by Debbie Dunlap While the first “real” sushi restaurant appeared in the United States nearly 60 years ago in Los Angeles, California, the popular Japanese cuisine has been part of the American diet as far back as the early 1900s. Today, sushi is offered in many restaurants as part of a larger menu – or the only item — and goes beyond decadent cuisine. It is an artistic craft, an expression of food that marries fresh flavors, intentional combinations, and artful presentation which requires understanding the subtleties of fish, the art of slicing, and the elegance of arrangement. At Sakana, a Sushi and Asian Fusion restaurant at 7952 E. Broad Street in Reynoldsburg, owners Mendy Zheng and Ju Lin have mastered the art of sushi with a life-long dream that became a reality some 12 years ago. “Our dad wanted a sitdown restaurant where people were served, where it was more inclusive,” explained Zheng and Lin’s daughter, Lindsey. She is one of four daughters, all of whom have worked at some point in the family restaurant. “Owning a restaurant was my dad’s dream, but my mom supported it also.” Zheng and Lin were both born in the Fujian Province of China near the East China Sea. Lin was never formally trained as a chef, but worked with Zheng at a catering business in their hometown where he mastered his cooking skills. The two moved to Ohio in their mid26 Sushi trays at Sakana are an artistic expression, pleasing to the palate. 20s, married, and opened a traditional Chinese take-out in Cleveland. Looking to expand, they moved to Washington Court House and opened a buffet there offering much of the same menu. www.reynoldsburgmagazine.com Color, Taste and Freshness... Sakana Delivers Artistic Craft Ju Lin, owner of Sakana, prepares a sushi dish at the sushi bar. Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall/Winter, 2024
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