To beat the cold weather of late and find local good eats, there’s no better way to combine dreams of summer with a fantastic meal than to visit Fujiyama Japanese Steakhouse in Lewisburg to enjoy the Beach Roll.

As I entered the restaurant, I noticed a large award that the hostess was more than pleased to explain to me. During the 10th Annual Top 100 Chinese Restaurants in the USA Awards ceremony earlier this month, Fujiyama received recognition as one of 2013’s Top 100 Asian Restaurants in the USA. I could see extreme pride on the faces of all the staff at their achievement. Instantly, I knew I was in for a great dining experience.

In addition to a fairly typical ginger salad, I ordered Vegetable Tempura as an appetizer, along with several specialty sushi rolls as a main entree. The waitress also described mouth watering hibachi meals, but I wanted to see and taste the artistry of their sushi chef. I asked her to have him prepare me a roll that was both aesthetically beautiful and would “Wow” my palate simultaneously. Both she and their chef took this challenge very seriously, returning exactly what I had envisioned.

Beautifully crafted, the Beach roll is a visual feast. Topped with alternating layers of buttery tuna, creamy avocado, and sweet salmon, this roll naturally compels onlookers to snap multiple photos for their Instagram accounts. Using either your fingers or chopsticks to dip a slice of the roll into an aromatic soy sauce, flavored with a bit of sharp wasabi, you’ll be sure to devour that bite in its entirety. In addition to the wonderful fresh flavors of fish on the outside, you’ll love the crunch of the tempura shrimp that fills the inside. Combined, the perfectly selected and harmonious ingredients of the Beach roll will satisfy your appetites for a fantastic meal and a temporary journey to a tropical paradise.

Fujiyama is located at 518 North Jefferson Street and can be contacted for reservations at 304-647-3888. Enjoy!

– Coy A. Flowers, LBSPY #50. (Feb 10-March 10, 2014).