money Kura Sushi in Edison combines revolving dining with prizes, high-tech additions
Although Central Jersey has its share of authentic sushi restaurants, it’s long-lacked a revolving sushi bar, a city-living staple where plated fresh fish revolves around tables for diners to choose from, no written menu necessary.
However, that changed on Feb. 11 when Kura Sushi, a Japan-based revolving sushi bar chain with nearly 45 U.S. locations, opened its first Central New Jersey space (and third in the Garden State) — in Edison, a mecca of Asian dining.
“The revolving sushi bar is ideal for guests who might not know exactly what they want, but like what they see on the belt so they are able to try a variety of dishes that they may not have tried before,” said Hitomi Vinciguerra, director of public relations and marketing. “This is also a huge time saver for the guest so that they do not need to wait to order.”
The new restaurant at 1781 Route 27 Suite 101, in Festival Plaza across from Asian grocery store H-Mart, is chopstick-full of high-tech additions in its 3,650-square-foot space.
Those include robotic server Kur-B the KuraBot that delivers drinks; the Bikkura Pon Prize System that dispenses prizes at tables for every 15 miniature plates of food consumed; and a touch-panel menu for guests looking for an item that hasn’t yet revolved around the sushi bar — which is then delivered via an express belt known as the “sushi highway.”
The menu features a range of nigiri, rolls, noodle dishes and desserts, as well as an ever-changing selection of limited-time options introduced each month, referred to as Kura’s Monthly Discoveries. In February, those were bluefin toro, American wagyu, jumbo Hokkaido scallop, seared jumbo Hokkaido scallop, jumbo shrimp, and vanilla ice cream and crispy mochi.
Popular dishes on the regular menu are seared salmon with Japanese mayo, tuna, a California roll made with real crab, the golden crunchy roll, tonkotsu ramen, and taiyaki ice cream.
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Technology ensures that fare on the revolving sushi bar stays fresh. Ventilated sushi lids limit airborne exposure, and plate-tracking technology monitors how long a plate has been circulating.
Miniature plates start at $3.55 each. For tables that can eat 15 (and it's easy for two hungry people), prizes include badges, T-shirts, tote bags and other items from the Japanese manga and anime series "My Hero Academia." Past partnerships have included Tetris, Pacman and Demon Slayer.
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There's something happening in every corner of Kura Sushi.
The bright, buzzing restaurant is reminiscent of a Tokyo street, where flashing lights, music and whirring technology dominate the scene around patrons of every age and nationality.
As diners munch on sushi, others peruse the menu screen, collect prizes, admire Kur-B whizzing by, or dutifully watch the revolving bar for their next dish.
Go: 1781 NJ-27 Suite 101, Edison; 732-426-0550, kurasushi.com/locations/edison-nj.
Contact: JIntersimone@MyCentralJersey.com
Jenna Intersimone has been a staff member at the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey since 2014, after becoming a blogger-turned-reporter following the creation of her award-winning travel blog. To get unlimited access to her stories about food, drink and fun, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Kura Sushi opens revolving sushi bar, first in Central NJ, in Edison
