Sushi Rock Grill   

When it comes to where to eat your sushi these days, it seems like there are some clear patterns: grocery takeout, family-style Japanese restaurants and trendy joints where the focus is as much on ambiance as it is on the raw stuff. Stick this St. Pete sushi hotpot in the latter category. Sushi Rock's stylish decor - polished cherry wood furnishings accented with candlelight, dark blue chairs and place settings crowned with fresh orchids - sets the scene for some killer sushi and sashimi. Start with the mandatory bowl of edamame, great for group snacking, then sip on a Kirin or Ichiban beer will perusing the menu. The spicy tuna roll, thick with fresh red fish, is always a crowd pleaser. And for something more decadent, there's the lobster tempura roll with avocado, masago and scallion. The offerings don't get too offbeat here, much to the joy of sushi purists, who revere Sushi Rock for its ample portions and attention to presentation. Apart from sushi, there are a few starch and meat offerings such as cashew chicken with rice and soba noodles with spicy beef.