One of the most interesting things about college is how it changes you. I know I’ve certainly changed.
No, I didn’t go from meek wallflower to total party animal. Truth be told, I’d be way more comfortable watching Disney Channel Original Movies with friends in my room than I would be out fratting. I got invited to a “Shots Around the World” party by some random guy in the Student Center one time, but I didn’t go because:
1) Not my thing –– see DCOMs above –– and
2) He was wearing a Red Sox cap (insert generic “TWENTY-SEVEN TITLES/STORIED FRANCHISE RUTH, MANTLE, JETER, RIVERA” exclamation here).
No, this isn’t about losing my religion or choosing a completely different career path or chopping off all my hair and channeling Miley Cyrus (or Justin Bieber?) or anything quite like that.
This is a story about trying new things.
This is about the first time I tried sushi.
I’d been to Kampai Alley, located in Alley A between Ninth and Tenth streets, once before with a friend. At the time, it was about 8 p.m., and as we walked through the dark alley, I couldn’t help but wonder if we were really getting dinner or if my friend was just going to beat me up and take all my money.
I decided that was ridiculous seeing as:
1) I’m a broke journalism student, and if someone went through my purse looking for money, I’d probably stand there and help ‘em look, and
2) There, in the middle of the alley, I saw Kampai.
On that first visit, I walked in intending to try sushi. Eventually, after perusing the extensive menu of tuna, eel, crab and everything else under the sun (figuratively speaking, given that no heat has touched many of the offerings — that’s kind of how sushi works), I opted for the yaki soba, a noodle dish piled with stir-fried vegetables.
While I thoroughly enjoyed my dinner (with chopsticks, no less) I vowed to come back again someday and try the sushi.
So, last week, I returned –– this time in the light of day –– to Kampai, determined to take the plunge. It was during this second visit that it hit me: sushi is fish. I’m vegan. Red Sox frat boy and I’d get along better than a roll of raw eel and I would.
But then, on the bottom of the menu, I saw it –– the “mixed veggie roll.”
I was excited when my sushi arrived. I felt so urbane, sitting in the artfully decorated restaurant, next to the bar, looking out the window at the quiet alleyway as the music of The Beatles and Elton John played in the background.
It was love at first bite. The perfectly-sized portion was just enough to fill me up without leaving me stuffed. The combination of avocado, cucumber, squash, asparagus and kaiware was a delicious quintet of flavors.
As the restaurant began to fill with hungry Columbians, I looked around. I am one of you, sushi-consumers. I eat (veggie) sushi.
Aside from the deliciousness that was my first foray into seaweed-enveloped cuisine, I was also impressed by the price –– so cheap, a J-schooler could afford it. My veggie roll cost $6, and many of the other offerings were also in the $10-or-less range.
Granted, if you’re a hardcore sushi aficionado, you’re probably ordering more than my mere veggie dish, but it’s certainly worth it. Both times I’ve been to Kampai, I’ve been more than satisfied with my order.
I can see why Kampai is often crowded. Whether you opt for the yaki soba, like first-semester me, or are feeling more adventurous, like current-me, you’re bound to find something delicious and meat- (and dairy-, egg-, honey- and gluten-) free, all without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re a seasoned sushi eater, or a newbie to the seaweed-and-rice set, Kampai Alley is the place to go.