Nurturing my inner... oh my shumai

One day a convenient store, the next a dry cleaners.  In my area of the country, who can keep up with the frequent change in ownership of the many revolving establishments.  When a neighbor recently invited me to lunch, she said she was in the mood for sushi, then suggested a name I hadn't heard before.  I said, "What place are you talking about?"  I mean, I know nearly every place in my entire town and I did not recognize it at all.  She was describing how to get there to me and yet, nothing was clicking.  Until she said the magic words, "It used to be a McDonald's."  Oooooh.  Now I know where it is.  McDonalds are overly abundant, familiar landmarks that are everywhere.  But at least there is one less now.

Ariake sushi near Hunter's Woods Plaza.  Opened up a few years ago.  A little shadow of Mickey D's architecture was left on the outside, but they did have a nice patio and an outdoor seating area for use in warmer weather.

I think they did a good job converting it.
Nothing golden or arch-like anywhere.

We went for a late lunch, so I was able to get a nice clear shot of the interior after all the people left.  It was simple and elegant.

Intimate. When we first got there, it was full.

I went in with a plan.  That plan was an appetizer (which I don't always do) and a couple sushi rolls.  I saw a friend bring shumai to her house the other day from another place and it had been on my mind ever since.  So that was the inspiration for my appetizer choice.  When it came to the table, I never saw shumai like this.  It was chopped shrimp the size and shape of a large marble, wrapped in a thin wonton and quickly deep fried.  Incredible!  The hot mustard swirly in the corner was such a complement to the shrimp as well.  Yum, perfection!

Lightly crispy and fresh.

I want to go back this week if only for the fried shrimp shumai alone.  But then there was the sushi.  I went for a Philadelphia Roll (smoked salmon, cucumber, cream cheese, and caviar) and a California Roll (imitation crab, avocado, cucumber, salmon roe).  Both were just delicious.

Super fresh and high quality.

I've already scoped out the menu and I'm totally getting this roll when I go back the next time: Super Dynamite Roll (BBQ eel, avocado, crab, and cream cheese).  So much more to try there.

Granted, this new place was still "fast food," but of a higher quality and certainly healthier than its predecessor.  Anytime they want to overhaul a McAnything, I'm for it.  Especially when they make shumai like this place!  Oh my!!