Restaurant Reviews By Chef Paul

June 17, 2010

Sakura

Japanese cooking at its best is located on Springs Road in Hickory at Sakura restaurant.

Lately I have been trying to make at least one night a week sushi night with my friends. Sakura has a large menu of Japanese cuisine and a wonderful sushi bar. One interesting aspect of the restaurant is that they name their sushi items after loyal customers.

On a recent visit I decided to order the “Tiffany Roll”, which is loaded with fresh crab meat and stacked high on the beautifully decorated plate. Sushi options include Tuna, Salmon, eel, octopus and many other interesting options. The seafood is extremely fresh and is cut to order to ensure perfect quality.

If sushi is not your thing then you should try some items from the grill menu. After the great sushi we decided to try the Steak, Lobster, Scallop and Shrimp Plate, which equaled any such dish I have eaten in many fine dining restaurants. The steak was cooked perfectly medium-rare, which I asked for. This dish is almost a man vs food dish because of the large portion that they serve.

The seafood was cooked just the way I like it with a perfect blend of seasoning.

As far as sides the rice was fluffy and the carrots were sweet and not over cooked. Sakura’s staff is professional and polite and will make your visit an enjoyable night out.

Sakura is located at 2461 12th Avenue Drive Northeast, Hickory.

Chubby’s

If it’s a great pizza, sub, or sandwich you are looking for then please check out Chubby’s on Highway 70 in Valdese. While driving through the quaint town of Valdese, just past town, you will find this jewel of a restaurant.

Locally owned and operated they have been serving great food for years.

Chubby’s is the place that I drive for to get a great Chef Salad. I ordered the salad and it towered like a mountain on the plate, full of fresh greens, vegetables and hand cut turkey and ham. The dressing was homemade, not the prepackaged garbage other restaurants pass off onto people.

As far as sandwiches the Turkey and Bacon sandwich is the best. Chubby’s fill their sandwiches with fresh sliced deli meats and they give you your money’s worth.

If it’s some spice you like, ask for some of their red peppers to put on the sub, it will give it a pleasant kick. The sandwich is one of the best around, trust Chef Paul on this one.

I like the homemade cookies that are displayed at the entrance, they are a sweet ending to the meal.

So if there’s a secret to be shared about great food, then I am sharing it: check out Chubby’s. It’s worth the drive.

Chubby’s is located at 831 Main Street West, Valdese, NC.