Narumi Japanese Sushi Restaurant (La Mesa)

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog and Kirk, Ed(from Yuma) and Cathy usually post about memorable meals here.  Today, Kirk is exhausted, Ed(from Yuma) is recharging and Cathy has the energy to write a post.  Here it is. 

Narumi is the new name of Shizuoka, which underwent new ownership about a year ago, after being a three decade mainstay in La Mesa.  The front windows are now unadorned, bringing more natural light into the small dining area.

A small (three seat) sushi bar area has been added.  The lacy plastic tablecloths are gone. There are boards advertising special items and prices; many are rolls.  

The standard bowl of miso soup begins each meal.Mixed tempura appetizer ($5.95) is still a favorite, properly fried/crispy and not greasy.  It can be a meal.Chicken Karrage ($4.95) is made with a light batter, is properly fried and the chicken is moist and flavorful.

Being a creature of habit, I've had multiple orders the same 'Daily Special' ($7.95) of teriyaki chicken..you can choose a tempura shrimp or spicy tuna roll as well as edamame or fries.  The teriyaki is very good (not sweet) and the char grilled chicken is always moist and has that good charred taste. Another fallback order I have here is the Seafood Salad ($9.95).  The salad mix, topped with crispy burdock has cucumber and avocado added in.  Shrimp, salmon, tuna and at least one other fish are part of the seafood toppings. The sesame based dressing is just right. The chicken yakisoba special lunch ($7.95) is served with soup, salad and potstickers and always is satisfying' the noodles have that 'wok hay' flavor.The chicken curry ($7.95) is very good and comforting, especially on cold days.

 The new owners honored the previous owners by keeping many of the same things: hours, lunch specials (and even the Shizuoka name for about nine months).  Some menu items are gone (I loved the mackerel bento lunch here) and the addition of many pages of rolls and sushi items to the menu seems to have brought in new customers, many picking up to go items. Change happens and in this case, it is subtle and remains tasty.  

Narumi 9118 Fletcher Parkway La Mesa 91942 (619)461-1151 Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Dinner Mon-Thurs 5:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Fri Sat Dinner 5:00-10:00 Closed Sunday

Comments

[nhbilly]

I really miss this type of shops after moving out of SoCal

[Soo @ hungryones]

The karage and tempura appetizer are tempting. :-)

[jack]

I forgot about the Shizuoka change. I'm glad that the new owners have honored the previous owners and customers. Good luck to them. I always liked that little place, reminded me of some of the smaller mom and pop places I grew up around in Hawaii. Not quite the same food mind you but the great family feel.

[Ed (from Yuma)]

New owners of a fav spot is always kindof scary. It sounds like it worked this time. Like billy says, I wish there were a Japanese place that good out here.

[Cathy]

This place is the 'Mom and Pop' restaurant we are always looking to find, Bill; not so easy anymore.
The person who runs the fryer here is quite talented, Soo.
I agree completely, Jack. The new (young) owners are trying to hold to the tried and true 'old fashioned' ways while incorporating some newer menu items and it is so appreciated.
We were so reluctant to even try it under the new ownership, but haven't been disappointed. Ed. You have found some great places in Yuma, although the cravings for what you don't have must be frustrating.