Sushi ERIKA: Carrying on the Family tradition

When Japanese Market and Sushi Deli closed in 2017, fans of the freshly made sushi at the tiny spot in the back of the market were sad and disappointed, but when the owner and master sushi chef, Michio Kushi suddenly passed away, it was a final devastating blow to the many loyal patrons. I admit to having never made it to Japanese Market and so was excited to hear of its continuing legacy through the hands of Michio’s daughter, Erika.

Erika Michio, who was a fixture next to her father for those many years, gave those fans of fresh, reasonably priced sushi a renewed hope, when she opened Sushi ERIKA just a few miles away on the Kennedy Causeway in North Bay Village.

Open for Lunch only ( last call Tuesday-Saturday is 5:45 and 4:45 on Sundays, Closed Monday), Sushi ERIKA is tucked into the corner of a strip center and is always busy, so be prepared to wait for a table or even to sit at the sushi bar.

The space is bright and welcoming, with lots of Japanese mementos left from the days of Sushi Deli and pictures of Michio and family.

Sushi and Sashimi are the main events, and they are simply prepared using the freshest fish and ingredients.

Appetizers include traditional the Miso soup and Edamame, plus Tuna Tartare with pine nuts and quail egg and Truffle Tuna of thinly sliced tuna with truffle oil, spicy mayo and salmon roe.

The Seafood Sushi Salad included fresh greens with chopped tuna, salmon, krab and sesame in a spicy dressing.

Add to that some of Sushi Deli’s Signature rolls, like Crispy Salmon Skin roll, Treasure Island Roll with eel, mango and cream cheese or the Captain Tuna Roll, spicy tuna, scallion, masago, and sesame oil.

A section for Vegetarian rolls offers over 7 different options. There are even Sushi ERIKA’s Signature Rolls that include a Miami Heat Roll, of shrimp tempura, Krab salad topped with Tuna, Salmon, Spicy Mayo, Jalapeño and Tobiko, and the North Bay Roll with a deep-fried scallop and Kimchee sauce.

A Hand roll with warm grilled eel and avocado was prepared and presented by Erika, herself.

You can also order off the Specials, which on the day we went included Uni from both Japan and Canada.

The menu has too many other options to mention, as we hungrily glanced at the many dishes served to the regular patrons on either side of us, all of which were on a first name basis with Erika.