Sushi cravings are nothing to be toyed with.

The other day I was just innocently sitting around, doing nothing particularly memorable, just scanning through all the pretty pictures on my Instagram feed. I scrolled to a beautiful plate of sushi. Wow it looked good. Yum. Sushi.

 

When I have a craving for something, I tend to obsess over that something until I get that something. This simple sushi picture on Instagram planted the “I need sushi right this minute” seed in my mind. A couple of days passed, and my craving spawned into a beast that I couldn’t contend with any longer. I had to satisfy this craving before I landed myself in a straight jacket.

I didn’t want to go to H-E-B and just pick up a 6-pack, though their sushi is surprisingly delicious. I wanted something interesting, new and creative. I wanted something I’d never had before.

While I was having this sushi-debate in my mind, I received a text from a friend who was going to be meeting me for a lunch date later in the day. “What about Japan Latino?” he asked. 

Enter Japan Latino Sushi N Steak. What a bizarre name, huh? The restaurant is situated 30 minutes south of Austin, TX, right off Northbound Interstate 35 frontage road, next to a trailer park in San Marcos, TX. They offer both Japanese and Latin American cuisine, and specialize in sushi. Oh heck yes.

After accidentally driving past the location the first time and again the second time, I finally parked and walked into the rather bland looking establishment. 

The first thing I noticed was how clean this place was. It was dimly lit, and offered booth seating, table seating or you could choose to sit up at the sushi bar. I opted for a booth, because hey, I love booths.

While I waited for my friend to arrive, I ordered some steamed edamame to tide me over. The appetizer was delivered to my table quickly and the presentation was nice. I really like bamboo steamers. The beans were hot and salty and what you’d expect from any edamame starter at any other Japanese restaurant. It wasn’t special but it was good nonetheless.

 

While I snacked on the salted bean pods, I flipped my menu open, directly to the assorted sushi rolls they serve. There were two whole pages dedicated to my craving, and they all had funny names like, “Monkey Brains,” “Nom Nom,” and “Sex on the Beach.” But I settled on a roll called, “The High Roll(er),” which features 8 pieces of spicy yellowtail and jalapeno inside, tuna on top with garlic and spicy mayo, aka just what the doctor ordered, for $12.

My date texted me letting me know he was only a few minutes away, and to go ahead and order, so I did. Soon after, my friend was seated across from me and placed his order for the steak Lunch Bento Box (hibachi style N.Y. steak, 2 pieces of gyoza, 4 pieces of a California roll & a salad, $10.00).

When my sushi order arrived, I was stunned by the presentation. The pieces were lined up side by side on an attractive, plain white plate. The pink tuna was vibrant and fresh, the jalapeno was emerald green and stood out against the white rice and the yellowtail inside the roll. Each bite was full-bodied and simply amazing. The spicy mayo that was drizzled across the top of the rolls was likely made with Sriracha sauce, giving it a nice orangey-red color.    

The taste was just as stunning as the appearance, and I savored each and every bite. The pink tuna and the yellowtail were smooth and velvety. The crunch from the raw jalapenos contrasted nicely with the chewy rice and buttery fish. The sauce was both sweet and spicy with garlicky undertones. I couldn’t get enough. This sushi was the perfect sushi to satisfy the beast that was my craving.

My friend’s bento box was also beautifully arranged and looked super delicious. The steak was cut into bite-sized pieces, perfect for chopstick eating. The salad was dressed in a ginger dressing that is classic to Japanese restaurants. The California roll was super fresh and looked really good. The dumplings were crispy and golden, not at all greasy.

We both left this quirky little place on the side of the highway with full tummies and satisfied smiles. I can’t wait to go back next time my craving-beast resurfaces, and I’m sure that time will come sooner than later.

Want to go?

1328 N Interstate 35,
San Marcos, TX 78666

When you can go:
MON-THUR: from 11:30am to 10pm
FRI &SAT: 11:30am to 11pm.
SUN 12pm TO 10pm
Want to call?
512-878-1455