Lunch Ladies: The Happy Sumo Restaurant & Sushi Bar
On their latest excursion, the Lunch Ladies visited The Happy Sumo Restaurant & Sushi Bar in Orem.
Lyndsi's meal at The Happy Sumo.
Gabby's meal at The Happy Sumo in Orem.
Sylvia's meal at The Happy Sumo.
Jennette's meal at The Happy Sumo.
Some mornings you wake up, you hit snooze, you hit it again, and again, and one more time for good measure, because after all, “the third time’s the charm,” right?
Well for some reason this random morning I woke up about an hour and a half earlier than usual. Wide awake. As in I could hear birds chirping I was so awake.
Perhaps it was because I had just spent the last week on an amazing action-packed vacation on the East Coast so I was still adjusted to Eastern Daylight Time (doubtful considering I can always sleep in). Or maybe I was just freakishly raring to start the new work week (also hard to imagine after my vacation flew by).
Whatever the cause, I was eyes wide open, time to spare, and energy already flowing by 6 a.m. I could only imagine what extra pep in my step I’d have the rest of the day.
Well, news flash, when you start your day way earlier than usual, and are super productive, using up more energy both physically and mentally than your body is used to … it doesn’t last. By 10 a.m. all I could think was, “Why me?!?”
My eyes, which were so playfully opening like a child’s mouth at the opportunity for a bit of ice cream, were now behaving much more like a turtle trying to creep down as far into the depths of its shell as possible, blocking out the world.
The fast-fading enthusiasm, the draining recollection that I did spend quite a bit of time in and out of airports the night before, and the waning vigor, all meant the lunch hour was my only hope to make it through the rest of the work day. It was time to get serious.
The Happy Sumo was suggested, accepted, and we were on our way. Because when you need to regroup or get your day back on track, sushi is ALWAYS the answer. Feel free to write that little life gem down. I’ll wait.
We made our way to the Shops at Riverwoods, walked into the picturesque Happy Sumo, were greeted by the chefs at the sushi bar, and finally melted into our seats by the window.
After perusing the tantalizing options we made our selections. Here is what the Lunch Ladies went with:
Jennette: General Chong’s Chicken $11.50
The Happy Sumo is a great place to go and relax during the busy, hustle and bustle of a hectic work day. And I was having one of those days so I was glad when Happy Sumo was our lunch destination. I had decided on General Chong’s Chicken. This turned out to be a delicious choice. This meal includes tempura with chicken basted with Korean BBQ sauce. The chicken was served with sticky steamed rice and either stir-fried veggies or tempura veggies. I chose tempura veggies that were served with a delicious light tempura sauce for dipping. I just had water with my lunch today.
Lyndsi: Maki Combo $14.75
Simply delicious is the best way to describe my lunch at Happy Sumo. I had the Maki Combo which came with three simple sushi rolls. It included a tuna roll, California roll, and a cucumber roll. Normally I would go for more adventure, but I wasn’t sharing today so this combo gave me more options. I couldn’t eat it all but my husband was happy to finish my leftovers when I got home.
Sylvia: Siam Street Noodles with Shrimp $10.95
With so many yummy-sounding dishes on the menu it was hard to decide. My pan-sautéed Spicy Asian flat rice noodles were so good. They were served tossed with Thai chilis, basil, garlic, little ears of corn, broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, loads of shrimp, young green beans and more. Everything tasted like it was freshly made and right from the garden. The generous amount of shrimp included was also cooked to perfection. Though I totally recommend this dish, I can’t wait to try something else … maybe the Soft Shelled Crab Salad.
Gabby: Miso Glazed Salmon $15.95
When we first decided to go to Happy Sumo, I, of course, intended to get sushi. I mean, it seemed as obvious to me as Steve Young being my all-time favorite quarterback, or as Jimmy Eat World being on my classic playlist. There are just certain givens in life. But then I saw the Miso Glazed Salmon. The menu description, “Fresh line-caught salmon fillet topped with a red miso and ginger glaze,” just sounded so mouthwatering! And that it was also served with rice, asparagus and mushrooms immediately sent me into a mental tug of war between my two options. But the second Lyndsi said I could have some of her sushi, it was game on for the salmon. And after one bite, I had no regrets with my choice! The incredible glaze was dripping over the moist salmon creating a little pool that seeped under the firm mushrooms and crisp asparagus as well. Perfection! The combination of flavors was flawless! A touch of lemon, a touch of basil, combined with the ginger and miso in a masterpiece, with every component cooked just right. And the sticky rice rounded it all out to fill you up and satisfy your taste buds! Loved every morsel!
Lunch at The Happy Sumo helped get our day back on track. We were able to soak in the atmosphere, relax, and indulge in striking flavors. I think it is safe to say that the Lunch Ladies will be returning, quickly, with enthusiasm — perhaps as early as tomorrow.
– The Happy Sumo Restaurant & Sushi Bar: 4801 N. University Ave., Provo. Open Monday to Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday to Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Sunday 3-9 p.m.