Ninja Sushi ? a cut above the standard roll

Although Ninja Sushi's covert location next to Hollywood Video in the Twelve Bridges Shopping Center may have kept it a secret to some since its opening in March, word is starting to spread about the new restaurant. "It's the personality here that goes so far and keeps you coming back," said regular patron Doug Hobson. "It's the little things they do that go a long way. You can eat sushi, or anything for that matter, but if you're not happy while you're eating it, it's not going to be good." Hobson said what keeps him happy at Ninja Sushi is the classy ambiance and the little perks, like free miso soup with your order. Happiness is the goal, explained owner and head chef Hong Moon, who opened another Ninja Sushi in Downtown Auburn in July. "I like owning a sushi restaurant because we're happy and we're talking with our customers and they eat right away and then they're happy too," he said. Hong, who is originally from South Korea, spent 20 years learning the sushi trade in Korea and additional time in Japan perfecting his skill.While the friendly service is likely to put a smile on your face, it's worth mentioning that the menu might leave you feeling happy as well. Ninja Sushi, featuring a unique Korean-style sushi, offers a variety of plates for non-raw fish eaters as well as seasoned sushi experts.Interested in trying sushi, but can't bring yourself to eat raw fish just yet? Try one of Ninja's cooked or tempura - fried - rolls. Like the taste of raw fish but aren't keen on the seaweed wrap? Order a sashimi - raw fish - salad, nigiri - a pair of raw fish pieces on rice, or a roll - mix of rice, vegetables and fish - in a tasteless soy wrapper. Not interested in sushi altogether? No problem. Ninja provides plenty of cooked items on the menu, such as beef and chicken teriyaki and barbecue short ribs. Sushi connoisseurs and newbies alike will appreciate Ninja's unique ingredient listings including the natural energizing gobo root in the Energy Roll, stuffed with scallion, Yellow Tail Tuna, Unagi - eel, avocado and masago - small fish eggs. And Ninja's unique barbeque style sizzles with its signature Flaming Dragon Roll - stuffed with snow crab, spicy tuna and deep fried shrimp and topped with red tuna, hamachi, shrimp and a special sauce. Served on a bed of flaming aluminum foil in a boat plate, the Flaming Dragon's unique taste is reminiscent of sushi on the grill. "Everyone always gives it two thumbs up," said waitress Joane Pak. With more than 70 different rolls on the menu to choose from, deciding what to order may seem like a daunting task. "We always talk to customers and ask what kind of fish they like and what flavors they prefer," Pak said. "Then we can recommend certain rolls to them and help them make choices." Rolls range in price from $3.50 for a cucumber roll to $11.95 for the Rainbow Roll. In addition to rolls, Ninja serves appetizers, salads, sashimi, party platters and a variety of cooked dishes as well. Ninja's lunch specials, offered Mondays through Thursdays run between $6.95 and $11.95. A cooked dinner runs between $10.95 and $12.95. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and from 5 to 9 p.m. on Sundays. For take out or to make a reservation, call 543-3346.