Beluga Japanese Cuisine & Sushi - Round Rock
Beluga Japanese Cuisine & Sushi - Round Rock
Written by Jim Dawson Thursday, 07 December 2006
Japanese restaurant reflects exotic and artistic personalities
I can think of no other venture that allows the owner to reflect his personality more than a restaurant. Going out to dinner, especially in an upscale establishment such as Beluga, should be an adventure, and owners Jae Chang and Vyacheslav Fish have combined their personalities and talents to create a truly extraordinary dining experience.
Fish left his native Russia when he was 16 and lived in Italy and several other European countries before moving to the U.S. He eventually graduated from the University of Texas, San Antonio with a degree in biology. Jae has two Master degrees in music, for conducting and performance from the University of Cincinnati.
They both must have studied art, also, because their food presentations are stunning. Check their Web site for some beautiful examples of their menu items.
A good way to start your evening is with the Ahi Tower, ($12.50) tuna tar-tar, based in sesame oil and served over snow crab, avocado, cucumber and sushi rice and infused with creamy wasabi sauce at your table. It resembles the flags of Italy and Mexico. Or try another of their creations, the Sanchez Roll ($12.50), an assortment of red and white tuna on top of a smoked salmon roll served with just a smudge of creamy spicy sauce and topped with a slice of jalapeno.
The Blue Goose Roll ($12.95) is another favorite and reflects Fish’s love of Italy. Calamari, carrots and onions braised in butter to become soft and sweet then baked over a crab avocado roll. All of the items are served “family style” to be shared.
I love the Chilean Sea Bass ($25.00) lightly pan seared with fresh blueberry balsamic teriyaki sauce. It is delicate and flaky, and very healthy and served over a sauté of shiitake mushrooms, broccoli, asparagus, and flame broiled squash.
Another favorite is the Kushiyaki. The presentation of these delightful grilled skewers of shrimp or scallops or even fresh shiitake mushrooms is a work of art. We tried the combination ($12.00) that also included chicken, beef and assorted vegetables. Very tasty, very healthy.
The Prime Short Ribs ($22.00), served Galbi style displays Jae’s Korean heritage. The ribs are marinated two weeks in a sauce with a ginger garlic flair, flame broiled and served in a sizzling skillet with a vegetable sauté.
Beluga has recently added a full bar; every Monday night all wine by the bottle is half price. The Green Mint Tea is delicious and refreshing and comes in four flavors including mango, strawberry and cranberry.
Fish’s Favorites:
- Volcano Roll - Baked scallops in a spicy, creamy sauce on top of a California roll - $14.50
- Sanchez Roll - Red and white tuna on top of a smoked salmon roll with spicy cream sauce and fresh jalapeños - $12.50
- Mr. Smith Roll - Spicy tuna with shrimp tempura wrapped in spicy tuna - $11.75
Hours and Specials:
- Lunch: Mon – Fri 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Dinner: Sun – Thurs. 5 – 10 p.m. • Fri. & Sat 5 – 10:30 p.m.
- Monday thru Friday from 5 to 7 p.m., Beluga offers 2 for 1 sushi.
- Private rooms are also available that accommodate six to 24 people.
Beluga Japanese Cuisine and Sushi
661 Louis Henna Blvd., Suite 300, Round Rock, TX 78664
512-255-6454
0 Comments 