Sushi may not have infiltrated your taste pallet quite yet (looking at you, Midwesterners), but there’s no denying that it’s much more than a mere fad.
Todoroki Hibachi and Sushi, 526 Davis St., is working to form relationships with Northwestern and the Evanston community by making sushi accessible to most, and it’s hitting up campus first. According to the restaurant’s marketing associate, Angela Lee, Todoroki is all about that community outreach these days, especially with its second anniversary celebration fast approaching. So get ready to stuff your face with spicy tuna and yellowtail, and if you’re really in the mood, Todoroki’s signature Sex on the Beach roll. Sushi is here to stay.
The Current: Why did the owner decide to open a sushi restaurant in Evanston?
Angela Lee: I think the idea is that they wanted to give back to the community, to give it a sushi restaurant with great value and great food. … They’re very conscious of that because obviously, sushi can get very expensive, and they want people to walk out of here with a full meal, a full stomach and not have to spend an exceptional amount.
The Current: What’s interesting about Todoroki’s sushi?
AL: I would say our sushi rolls have progressed. For example, I remember we tested out a sushi roll for Valentine’s Day last year. It was so popular we just put it on the menu. … They’re always changing up the menu, trying new things and discovering new dishes.
The Current: What is the strangest roll at Todoroki?
AL: It’s actually a dessert sushi roll, and it came from our Valentine’s Day special. It’s called the Sweet Tooth, and it’s literally a dessert. It kind of throws me off. … But if it’s popular enough to be on the menu, then I guess why not?
The Current: Why do you think people love sushi so much?
AL: Sushi’s something that I’ve always personally enjoyed. It’s one of those things where if you like it, you probably love it, and if you don’t, then probably it’s not your thing. The good thing about Todoroki is that we offer not just sushi, but other dishes like the hibachi. If you don’t eat fish, it’s not like you can’t come to the restaurant.
The Current: How has Todoroki marketed itself to college students?
AL: I think the Munchies have worked out really well. We started that in the fall, and that’s something we hadn’t done before. I know you’re all living in the dorms as freshmen and sophomores. I know there’s a ton of Munchies available, so I thought it would be a really good chance for us to get involved and to provide some free food for different groups on campus.
The Current: What has changed in the most in the past two years?
AL: We’re very much involved in giving back to the community, making sure not just that people know us but also know that we’re a brand that cares.
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Twitter: @Sarah_Rense
