Kura (Conveyor sushi) (revisits)

Thanks for stopping to look at mmm-yoso!!!, a blog about food.  Kirk is getting used to the time zone change so Cathy is writing a brief post.

I wrote about Kula the first time in 2015, when we first went to the Rancho Cucamonga location.  The conveyor sushi chain arrived in San Diego in about 2016 and I wrote a post in early 2017.  (Those links have some explanatory stuff in case you've never been).   At some point, the nationwide chain changed its name to Kura (at least on the exterior of the building) and raised the basic price of revolving sushi standard plates to $2.50 each.  There is an outdoor Tablet sign in/wait list or you can reserve a seat using a mobile app.  We usually ask to sit at the counter. 

   This time, I was right at the corner and could see into the open kitchen.  There was a tabletop photo ad of new offerings. 
There is a first plate 'introducing' the following plates, all connected to each other; it helps the kitchen know what to refill. 
I always grab the sunomono when it arrives in front of me.  A perfect balance of vinegar and soy covering cucumbers, seaweed and bits of tamago (a sweet egg omelet which can be a dessert by itself).  Everything on a green plate is $2.50; you slide used plates in a slot in the table when it's time to pay the bill. 
If you end up with 15 of those plates, after insertion in the slot, the Bikkura Pon machine will shoot out a ball filled with a small gift directly on your table.  We've never had that many small plates; tend to order from the Tablet you see at the second level.  Most Tablet items are the same as on the conveyor, but are a bit more fresh; other items are made to order.

 While waiting for an order to arrive (it stops right in front of the Tablet where you placed the order- on a second conveyor belt) I saw the Tuna Yukhoe and wanted to try (yukhoe is akin to tartare; raw.  Though the egg yolk is cooked.) The raw tuna is marinated in soy, sesame oil, garlic and has some sesame seeds mixed in). Kind of poke, in a good way. The garlic steak is quite nice (we ordered from the Tablet, so the steak arrived warm). Crunch garlic on top.

New to us on the menu was shrimp stuffed baked avocado ($3.60).  It arrived with a small spoon.
This will be ordered again.  It was divine.  Lots of shrimp, melted cheese, just warm ripe avocado.  A meal.  

The squid tempura ($3.60) was interesting this time; there were two pieces of chicken karaage mixed in.  All good; light breading, perfect fry.
 Also new on the menu was grilled albacore ($3.60).  The fish by itself was excellent; char grill, a meaty piece that flaked perfectly.  The slices of jalapeño were a 'warning'...those carrots had something mixed in that had a nice kick of spice; it complimented the fish and was good on its own.  The soft shell crab ($4.80) is also one of those items we must always order; it's done right here.  The batter, the fry, the shaved radish with a dollop of yellow hot radish.  Just so nice.    The hand rolls (as you can see, $2.50) are ordered on the Tablet and arrive quickly.  They are offered with soy paper wrap instead of seaweed; a little different in flavor...lots of flavorful sesame seeds and really good; a compliment to the rice and tuna filling.  The dessert we shared ($3.60)-Anmitsu. Vanilla ice cream with a sort of caramel sauce, red bean paste, small mochi, a marinated strawberry.  If you see it, get it-a perfect ending.  

Kura Revolving Sushi Bar  4609 Convoy San Diego 92111 Open Sun-Thurs 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Website

Comments

[Jason]

Like you mention, the mobile app is the way to go. You can see how long the wait is and add yourself to the waiting list before you even leave the house. Then time your drive for your expected availability. Not the best sushi around, but it's definitely fun.

[kat]

baked avo sounds delicious!

[kobi]

Interesting. I just read an article about the founder.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/11/23/business/corporate-business/kuras-kunihiko-tanaka-peddling-vinegar-running-sushi-empire/#.W_1846SWzL8

[Cathy]

Found out about the app from my nephew, who was visiting and it certainly saved a lot of frustration (parking being primary); however, getting to Kura within 30 minutes of opening (on a week day) still works out for me (when I'm alone), Jason. Over time, I've been able to find consistent/better food items. Definitely a fun food experience.

The baked avocado was really great, Kat. Definitely that plus sunomono will be a quick and balanced meal for me next year.

That's a great article, Kobi. I notice it was printed on Friday...of course I missed it. The kaiten-zushi concept is new to the USA and is part of the fascination; the no -additive/healthy part of the food is what will send Kura to more popularity.

[caninecologne]

The soy paper handroll looks interesting and the shrimp stuffed avocado decadent. Must try next time.

[Cathy]

I've seen soy paper in markets, but don't make sushi at home, cc. It's nice; I suppose not the saltiness of flavor that you get with seaweed. The baked avocado is great!