Love at First Fish

Ten pins, eight lanes, cocktails, TV’s, and… Sushi?

   Being an avid bowler for the majority of my young adult life, I can say that I enjoy the sport as a competitive activity as well as a leisurely one. When I’m not being a serious (well 75% serious) bowler on my Sunday night league, I am probably at the lanes having a few brews and picking up spares with some buddies. What makes Lakeview Lanes different from all the other alleys around the state? Normally you can only go to a bowling alley for a few greasy chicken fingers and a hefty portion of French fries. Down on Center Street, the times are changing. Ever since new ownership has taken over it has given life new atmosphere has sprung to life in Douglas. Through the doors at Lakeview lanes the average smoky bowling alley is something of the past.

   I believe it was Elton John that once said “Saturday night’s alright for sushi.”

   Blake, one of the co-owners, introduced me to Emma on a Saturday night. Emma heads “Sushi Saturdays” at Lakeview Lanes. Emma has been cooking all her life and sushi has been a definite staple in her traditional cooking. She is originally from Japan and currently resides in Holland. I asked myself… “Why Japan to Holland of all places?” Well it turns out that Emma teaches Japanese at Hope College. I was caught off guard by this statement due to Emma’s perfect English, but I’ll take her word for it.

   So why am I rambling? I’ll tell you why!

   Each and every Saturday there are three chefs in the back preparing delectable Asian-born entrees. Maybe some of you are in the same boat, but I had never actually eaten sushi before, and I wanted to make sure that I could finally remove that void on my record. A lot of my friends talk about sushi like it is some sort event or as if the circus just came to town. I find sushi as an enigma in the culinary world and amongst adults from all age ranges.

   Last summer I questioned why sushi had not infiltrated the community yet. I figured with such a heavy population from Chicago that there would certainly be something of the sort in town. Of course… as soon as I left to headed back to school for the fall, Lakeview Lanes decided to put on the sushi parade. How many bowling related businesses serve sushi? I thought about looking it up via internet, however, Google might become confused when the words “sushi” and “bowling alley” are contained in the same phrase. I’m not sure how many bowling alleys have screened-in outdoor patios as well, but their probably aren’t too many.

   One step closer to an outdoor bowling alley, I can feel it. Touché’ Lakeview… touché’.

    

   Blake and Dave have already shown the community their ability to provide great food, and now they have one-upped themselves by serving out slices of exquisite sea delicacies!  You may wrap yourself around a serious serving of Japanese culture from 6:30 until 9:00 each Saturday.

   I’ll admit that I was a bit of a skeptic when it came to believing that there was enjoyment to be gained out of eating something that looks like it just hopped out of the water. I’ve watched Man V. Wild on many occasions and I have been frightened by the apparent disregard for food-borne illnesses. I have seen Bear Grylls barely stomach things like raw lizard, live scorpions and trimmings of a freshly slain zebra for survival purposes. I always thought to myself other than a life or death survival situation, why would anyone want to eat raw fish? Well it turns out that I was pleasantly surprised.

   Real. Succulent. Sushi.

   I sat with a few friends and we ordered quite a platter of various sushi bits (it was definitely a family-sized platter). We started out with the light, elegant miso soup that was fit for a true tofu lover. The soup is a great way to get the dinner started and it always reminds me of my first time at a Japanese steak house!

   After sharing a few funny stories with company and cherishing fond memories of the past, the grand display had made a move for our table.

   The wasabi was delightful. The combination was perfect. The ginger was arranged in such a way that it actually resembled a pink rose in full bloom. It was an epic Lakeview moment for tearing down the walls to my sushi virginity. As I dipped my rice-covered fish clippings into my dish filled with soy sauce, I began to enjoy what I have been missing out on for so long. I was not only surprised by the excellent flavor and presentation, but who knew sushi was so filling? I have a feeling that people seem to believe that sushi is too expensive for the amount of food you actually receive… I know that’s how I felt! It turns out that I was completely stuffed on spicy tuna before I knew it.  

   I enjoy being proven wrong in life (It gives me faith in humanity). This day just happened to be one of those days. A new avenue has opened in my world and I will always remember that my craving for sushi all started at Lakeview Lanes. It might not be your typical place, but on the other hand I think that becomes the beauty of it.

P.S.… The carrot cake is a definite topper for a great dining experience!