but I'm thankful for what we have. Off the Clockers -- take a breath and enjoy what you have in the community you've chosen to work and live.
Sushi is a treat...enjoy!
Mar 21, 2008 at 10:48 a.m.
Suggest removal
Yum! finally. Can't wait to check it out.
Mar 20, 2008 at 5:37 p.m.
Suggest removal
My son and I love Tokyo Grill and have been going there for the past 2 years (I think). He tried soba noodles in Japan - was nice to find a local place for him to have it again. We also like sushi quite a bit. It's too long of a drive to go to Rockford for sushi all the time. The decor is plain, but the food is very good.
I would love a Greek, Italian, or Korean restaurant here. Any recommendations of great local restaurants? My husband and I love to watch the Food Channel show, Diners, Drive Ins and Dives. Would love to find a hidden gem in the area.
Mar 20, 2008 at 4:23 p.m.
Suggest removal
kid - why?
Mar 20, 2008 at 2:54 p.m.
Suggest removal
the answer to your question hannah is yes.
Mar 20, 2008 at 2:29 p.m.
Suggest removal
Yep that pretty much says it all.
A lot of Americans (including myself) like maki rolls better because of the added flavors. True enthusiasts (i'm not claiming to be one) would probably prefer nigiri because you can really taste the fish.
Mar 20, 2008 at 2:23 p.m.
Suggest removal
okay correction on scampi- depends where your talking
iredland and dublin- its a prawn
uk also breadcrumbs and batter
us- as mentioned how it is prepared-oil,wine breadcrumbs
Mar 20, 2008 at 2:18 p.m.
Suggest removal
guycouch- we were both looking at same time.
looks like that slimmy smoked salmon on top.love thAT stuff is yummy- used to get at woodmans all the time in the meat department but then it started to be mushy instead of just firm and slimmy if that makes any sence
Mar 20, 2008 at 2:14 p.m.
Suggest removal
here we go.In Japanese cuisine, sushi (寿司, 鮨, 鮓, sushi?) is vinegared rice, usually topped with other ingredients including fish (cooked or uncooked) and vegetables. Outside of Japan, sushi is sometimes misunderstood to mean the raw fish by itself, or even any fresh raw-seafood dishes.[1] In Japan, sliced raw fish alone is called sashimi and is distinct from sushi, as sashimi is the raw fish component, not the rice component.
There are various types of sushi: sushi served rolled inside nori (dried and pressed layer sheets of seaweed or alga) called makizushi (巻き) or rolls; sushi made with toppings laid with hand-formed clumps of rice called nigirizushi (にぎり); toppings stuffed into a small pouch of fried tofu called inarizushi; and toppings served scattered over a bowl of sushi rice called chirashi-zushi (ちらし).
question says vinegared- does that make the rice sweet? seems it would make it vinegary but maybe not
Mar 20, 2008 at 2:14 p.m.
Suggest removal
looks like this...
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en...
Mar 20, 2008 at 2:10 p.m.
Suggest removal
guyoncouch- is in in circular shape? not disagreeing just wondering.
kinda like scampi doesnt have to be shimp it is what was done to it.
the other that is weird is bisque- alway thought smooth and only with fish- but can have chunks and whatever you put in it
Mar 20, 2008 at 2:07 p.m.
Suggest removal
the armory is also very good. chef russ was from the club and believe it or not much more creative than chef rob
Mar 20, 2008 at 2:06 p.m.
Suggest removal
"sushi just means rolled up in seeweed"
Actually that's only partially true. Nigiri, the most common type of sushi, is just a piece of fish on top of a block of rice.
Mar 20, 2008 at 12:55 p.m.
Suggest removal
If you want the best food in town Join the Janesville Country Club. There chef there is the best there is and will make anything you want. I am not what I thought the Country Club type. I joined after one dinner. The people and service there are so down to earth and nice. It well worth the little extra money it costs.
Mar 20, 2008 at 11:42 a.m.
Suggest removal
There's a Thai place on Milwaukee Street in that strip mall with the cigarette store. And on Center near Rockport, unless it closed.
The Tokyo Grill is good.
Yes to all sorts of independent restaurants here.
But if we have to get another chain restaurant, for godsakes, let it be a White Castle!!!
thekid forgot to mention an inordinate appetite for Oreos among his side-effects from the demon weed.
Mar 20, 2008 at 10:02 a.m.
Suggest removal
The sushi that is offered at Tokyo Grill is very good but he has a very limited offering. Don't expect too much when you go there are you won't be disappointed.
Mar 20, 2008 at 9:50 a.m.
Suggest removal
amdiscjockey
you should try as i mentioned not all of it is RAW. if you like shimp with some tiny veg in it or other cooked fish. the seeweed doesnt really taste at all and is good for you. do you like rice. sticky sweet rice is usually in there too.
Mar 20, 2008 at 9:40 a.m.
Suggest removal
belisamasana,
Nee's Taste of Thai, at the corner of Milwaukee and Ponitiac. Nothing fancy, but the food is good. They are also opening another location in Fort Atkinson.
Mar 20, 2008 at 9:22 a.m.
Suggest removal
Is there any Thai food in Janesville?? I had some when I lived up by Wausau and it was wonderful!
Mar 20, 2008 at 9:18 a.m.
Suggest removal
I wish I was more adventurous...but I just can't bring myself to sample that. Now if J-Town had a Qdoba...
Mar 20, 2008 at 9:16 a.m.
Suggest removal
About time Janesville caught up with civilization. I am not surprised though, it took how long to get a Starbucks? I wish the new sushi place luck.
Mar 20, 2008 at 9:06 a.m.
Suggest removal
Thanks for your blog! I think I'll go there this weekend!
Mar 20, 2008 at 9:06 a.m.
Suggest removal
yes GREEK and italian that would be great. I dont think oliver garden counts as italian. sorta like calling taco bell mexican. we ate at alexis phoenix, arizona years back it was the best greek rest and food
Mar 20, 2008 at 9:03 a.m.
Suggest removal
thekid- must you always bring up drugs and alcohol in your posts- off topic again with your pot brain
some people are afraid of sushi- they automatically think raw fish. sushi just means rolled up in seeweed. lots of it is very yummy
Mar 20, 2008 at 8:50 a.m.
Suggest removal
Some people actually brought up AODA issues from your post. I personally really liked the "gateway" reference. I didn't know it would lead to a lesson on the effects of drinking and smoking.
Is it possible to get $50 boats of sushi at Tokyo Grill? If you take Bergstrom I want in.
Mar 20, 2008 at 8:49 a.m.
Suggest removal
This is a gem in Janesville's morass of taco, steak and burger franchises. We've had many items from Tokyo Grills' menu and I highly recommend his sushi. The food makes up for what is lacking in decor and this is exactly the type of restaurant Janesville needs for more variety. How about some more??? Foods from Nepal, Ghana, Greece, vegetarian-only and more! There's a far larger culinary variety of inexpensive FAST foods in this world if people can look past their Big Macs at McDonalds!
Mar 20, 2008 at 8:34 a.m.
Suggest removal
id personally refer to alcohol as the true gateway drug and not marijuana. people lose control and judgement when they drink. people lose a bit of ambition and desire when they smoke.....
Mar 19, 2008 at 10:06 p.m.
Suggest removal
Oh! Sorry! This was something that I edited out because I was rambling a bit.
Right now Charlie makes basic sushi: salmon rolls, California rolls, shrimp rolls, etc. He makes both regular and reverse rolls.
When the new owners take over, there will be dragon rolls, spider rolls, eel rolls and fancy stuff like that.
(I keep a menu in my purse in case of emergency...)
Mar 19, 2008 at 10:05 p.m.
Mar 19, 2008 at 9:21 p.m.
Suggest removal
Forgive me if I am confused, but is the new owner going to have sushi, or do they have it now?
Mar 19, 2008 at 7:40 p.m.
Suggest removal
This is excellent. I had no idea until you told me about it recently. Beth, you're going to have to take me.
Mar 19, 2008 at 5:58 p.m.
Suggest removal
I love sushi and would never think of Janesville to it. Thanks.
Mar 19, 2008 at 5:35 p.m.
Suggest removal
Interesting! I can't wait to try Tokyo Grill!
Before you post a comment, consider this:
Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy AgreementPost Comment
Commenting requires registration.