Sushi dining at its best

JAPANESE food lovers have a new reason to celebrate with the opening of well-known UK sushi chain - YO! Sushi.

The outlet located at gate number five at the A'ali Mall is bringing a 'fast, fresh and hip' style of sushi dining, one of its kind in Bahrain.

Antonio Bautista, president and chief operating officer of Gourmet Gulf Company, which holds the franchisee rights to the brand in the Middle East, said: "YO! Sushi is a fun and interactive dining experience that appeals to a wide range of people, not only because of the astounding range of dishes on the menu but also the novel way in which the food is presented.

"We felt this brand would fit perfectly in Bahrain's emerging dining and hospitality scene.

"I think people in Bahrain have a very sophisticated choice in eating out. It is a fantastic city to bring YO! Sushi to and I am sure in five years time, we will see some tremendous growth."

'YO! Bahrain' is the first branch of the chain in the kingdom and is a joint venture between UAE-based franchise owners Gourmet Gulf Company and Bahrain-based Noor Investment Company.

YO! Sushi's concept is based on the Japanese 'kaiten' style of dining where a centrally situated revolving conveyor belt is laden with plates of freshly prepared sushi, salads, rice and other delicacies.

Diners can choose a dish missing on the conveyor belt from the menu card and can order directly from the wait-staff by pressing a call button on the counter.

A team of 23 staff including 10 chefs have been employed for the new branch.

The chefs station themselves within the conveyor belt - the 'on-stage kitchen' where they prepare more than 150 dishes right in front of the diner.

On the belt, bowls in six different colours rotate and prices vary from colour to colour from BD1 to BD2.

The selection of sushi and hot dishes ranges from traditional sashimi, nigiri and maki rolls, edamame and noodles right through to classics like chicken teriyaki, salmon yakitori and ramen alongside unlimited miso soup and Japanese green tea.

Every bar-stool and seat has condiments such as soy sauce, wasabi and pickled ginger.

The YO! Sushi brand was created in 1997 in the Soho district of London.

It has more than 25 restaurants around the globe in England, Russia and Ireland alongside branches in Dubai and Kuwait, with plans to expand into Oman, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Gourmet Gulf Company is a leading restaurant holding group, which owns and manages concept brands such as Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Morelli's Gelato, and California Pizza Kitchen.

YO! Sushi is open from noon to 11.30pm from Saturday to Wednesday and noon to midnight on Thursday and Friday.