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• Rock down to Sushi Avenue

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(Abby Wilson)

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CU sushi lovers have reason to celebrate with the opening of Sushi Avenue, the newest Japanese and Korean joint in town. Located at 403 E. Green St. (the old location of Dorcas), Sushi Avenue is in the heart of Campustown. The vivid orange and yellow interior lends the restaurant an inviting, modish feel, and the ginger root and starfish silverware pattern adds a personal touch to the dining experience. Sushi Avenue also boasts a menu of 36 Korean entrees and 67 varieties of sushi, including six vegetarian rolls. A full picture menu of all special rolls clarifies the ordering process.

When asked what inspired him to create Sushi Avenue, chef Joon Chang said, “Sushi is often very expensive. I wanted a restaurant with cheaper prices and better food that would be a good option for the students.” And indeed, the prices are competitive. Those interested in trying the restaurant should consider the lunch combo, available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The lunch combo offers a choice of one regular roll and one specialty roll for $10.95 and is served with salad and miso soup. The combo is perfect for an afternoon study break or a business lunch. Chang has his own recommendations. “For people who like tuna, I recommend the ‘Diablo,’ the ‘Volcano’ or the ‘Black Dragon.’ And the ‘Banana Kick’ is a great appetizer,” he said.

So if you love sushi but have had your fill of spicy tuna and California rolls or are looking for something easily accessible, why not head to Sushi Avenue and experience the “Spartan” or take a bite out of “Hell?” If you and your friends can’t agree on which of the twin cities is best, order the “Champaign” and the “Urbana,” and put the cities to the test — a taste test that is.