My friend Abbas, chef at the Atlas Grille, loves sushi, so when he insisted that I join him for a bite at the new Intown Sushi in the Midtown Global Market, I didn’t hesitate. The selection of nigiri and maki rolls at Intown Sushi is pretty basic, but the fish is very fresh, the sushi very well prepared, and the menu offers some items that you can’t find at most little sushi stands – such as fried and steamed dim sum dumplings, steamed buns, fried noodles, spring rolls and poke bowls.

Design your own rolls

They also let you design your own sushi rolls.  You select a primary ingredient, such as tempura shrimp, tuna or salmon; choose a couple of fillings such as fresh mango, avocado or asparagus; pick a topping and sauce, and they’ll prepare it on the spot, with your choice of white or brown rice. It’s pretty much a mom and pop operation, but owners Maw Maw and Than Zaw also offer their wares at several other locations around the Twin Cities, including the Longfellow Market in Minneapolis, and Korte’s Supermarket and the Ha Tien Grocery in St. Paul.