I've been to more than my share of "build your own" pizza places, salad bars, sandwich shops ... and of course there's Chipotle too. However, I've never even considered the idea of doing a date night where Heather and I could create our own sushi rolls but that's exactly what we did at a relatively new quick-serve concept here in Toledo, Ohio. FUSIAN is essentially a "sushi place" version of Chipotle. While it lacks the artistry of having a sushi prepare a an omakase meal just for you, it was a fun experience for the two of us at a far more accessible price point. Plus, it was fun to create different combinations of fish and other mix-ins then share our creations while enjoying conversations about life, childhood, and fights over who's roll was better!
Sushi is difficult - it's more ... much more ... than simply putting stuff on rice and rolling it in some nori (or in this case, a "soy wrap". Sushi is romantic and special because of the artistry that sushi chefs must study for years to become worthy of charging the money that it typically costs. On the other hand, it is also beautiful, delicate, difficult to keep fresh, and for some Americans ... weird. I sincerely applaud the three guys who created this concept from Cincinnati, OH, and I hope it succeeds.
One thing to keep in mind is that just like going to Chipotle is far from gourmet Mexican cuisine (or even authentic), this is the same thing but for sushi. It's good, I'd go back ... but I'm still yearning for a chance to go back to San Diego and visit my favorite places there.
However, instead of shying away from the challenges, FUSIAN has created new ways to enjoy this type of food in a very American way. For instance, while they have classic rolls like Spicy Tuna, Philly, and California ... they've avoided the higher-priced (and more difficult-to-source fresh) options. For instance, Salmon, Tuna, and "Crab" all keep fresh easier by freezing it till it's ready to serve this makes it far easier to deliver a consistent and safe experience.
Additionally, alongside those raw fish options, you can also get PB+J (yes .. that's a Soy Wrap, White Rice, Peanut Butter and Grape Jelly!), Spring Chicken (soy wrap, roasted chicken, cucumber, cream cheese, scallion, spicy mayo, sweet soy, and tempura crunch). They also offer signature and custom-created dishes such as bowls and salads instead of the classic sushi roll.
Along with the rolls, bowls, and salads they also have a variety of Japanese-inspired sides such as Miso Soup, Seaweed Salad and Edamame to complete the experience.
🚢 Ready To Book A Romantic Getaway?
I've been spoiled by living in major cities and in coastal areas like San Diego, where tuna found in sushi restaurants is fresh-caught that day. Plus, there's always enough volume that everything is always fresh. It's just not that kind of experience, BUT it's a really great concept that I think has a good chance of appealing to an audience that isn't as snobby as myself!
To be completely fair, I have these same complaints about poke shops too. It's really, really tough to do raw fish well, and despite these challenges, FUSIAN does a very good job of delivering a quality product at an affordable price point, and the staff as well as dining experience were all very enjoyable.
What's most important for Heather and I was that we had a quick date night experience and spent less than $30 trying something new while having an experience that lead to new topics of discussion that keep our relationship fresh.
I think most couples are looking for something similar, and from that perspective, a visit to FUSIAN is an affordable, fun experience that I think many couples will enjoy.
What Your Sushi Roll Says About You: A Couple's Guide to Deeper Connection
Shared experiences, even seemingly simple ones like creating custom sushi rolls together like we did, can unveil layers of understanding between partners and foster meaningful communication. Whether you're newly dating or have been married for decades as we have, these moments provide unique opportunities to discover new aspects of each other's personalities and histories.
Risk Tolerance and Adventurousness
Your approach to building a sushi roll can mirror your comfort with uncertainty in life. A partner who eagerly tries spicy combinations or unfamiliar fish might bring that same spirit of adventure to travel plans or career decisions. This tendency toward exploration (or caution) often extends beyond food choices into how each person approaches life's challenges and opportunities.
Food Preferences and Cultural Exposure
Our life experiences, travel history, and cultural background shape our palates. Watching your partner navigate different ingredients can open up conversations about their exposure to various cuisines growing up, their favorite food memories, or their curiosity about other cultures. These discussions often lead to deeper conversations about identity and values.
Childhood Memories and Family Dynamics
How someone approaches food often reflects their family's attitudes and traditions around meals. Your partner's commentary about certain ingredients might reveal stories about family dinners, cultural celebrations, or even how their parents' approach to food shaped their current preferences and habits.
Compromise and Sharing Styles
Notice how your partner responds when you ask to try their creation or whether they naturally suggest sharing rolls. These moments can illuminate their general approach to sharing in relationships and their comfort with give-and-take. How couples navigate these small decisions often reflects their broader patterns of compromise and generosity.
Ultimately, Heather and I had a lot of fun, and FUSIAN is a special place that deserves more attention.
FUSIAN's story began in downtown Cincinnati on May 25th, 2010, when lifelong friends Josh Weprin, his brother Zach, and Stephan Harman opened their first location under the name "SohoSushi." Born from their college experiences, where they identified a gap in the market for affordable and approachable sushi options, the concept quickly evolved into FUSIAN after a rebranding effort.
Their mission went beyond just serving food – they envisioned creating a gathering space where cultural barriers could be broken down through shared dining experiences. The founders set out to challenge traditional American perceptions of sushi, emphasizing that sushi fundamentally starts with rice rather than raw fish. This innovative approach, combined with their commitment to using natural, often locally-sourced ingredients, has transformed FUSIAN into a destination for an engaged dining experience where patrons can explore Asian-American cuisine in a welcoming, educational atmosphere.
FUSIAN currently has 10 locations here in Ohio - three in Cincinnati, three in Dayton, three in Columbus, and one in Toledo.
