Happy Sumo at the Riverwoods

I was very upset with "Happy Sumo's"! My family was having a celebration tonight, I was checking with all the members of the party to get an accurate count. When that was completed, I called in to see if a table could be set up to accomodate our group. I was told that they already had a party of 8 at 5:15 and another party of 10 at 6:00. they wouldn't be able to accomodate us until 7:00. This wasn't just adults, so that wasn't an option. I was told that also they don't take reservations but I should have called at least 2 hours in advance if, I wanted them to accomodate a group of 10 more. That didn't make sense, we don't take reservations but you should have called 2 hours ahead.

Even though, I enjoy the food at Happy Sumo, I won't be visiting them anytime soon. This isn't the first time that, I was turned away because we had a group of more than 6 and didn't call ahead.

I am a regular of Shoga Sushi bar and I decided to try Happy sumo since it is very close to my work. Well the place looks nice and trendy and with a nice athmosfere, now about the food ... most of the sushi rolls were ok, nothing like the ones I am used to at Shoga, but not awful. I think the first thing that screams mediocre sushi at any place is a non Japanese chef. And there were 3 very young people behind the bar with not a hint of asian in their blood . Having said that I still gave it a try , after I ate a couple of rolls I looked at the bar and noticed 2 of the "chefs" were eating , I don't know what they were having but they both also had their gloves on. They ate and drank and then continued to prepare food without changing gloves or washing hands. I was a bit grossed out by then when one of the guys' phone rings and he answers it in the middle of food preparing also with his gloves on , and then walks outside to talk , when he comes back he still has his gloves on and proceeds to prepare more food. By now I was completely disgusted. I complained to the waitress, which went onto tell me that she was too busy to notice what they were doing all the time and that she did not know if they were allowed to eat at the bar or not. By now I was not only disgusted but I was mad at the poor explanation she gave as an excuse to get out of a sticky situation. Needless to say I left a very small tip ($2 since she was prompt in serving us) and I bowed to never return to this place which looks all that for it's location but leaves a lot to be desired.

For sushi in Provo there really is no other choice. I have yet to try Omasake here but we have tried the Yakisoba and the Bento Boxes. My wife is in love with their bento boxes and although I have not yet had one myself they do look good. I've seen better in L.A. and Dallas but we're talking Provo and this is very satisfactory here. The sushi is good although if you're not into spicy, DON'T try the spicy sushi. They mean spicy when they say spicy. The atmosphere is good. Its a bit pricy but not more than any other fine restaurant.

This is the best mexican restraunt in town.