While the name of Starkville’s newest sushi restaurant may be simple, the cuisine is anything but that. Inspired by two simple concepts, Sushi Martini’s well-balanced menu is infused with trendy, innovative selections.
Located in the heart of the Cotton District, arguably Starkville’s food haven, Sushi Martini is not hard to find. Just look for the large purple building adjacent to Bin 612 on the corner of Maxwell St. and University Drive, and you will be on your way.
Upon entering, I was greeted by an engaging staff, an inviting environment and the soft crooning of Bob Marley’s “Mellow Mood.” There was something instantly relaxing about the dark environment and neon blue rope lighting. Stress seemed to ease out of the building as the door closed behind me.
The vibe is unpretentious and the décor, minimal. Contemporary art pieces freckle the walls and the leather benches, patio furniture and ample bar space creates a soothing social environment. This place would seem like more of a natural fit in Chicago than in Starkville, but it is a welcome and refreshing addition.
Jackie Lin, owner of Jackson, Mississippi’s Nagoya, was inspired to create a sushi bar that focused on food and alcohol complimenting one another.
“Too often, one outshines the other. There isn’t enough focus placed on the alcohol and what it brings to the experience,” said Lin.
A Japanese restaurant without great sake is as useful as a cooler without ice. If sake is what you are after, Sushi Martini has you covered in more ways than one. Soothing, and quite deceptive, hot sake is accompanied by the Sake-tini and the soon-to-be infamous Sake Bomb.
Yes, I too was curious as to what exactly a Sake Bomb was. To oblige, it is a shot of sake balanced on a pair of chopsticks resting over a pint of Japanese beer. Separate the chopsticks and “bombs away!” Turn the glass up and repeat as necessary.
However, if sake is not your cup of tea, the martini menu is quite extensive. Inventive creations such as the Peach Iced-tini, the Chocolate-tini and the Sushi-tini amongst others provide many options to wash down the sushi.
“Try the dynamite roll. It’s a lady-killer,” said Lin, smiling from ear to ear.
Between that and the sharp Ginsu knife on the counter beside him, how could I say no?
The perfect balance of spicy, sweet, crunchy and chewy; it was dynamite, indeed.
The fresh tuna roll, crawfish roll and spicy eel roll are all on my must-try list.
Not into seaweed? Any roll on the menu can be made with a soy wrap instead. Naturally curious, I would try anything on a menu once. The soy wrap had practically no taste and would be a good way to enjoy an evening with your friends along with the myriad of flavors available without having “I don’t like sushi” hovering in mind.
Rolls on the menu ranged in price from $4 to $12 while martini started around $6, all fair prices considering the industry standards.
Lin chose Starkville for his latest project because the odds were higher that the college-town crowd would appreciate the martini bar/restaurant hybrid. It turned out to be a pretty safe bet.
It quickly found its way onto my list of favorite eateries. With all things considered, Sushi Martini is well on its way to becoming Starkville’s next hot spot.