"Fast food" sushi?.....enter Sushiology.

So the other day I took a trip to an area of our city where I usually steer away from. You guessed it, "TOURISTVILLE" Florida aka Lake Buena Vista/Disney area. This time on the map was a fairly new concept I had not paid much attention to until now, Sushiology the fast food sushi restaurant. The premise of the logic behind it, I presume, is you go to the counter, pick between a couple of their signature maki, nigiri, sashimi, and/or apps, order your drink, pick up your order "fast", and enjoy your meal. I know what some of you are thinking: "Ummm, fast food sushi? Have fun at the doctor's office man". Erroneous!! With that same concern I took it upon myself to inspect the seafood from afar, and take a peek at the workstations where my meal was to be prepared (its kind of a pet peeve of mine), and I gave it a passing grade and nod of approval. Ok I'm next in line, "What will you have today sir?". Hmm, what to choose, what to choose?

So I started of with an interesting beverage from the good people at Takara (the same people that make plum wine which is probably sold at your nearest grocery store). Yuzu "Can Chu-Hai", a malt beverage which I could only compare to a lemony/sweeter Smirnoff Ice. Definitely had that 'generic & genetic' fake artificial citrus taste, but was surprisingly refreshing considering it was like 90 plus degrees out in the Florida sun. Don't know that I would have it again, but I will keep an eye out for a more natural alternative next time I'm out at my nearest Asian supermarket or Whole Foods for that matter.

First appetizer was the gyoza (I figured you can't go wrong with a little fried pork dumplings (they can also steam it for a healthier option). Crispy jiaozi (the thicker version of a wonton skin) shells, savory pork filling, and hints of ginger, garlic, and sesame oil; so far so good. One thing I would change on this appetizer is either put more filling inside them, or make the wrapper a little smaller as it seemed like they were too airy and empty when I bit into it. All in all, good flavor and good texture.

Next up are a couple of their signature rolls: the paradise (tuna/mango),twister (white tuna/spicy tuna), and the fantasy roll (shrimp/mango/kani/mayo).

Ok, I will say this: for the location, and "type" of service concept I guess it was to be expected. Made me a little sad because we at LBC always root for the underdog and support the smaller often overlooked establishments. First off the "fast service" wasn't as fast as one would expect, specially when being the only customers in for a quick lunch. God forbid I was on a small 30min lunch from my job nearby, as the order took about between 10 and 15 minutes. The seafood, although fresh tasting, for its price I was left a little "wanting". I repeat, for that price, they could've sliced their fish a little thicker and made a couple of customers a little bit happier.

Good, clean facilities, excellent music, modern and playful furniture. Semi-fast service, good beer and Japanese drink list, decent maki, not the best sushi in town, but I feel optimistic that if they work on their concept and rework their service strategy, it just might work. We are rooting for you.