Review: SushiSamba Brunch (is the best deal in town)

Doce de Leite French Toast

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A few weeks back in the Friday Buffet, Laura posted a notice about a special that SushiSamba Rio was running for brunch. We’d been there a couple of years ago, but that was for a sushi and booze-laden lunch. A touch skeptical about their brunching abilities, we braved the blizzard and ventured north this past Sunday.

The brunch special (“Sunday Funday”) is an AMAZING deal. For $16, each diner gets his or her choice of anything off the brunch menu (breakfasts, sandwiches and salads) and three cocktails. At full menu price, our brunch would’ve cost something around $38/person. If you like, bring the kids along - they’re only $8.

Diners are limited to a choice of three cocktails: Mimosas, Bloody Marys and Caipiroskas. The Bloody Marys are decent, if a bit too spicy for our taste. The Mimosas and Caipiroskas, on the other hand, are excellent - they make their Mimosas with Moscato D’Asti, which is cheaper and tastier than bad champagne. A Caipiroska is a vodka-based version of a caipirinha, full of limes and very refreshing early in the morning.

We tried a bunch of different brunch dishes. The Doce de Leite French Toast, covered in fresh berries, got rave reviews from one of our dining companions. SushiSamba’s take on the BLT, filled with Applewood-smoked Bacon and grilled Tiger Shrimp and covered with a key lime mayo, was one of the best sandwiches we’ve had recently. If you’re looking for a bit more meat with your brunch, the Kobe Sliders are a tasty option, served on sesame brioche. We splurged on the Assorted Pastries ($7) and probably wouldn’t again - they were fine, but nothing too special.

Our final verdict? Make your reservations for this Sunday right now, before they come to their senses and end this deal.

SushiSamba Rio is located at 504 N. Wells Street. Valet Parking is available, but street parking is plentiful. Reservations are available online, even for brunch.