Month: December 2015

Masu Sushi & Robata is located on the third floor 344 South Avenue among the many other restaurants in this area.  It has a very open feel that keeps you connected to the on goings of the mall, but also provides enough privacy for a nice sit down meal.  The atmosphere is modern twist to a traditional Japanese sushi place.  There is a full bar that sits along one side of the restaurant, with plenty of seating.  There are also nice large booth seating for larger groups to get comfortable and share some great food.

Masu has a good selection of starter items ranging from Steamed Edamame to Seaweed Salad with Snow Crab.  Above is the Duck Gyoza with Scallion and Plum Soy Dipping Sauce.   This was some of the best tasting Gyoza I have had.  They were perfectly cooked, had a nice spice finish to them and a zesty crunch and taste provided by the scallions.  All of the flavors blended well with the duck and was nicely balanced.

The sushi at Masu in one word was “fresh”.  The presentation was beautiful, yet simple.  The Spicy Tuna Rolls had a tasty spicy mayo combined with tuna, gobo, avocado, lettuce and chive.  The California Rolls were not complicated, which allowed the snow crab, avocado, cucumber and masago flavors to flow through.  Even with all of these tasty ingredients, the one item that stuck out most was the ginger.  I love putting this on top of the rolls and this ginger was potent.  It had a strong finish and provided a nice finish to a great piece of sushi.

Hard Rock Cafe

There are many really cool music artifacts throughout the restaurant.  Above are outfits worn by Minneapolis’ own Prince, or Prince Roger Nelson, as he was known to those who grew up with him.  His influence can be seen in many parts of the restaurant.  Another local boy made good, is Bob Dylan.  There are some handwritten lyrics by Dylan in one of the booths dedicated to him.

There are many Beatles and Rolling Stones artifacts, along with many other artists.  Take your time walking around the place to take a look.  Even though you’ll be looking over someones shoulder as they eat, most will understand what you’re doing.  As you make your way to the restrooms, you’ll notice Paula Abdul’s dress from her video “Cold Hearted Snake”.

The food is decent, with many options.  They also have several signature drinks.  They are a little pricey, but tasty non the less.  The Nachos was nice to split while people watching.  We sat out on the patio which extends into Nickelodeon Universe.   This is a good option if you have kids and want to keep them entertained.  Otherwise, you can sit inside where there is often live entertainment.

Most of the food is on the heavy side, but the have a lighter fare as well.  The salads are large enough to be a complete meal.

Fans of the movie Forrest Gump will love the Bubba Gump Shrimp restaurant.  Or maybe your just in the mood for some fun entertainment and tasty shrimp.   Eitherway, there is plenty to see with all of the look alike props from the movie and waitstaff trained in all things Forrest Gump. 

The traditional Shrimp Cocktail is  a good way to start of the meal, with its zesty sauce, it gets the juices going.  If your really in the mood for some shrimp, get the Shrimpers’ Net Catch.  This peel and eat shrimp steamed in beer is a hands on meal.  The Cajun Spice seasoning adds to the delicious flavor of the shrimp.

Above are some tasty entrees that blend Bubba’s shrimp with some other flavorful foods.  The Shrimp and Veggie Skewers comes with Jasmine Rice and the shrimp have a very nice grilled seasoning taste.  Shrimp New Orleans is an authentic spicy recipe direct from the French Quarter.  The shrimp is broiled with butter, garlic and spices.  The shrimp at Bubbs Gump’s is fresh and succulent.  They also have other seafood if shrimp isn’t your thing.

The Steamed Shellfish is a mix of steamed Mussels, Clams, Snow Crab, Lobster Claw and Shrimp.  Served with Jasmine Rice and a side of Mama’s best Garlic Bread.   Looks can be deceiving with this entree, there is a lot to eat in this dish.   It is very tasty and makes you work for your food by doing some cracking to get to the tender meat.

Some of the most fun of Bubba Gump’s is provided by the staff.   You might want to brush up and watch the movie again before you go, because staffers will ask you trivia questions about Forrest and Bubba.  Put the Blue “Run Forrest Run” sign out to let the staff know you’re fine and don’t need anything or flip it to the red “Stop Forrest Stop” when you need something.

Don’t forget to put on Forrest’s running shoes, take a seat on the bench and get your box of chocolates.

If you are a fan of the movie and like seafood, Bubba Gump Shrimp is a fun place to eat, but it is not a cheap.  The Mall of America’s location is very similar to other Bubba Gump’s  Unlike life being like a box of chocolates, where “You’ll never know what you’ll get”.  At Bubba Gump’s your guaranteed a fun time with good shrimp.