“Hotter Than Wasabi™” in Virginia-Highland

By Denise Romeo

That’s the motto of Genki, Virginia-Highland’s favorite sushi restaurant that offers fresh, creatively presented sushi rolls and generous noodle bowls. Since opening in Atlanta in 1996, Genki has not only expanded from its original Buckhead location to two other restaurants, but has also become the sushi purveyor for the Georgia Dome, Philips Arena and the World Congress Center. Genki recently added a food truck to their inventory as well with the idea that they would like to reach every neighborhood in Atlanta.

For its location in Virginia-Highland – which owner Reid Zeising feels is “the best true neighborhood in Atlanta” – Zeising strived to create a warm, welcoming environment for residents by combining 100-year-old reclaimed wood with high ceilings, and hanging original artwork influenced by his childhood in Tokyo on the brick walls that came with the historic space. In the true spirit of the menu, the TV’s are frequently tuned to NatGeo’s “Wicked Tuna.” The restaurant lives up to its name, which means “energetic, and full of life” in Japanese, with an enthusiastic wait staff and lively clientele.

Virginia-Highland also serves as Genki’s home office and is the name of one of the most popular sushi rolls on their menu. The Virginia Highland Roll is made with spicy tuna and mango topped with escolar, avocado, fresh jalapeño and Masago. The plate is beautifully garnished with fresh oranges and spiraled beets. You can literally taste the freshness of the ingredients in each bite-sized creation. All dishes are hand made at each location and because each piece is sliced a bit thinner than the typical ½-inch roll, each morsel is perfectly bite-sized so that you taste all of the complementary components in one mouthful. The I ♥ Sushi Roll with shrimp tempura and cream cheese, topped with tuna, avocado, sweet and spicy chili sauce, and wasabi cream is equally spectacular with its unsurpassed flavor and texture combinations.

In addition to amazing sushi, Genki also serves an array of appetizers including Tiger shrimp sautéed in spicy garlic chili sauce, served over house made guacamole with wonton chips – a fun play on guacamole and chips with a spicy shrimp accompaniment. And, what Japanese-style restaurant would be complete without a selection of noodle bowls? Yakisoba is the most popular street food in Japan and Genki’s version is proof of its status with stir-fried ramen noodles topped with super thinly sliced grilled beef and shredded cabbage, sprinkled with nori and served with red ginger and a side of Japanese mayonnaise.

Genki is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week with daily specials like “Tokyo Tuesdays” with deals on sushi, sake and beer, or Sundays when children eat free with the purchase of a parent’s entrée. Their Monday night “Genki Gives” program allows charitable organizations to earn 10% of each dedicated check. Genki also has a wide range of catering options for corporate functions and weddings.

Genki Noodles and Sushi

1040 N. Highland Ave. NE (Virginia-Highland Location)

404.853.3315

www.genkiatl.com

Local food blogger Denise Romeo has lived in the Virginia-Highland area for 25 years. She and her husband, Dom, enjoy spending time together cooking and entertaining. You can read more from Denise on her award winning blog at We Like To Cook!