Sushi Bar offers more than fish

Hesitant to walk in because of its gloomy exterior appearance, we were pleasantly surprised to see a modern, well-decorated restaurant on the inside of Sushi Bar, 2522 E. 10th St. \nThe dining room had an intimate feel with bamboo on the walls, accent lighting, private rooms and decorative wall coverings. The room also contained plasma televisions showing various sports games. We had never thought of combining sushi with a sports bar, but the fusion worked well and actually enhanced our experience. \nOur host greeted us warmly and seated us promptly, even though many patrons filled the dining room. When our waitress came back with our drinks, she awkwardly answered our questions about the contents and descriptions of each dish, not completely knowledgeable on the menu. \nAfter some clarification, we decided to order the pork dumplings, or gyoza ($4.50), for an appetizer. We decided to try some sushi, opting for the cucumber roll ($3) and the Philadelphia ($4.50). For our entrees, we first sampled the Yakisoba noodles paired with chicken ($8.99) and then tried the chicken teriyaki ($10.99). \nThe gyoza came to our table quickly and we were anxious to dine. Served with a special soy sauce, the dumplings were light, yet spicy. Soup and salad were served next as an inclusion in the chicken teriyaki meal. The vegetarian soup, consisting of tofu, mushrooms and onion, complimented the salad topped with ginger dressing. The combination was a welcome surprise because it was not listed on the menu. \nNot being sushi enthusiasts, we were happy to see that not all of the choices contained raw fish. Cucumber rolls are a good option for sushi first-timers because they have the basic elements of rice and seaweed, but lack the exotic flair that some sushi contains. The crisp cucumber rolls we tried paired nicely with the Philadelphia. Raw salmon, cream cheese and rice were rolled in seaweed to make the second option. Though the cream cheese and salmon complimented one another, there was an excessive amount of cream cheese present. Even though the sushi was nothing to write home about, the price was right and, therefore, worth trying. \nThe main dishes were presented in a simple yet appealing style. Orange slices enhanced the plate's appearance on the side and provided a refreshing aftertaste to the flavors in the dishes. The Yakisoba noodles, cooked in a light sauce, were served warm with carrots, celery and onions, and topped with chicken. The flavors blended together well with the exception of the overpowering celery. However, the dish was pleasant to the palate. \nThe chicken teriyaki was mouth-watering. The plentiful dish was served with a medley of zucchini, onions and sesame seeds. The teriyaki sauce was one of the best we have sampled in Bloomington and provided a perfect accent to the rice, vegetables and chicken in the dish. The portion was large, and even provided for a second meal the next day at home. \nOverall, we spent nearly $36 and received a vast amount of food. Sushi can be expensive, but Sushi Bar provides an upscale environment with quality food at affordable prices. Dinner combinations can be as pricey as $20 a plate, but mixing and matching dishes can provide more food at a lower price. \nWe definitely recommend trying Sushi Bar once even if you think you don't like sushi. Sushi Bar is not just for sushi, and although the food is not five-star, the atmosphere is worth a visit. You never know, Sushi Bar might surprise you.