Sushi, Friendship, and a Buffet That Encourages Bold Choices

Moving away from close friends is never easy. Meagan and I recently relocated to Fargo, but that hasn’t stopped us from keeping in touch with the people who mean the most to us. This past weekend, one of our dearest friends made the trip up to spend time with us, and what better way to catch up than over a feast at a local all-you-can-eat sushi spot, Izumi?

Izumi isn’t your typical buffet. Instead of long counters filled with pre-made food, they hand you a few sheets listing every menu item, and you check off what you want, ordering in rounds. The portions are smaller, encouraging you to try more dishes while ensuring nothing goes to waste. I love this approach because it pushes you to be adventurous with your choices. Normally, I would never order calamari, but in this setting, why not? As long as I take a few bites, there’s no harm in trying something new. This style of dining makes for a fun experience where stepping outside of your comfort zone feels natural and rewarding.

Sushi, Surprises, and Learning Something New

During dinner, I learned a fun fact from our friend that completely changed how I look at sushi. At one point, I noticed her eating what I initially thought was just a decorative garnish on the plate. Turns out, she knew exactly what she was doing. She explained to me that the thin slices of ginger served with sushi aren’t just for show—they act as a palate cleanser between different rolls. That small bit of knowledge made the meal even more enjoyable, as I started using the ginger to fully appreciate the distinct flavors of each roll.

A Quick Review of the Experience

When it comes to sushi, I have a soft spot for deep-fried rolls with cream cheese. Yes, it’s a very Americanized take on sushi, but it’s undeniably delicious. My go-to dishes were some of the restaurant’s best deep-fried options:

Top Picks:

• Ichiban Roll – Spicy tuna, avocado, cream cheese, and crab meat, deep-fried.
• Fire & Ice Roll – Jalapeño, crab meat, cream cheese, and onion, deep-fried.

I also ventured into new territory, trying a recommendation from our friend—shrimp topped with eel and avocado. It turned out to be a fantastic choice.

Honorable Mention:

• Black Dragon Roll – Shrimp tempura and cucumber inside, topped with eel and avocado.

The service at Izumi was excellent. Our drinks were always topped off, and the food arrived quickly. As soon as we finished one round, the next was right there, ready to go. The atmosphere was equally impressive, featuring cool LED lighting and even beautifully crafted wooden sushi boats used for serving large orders in one round.

Would I go back? Absolutely. It’s a fantastic place to enjoy a meal and quality time with friends.

The Value of Lifelong Friendships

This weekend wasn’t just about good food—it was about the kind of friendship that stands the test of time. It’s easy to let relationships fade when life gets busy, especially after a move. However, prioritizing friendships is what keeps them alive. Making the extra effort, or in this case, a 200-mile round trip, results in laughter, joy, and the kind of memories that make a new place feel a little more like home.

As we wrapped up the evening, I was reminded that no matter where life takes us, the effort we put into our friendships is always worth it. And sometimes, it comes with the added bonus of discovering a new favorite sushi roll—or at least, learning to appreciate a good palate cleanser.