Blue Sushi Sake Grill Turns Sushi Upside Down

No matter how you roll it, Blue Sushi Sake Grill in Westlake will get you past that store-bought California roll. The national chain aims to bring a new experience to sushi lovers with more than 40 rolls, grilled dishes and more. “Our menu was designed to be approachable,” says general manager Nicholaus Neipert. “We mix American and Japanese flavors and put some familiar textures in there so you aren’t afraid to try new things.” Resembling a giant sushi roll, the Tuna Tower ($15) stacks up against the competition by standing at nearly five inches high. Built with layers of bigeye tuna, which are marinated in sesame and ponzu, a spicy crab mix, avocado and sushi rice, it’s then topped with black tobiko and wasabi sprouts. Honey wasabi, mango and eel sauces let you customize your dipping experience. “That dish has been on our menu for at least seven years,” says Neipert. “It’s meant to be enjoyed as one of the courses before sushi.” 2000 Crocker Road, Westlake, 440-328-4500, bluesushisakegrill.com