En Sushi and Robata Grill

If you live on the East side of town and don't feel like driving to Raku, then I recommend going to En Sushi and Robata Grill instead to get your Japanese fix. I have only been once since it is all the way in Anthem , so I can't give the most complete review, but I will say everything we had was above par and the space was superior to that of most neighborhood restaurants.

En's decor is clean and modern - definitely a place suitable to take a date. The staff was all friendly, though there weren't quite enough of them. Despite the fact it took a little while to get out the food, the waitress was attentive and everything from the grill came out hot.

The robata items didn't have the intense charred flavor of those at Raku, but they were good nonetheless. The corn stuffed with sweet potato ($2.50) was on the mushy side, but the other vegetables were crispy (the shishito peppers were especially good, $1.25). I'm glad the chef of both Raku and En, Mitsuo Endo, has created a robata trend that is being followed by a lot of Japanese restaurants, but the way the robata is used at Raku showcases the cooking method better than any other, including En (I was just in Raku last night marveling out how they could get so much flavor into a cherry tomato that looked like it had been on the grill for all of two seconds). En also makes their own tofu, but sadly they were out of it when we were there so I couldn't say how their version compares to that of its sister restaurant.

One thing you can't get at Raku, however, is sushi, so if that is what you are after to complement your robata craving then come here instead. The Yellowtail Lover ($12) was a successful roll prepared with thick slices of hamachi and a creamy spicy filling complemented by the acidity of a spicy garlic ponzu. The individual pieces were sized appropriately, and it was better than most rolls I've had. Anyone who likes Sushi Fever will be happy with the creative Americanized sushi menu here.

P.S. They don't have a website so their address is: 2540 Anthem Village Dr. 89052

Today's Food Ratings:

Asparagus ($2.25): 7

Peppers: 8

Sea bass ($4): 6.5

Corn with Potato: 6.5

Yellowtail Lover: 8.5

Would I go back? IF I LIVED IN ANTHEM I WOULD COME ALL THE TIME. THEY EVEN HAVE A BONUS CARD SO IN ADDITION TO REASONABLE PRICES YOU ARE REWARDED FOR EACH RETURNING VISIT WITH A FREE FOOD ITEM.