My husband (“J”) and I have been on a search for great tempura. We are looking for yummy veggies and shrimp lightly coated with a crispy batter that doesn’t leave your mouth coated in grease. In other words, we are looking for the perfect tempura. So far our search has taken us to two local places. We recently tried Sushi on the Rock at 1025 Prospect St. in La Jolla, California and Mister Sushi on Garnet St. in nearby Pacific Beach. Sushi on the Rock has a beautiful location in the heart of La Jolla. Take the outdoor escalator upstairs and turn right (turning left takes you to a combo designer clothing store and wine bar—but I digress). You will find a cozy atmosphere with a glimpse of the nearby ocean and a small patio if you want to dine al fresco. Given the location, the prices were not too bad. So far, so good. We ordered the veggie and shrimp tempura. It came with a tasty combination of broccoli, potatoes, squash, etc., to complement the shrimp.
It was tasty, but we were really surprised that the batter was thicker and not as crispy as what we had at Mister Sushi. While Mister Sushi is just a neighborhood place without the atmosphere that you will find at Sushi on the Rock, the tempura was really good. (I am kicking myself that I forgot to take a picture of Mister Sushi’s tempura. I guess that means we have to go back, right?) At Sushi on the Rock we also tried the potstickers and sauteed veggies with rice.
Loved the dipping sauces with the potstickers! The veggies and rice were stir fried with a tasty sauce. J and I wished they had left the veggies a little crisper for a fresher taste, but the dish was still good. Our tempura comparisons continue. Now we just have to decide which place to try next. Let us know if you have recommendations.
© 2013 FoodieOasis
