Adventure the 8th

Sky high sushi- a restaurant review

I am a creature of crunch. I enjoy the texture of a fried lava ant or a crispy kreetle bug. I typically do not gravitate towards foods of a certain viscous consistency. Jabba would frequently slurp down an entire sludge worm whole but the thought of that sliding down my throat turns my two stomachs. So I was filled with a small measure of trepidation when my human announced she wanted to give sushi a proper try.

Late April found us with another opportunity to bike along the Virginia Beach boardwalk. After an enjoyable time spent riding along, Jessica made the decision to visit a restaurant called Orion’s Roof. This location had come highly recommended for its quality sushi so she reckoned it would be a good place for our first sampling.

A more elevated dining venue (literally as it is located on the top floor of the Marriott Hotel and has one of the most expansive views around), the girl and I arrived at the hostess stand windblown and sandblasted to inquire about the smallest possible sushi portion. With no experience, it was nearly impossible to predict what we might enjoy, if anything at all. After explaining our unique mission, the manager, Rhianna, guided us to sit along the bar in front of the sushi station. After patiently explaining all of the different varieties, she very generously arranged an exclusive sampling for us.

Mon Calamari, what an assortment of new flavors to try! Salmon nigiri, a California roll with brightly colored orange flying fish roe, the Philadelphia roll paired with cream cheese. A most delicious shaved ginger pickle with hints of sweet citrus to soften the spice. And a punchy, PUNCHY wasabi paste that I continued to eat despite it burning my delicate nasal cavities with only the tiniest portion. (If you are not yet acquainted with wasabi, let me assure you, a little goes a long way!) Though no great lover of spice, I believe the girl enjoyed eating it as the weather was chilly and it helped warm her up. A soy sauce and eel sauce were also offered with the eel eventually becoming our preference as it was a bit thicker and sweeter.

In all honesty, our first bite of the sushi did leave us with mixed feelings. It was not the horrific consistency we had imagined but neither of us could claim instant infatuation. However, we found that the more we ate it, the more it grew on us. All of the textures and individual flavors blended together to create a very satisfying, filling, and enjoyable meal. We amazed ourselves by finishing the entire plate. And we weren’t even that hungry….

The staff could not have been kinder to us and made us feel incredibly welcome despite our appearance of looking like we had just scrambled out of a Jawa’s sandcrawler. Sitting at the sushi bar was entertaining as we got to watch the preparation process and ask questions. (I admit it was also highly entertaining for me to watch Jessica attempt to use chopsticks correctly. I am no expert myself but I do believe she had them upside-down for at least half the time).

Afterwards, she and I went out onto the beach where she insisted on giving us both a sand pedicure. (And yes, the sand was coarse, rough, and irritating and did get everywhere).

And so we say it was another marvelous culinary adventure and we are indebted to Orion’s for their generous hospitality and allaying our fears of raw fishies! Whenever the opportunity presents itself, we will not hesitate to return and perhaps bring other sushi skeptics for their first foray.

Anchors away, galactic friends!

Written 6/8/26