Story and Photos by Melanie Kopacz
It’s a splash of color mixed with happy vibes and fun décor as you enter the new Fujisan Asian Bistro in Wellington’s Town Square shopping plaza. That flair is also shown through the artistry put into the food.
“People like sushi in this area,” Fujisan Manager Nicole You said. “People like healthy food, and sushi is a great option.”
Fujisan officially opened its doors this past fall, welcoming sushi lovers to quench their cravings for fresh, mouthwatering and handcrafted creations ready to be devoured and enjoyed.
“We also do hibachi, but sushi is our specialty,” You said. “But people like it all.”
There’s a huge selection to try from, with about 50 sushi rolls in all on the menu.
Sit at the sushi bar with its soothing soft colors amid an array of fresh and colorful fish on display, and where patrons can watch the chef’s artistic talents put into each order with precision and pride.
That presentation is just as pleasing as the food itself, like the Tuna Tartare. The beautifully stacked diced fish with cubes of avocado are displayed with vibrant-colored tobiko and kimchi sauce. The Seared Tuna Over Crispy Rice makes for a gorgeous display of colors, with a flavorful combination of textures. It is topped with kimchi sauce, spicy mayo, wasabi sauce, tobiko and cilantro.
The Sweetheart Roll is a must try and a perfect sharable. This features a beautiful presentation of four individual heart-shaped rolls by combining two pieces of sushi, as rose petals line the plate. Inside is spicy tuna and avocado, topped with tuna and wasabi sauce. Each bite makes for a rich mix of flavors, while the tuna melts in your mouth.
The specialty rolls across the board are widely ordered, while there are also a number of traditional kitchen appetizers, such as the Gyoza (pan-fried pork dumplings), as well as the Rock Shrimp, which is fried and served with a spicy cream sauce. Both are staples on the menu.
As you wait for your food, check out the wall design that’s filled with traditional and whimsical Asian lucky cats, whose purpose is to bring cheer and luck. The steel blue seating and décor make for a calm and relaxing atmosphere. The restaurant’s quaint dining room seats about 30, with a few tables for two outside.
“We try to keep it fun and a little different, so we did the wallpaper, and the lighting, and tried to keep it cozy,” You said.
The sushi bar entrees are beautifully displayed and perfectly placed. The Sashimi Deluxe is a top choice, filled with 15 pieces of fresh, assorted raw fish layered among decorative pieces.
The are about 25 special roll offerings, with the Lobster Roll being one of the favorites. Inside is lobster katsu and mango, topped with avocado, steamed shrimp, fried kani and special sauce.
The Monster Roll lives up to its name, with shrimp tempura, cream cheese and avocado, topped with imitation crab meat, eel sauce and spicy sauce. The Dinosaur Roll is huge in flavor, deep fried with tuna, eel, cream cheese, avocado, scallion, eel sauce and spicy mayo.
There’s also a selection of soups from traditional miso to seafood hot and sour. A number of salads are also offered, including an Avocado & Crab Salad, and a Sunomono Salad with octopus, shrimp, conch, kani and cucumber in a vinegar sauce.
Those not looking for sushi can order hibachi, which is served with clear soup and a shrimp appetizer, vegetables and hibachi noodles. Order a single item or a combination from vegetable, chicken, shrimp, steak, scallops, lobster and more. There’s also teriyaki options.
Kids have their own menu, which includes chicken, steak or shrimp teriyaki with lo mein, as well as some traditional kid favorites, like chicken nuggets.
Lunch specials are offered Monday through Friday and come with soup or salad, and any of two or three roll combos.
Lunch bento boxes are also a favorite, from sushi to shrimp tempura, salmon and more, served with edamame, a spring roll and four pieces of a California roll. Rice and noodles or hibachi are also available lunch items.
Whether it’s lunch or dinner, the selection is sure to fill both the stomach and soul with the tasty food and cheerful, elevated presentation that Fujisan hopes will bring people back for more, as the beckoning cats await your next visit.
Fujisan serves lunch and dinner daily. The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch and 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. for dinner. Friday hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch and 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. for dinner. Weekend hours are noon to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Fujisan Asian Bistro is located in Wellington’s Town Square shopping plaza at 11924 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 33. For more information, call (561) 513-8888 or visit www.fujisanasianbistro.com.
