Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar

I had the chance to attend the soft opening for Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar  Saturday afternoon. Cowfish is an innovative restaurant combining the ideas of burgers and sushi together on the menu in which they call “Burgushi” and is the only burger sushi bar around. They are the sister restaurant of Eez Fusion and Sushi, one of my favorite sushi places in Charlotte. When I first heard about this restaurant opening I was instantly intrigued. I didn’t know what to expect from their menu or experience but I sure as hell couldn’t wait to try.

From their website: “The Cowfish focuses on offering both the best sushi AND the best burger in town.  Fresh, innovative and delicious, the sushi segment of the menu is powered by the success of sister company, eeZ Fusion & Sushi.  All natural, creative and hearty, the burger offering entices with fresh, never frozen ingredients and bold flavors.  Spiked hand-spun milkshakes, premium sakes, craft beers and 10 oz exotic martinis round out a huge bar menu.  Scrumptious appetizers for sharing, hot soups and entrée-sized salads, homemade desserts and a fun kid’s menu are joined by our signature creations that we call “Burgushi.” A cutting edge fusion of burger and sushi, burgushi items include sushi rolls created using burger components, and pick-up style sandwiches created using sushi components.”

Burgers and sushi living together in harmony? Count me in.

We were one of the first tables around and I was enamored with the decor-very crisp, modern decor with red walls and funky, fun posters.

The deal for the soft opening was $10 per person—for that you got one appetizer per two people, one entrée per person, one dessert per two people and unlimited soda or tea.

Being a girl on a budget along with a girl who loves sushi and new things, I was on all about that! Shortly after, we were greeted by our server who walked us through the very extensive menu they offer. They offer a wide selection of appetizers ranging from traditional Chinese dishes to Japanese fusion appetizers. She went over the appetizers, sushi rolls, burgushi, entrees and then drinks. Once she mentioned spiked milkshakes, my ears perked! Another spiked milkshake place in town, kill me now. This is no bueno for my waistline.

I’m a huge fan of the Beastie Boys and love that one of their spiked milkshakes is named “No Sleep Til Brooklyn”

Our server said wonderful things about the Crab Rangoon Dip to start off with so that’s what we went with. My friend said she has never had crab rangoon before and I didn’t believe her so we had to order that. How could someone have not had the wonderfulness that is crab rangoon? But then again, she is super skinny so the fact that she’s never had it along with her thinness may be the connection. After a short trip to the restroom (which they teach you Japanese phrases in–how cool??!), the magnificent appetizer was sitting on our table all pretty like.

Oh Em Gee. Before I tried some I was already scheming on if I could get away with licking the bowl or not. Then I tried a bite and fell in love. It was absolutely fantastic and comparable to the crab rangoon you find in a local Chinese joint. I didn’t want it to ever end! My friend thought it was equally as awesome and we just kept eating in silence in amazement of how delicious it was. I am so happy our server recommended it because I would’ve just passed it by on the menu thinking it would be mediocre when it was anything but.

Our entrees came right in the middle of us enjoying the crab rangoon dip so we soon had an abundance of food. I ordered the South of The Border Burgushi since I was curious as to what this whole burgushi business was about. From the menu “Seasoned natural Angus ground beef, homemade pimento cheese, guacamole and tomato salsa rolled with sushi rice and seaweed, dusted with panko and flash fried. Each piece is topped with sweet & spicy mango salsa. Served with creamy dijon sauce”

Isn’t it gorgeous? It was very tasty but not like a taste I’ve had before so this was definitely a creative idea on Cowfish’s part. The beef was very tender and not highly spiced which worked out with the fresh flavor of jalapenos, mango and cilantro. I look forward to trying more of their burgushi items!

And then the dessert came—we chose the Apple Wontons—brushed with powdered sugar and served with a caramel dipping sauce and fresh apple slices,

The inside was similar to apple pie and sweet however at the end of each bite, there was a hint of saltiness. I usually crave both salty and sweet things at the same time so this killed two birds with one stone! Then my friend and I started talking about apple pie and Thanksgiving and she asked if I’ve ever had apple pie with cheese. I looked up at her mid bite kind of confused by the question. How did she mean, served in apple pie or on top? Turns out she is from upstate NY and they serve apple pie with sharp cheddar cheese on the side. At first, this grossed me out but then I could see how it would be good and now I want to try it. Has anyone else ever heard of this?

All in all, this was a perfect experience. The food was different and took my taste buds to their happy place and the service was some of the best I’ve had in Charlotte bar none. I look forward to my next visit which I will definitely be sampling some more burgushi and spiked shakes. I hope Cowfish stays around for many years to come!