B E L U G A

Beluga, during the past nine plus years of writing these editorials I had one of the finest meals ever; I would rate Beluga with 5 stars. By far the most creative innovative Asian Cuisine in Greater Cincinnati. All the dishes had the right balance between sweet and savory a touch of acid when needed & all dishes would rate perfect in a Top Chef finale.

Beluga is celebrating their 8 year anniversary all year long in 2009. They are the rst restaurant in Cincinnati to develop the concept of Lifestyle Restaurant; big on design, eclectic cuisine with cultural travel, and playing sophisticated music in the background. As with all great restaurants it is an experience to have a meal there surrounded by an environment that matches the menu – Beluga does. Hardwood oors with white plates and stainless steel silver wear. During the daytime the perfect place to have a business meeting lunch with family and friends light, bright, trendy, and airy. At night the restaurant takes on a romantic feel with dimmed lights placed discretely in the ceiling beams. Totally dierent you would think you were in New York or San Francisco.

New Dinner Menu; Friday and Saturday nights ½ priced sushi, 11:00 pm to 2:00 am; New Years Eve Special, 3 course meal $28.00 make your reservations early. Other specials: ½ price sushi Wednesday, 5:00 pm to 2:00 am.

To start off we tried three dierent types of sushi rolls: The King Crab California Roll with Alaskan king crab rice cucumber and avocado. Mild crab avor with a creamy taste that melts in your mouth. Shrimp Tempura Roll crunchy shrimp in rice the shrimp roll is simply elegant. Beluga’s Signature Sushi Rolls a new concept the Cowboy Roll was by far the best sushi roll we had ever eaten, 8 large pieces that comprised grilled New York Strip Steak steamed spinach goat cheese with a soy-ponzu sauce. The goat cheese melted in our mouths creamy velvety with just a hint of the mild strip steak, absolutely phenomenal and only one of six to choose from.

The Seaweed Salad roma tomatoes and cucumbers in a Sunomono dressing, light airy with a hint of a nutty taste from the toasted almonds. Very wonderful, get this plus it is extremely healthy. Next was Yakisoba made with Japanese egg noodles with fresh cooked vegetables in a teriyaki sauce topped with roasted white sesame seeds perfectly cooked hot noodles with the light sauce, nice balance between the sauce and our added chicken. Another winner of the meal was the Togarashi Ahi Tuna seared ahi tuna slices on a tomato-wasabi sauce served spring greens with balsamic vinaigrette. Perfectly prepared, perfect balance of the sweet taste of the tuna and the light acid vinaigrette taste.

Desert was two of their most popular; a Chocolate Souffe and Mango with Sweet Sticky Rice get both and share.

All dishes were presented beautifully nothing was overwhelming. Come early to relax and sit at the bar have a glass of wine or drink. The wait sta is both knowledgeable, and polite.

3520 Edwards Rd. (Hyde Park) • 513.533.4444 • www.belugasushi.com
Hours: Lunch Mon-Fri 11-2pm, Dinner Mon-Thur 5-10:30pm, Fri-Sat 5-2am