Growing up in Raleigh in the 1970s and early 80s, my options for Japanese cuisine began and ended with Kanki. The image of Kanki as anything but a steak house was hard for me to shake. I knew that years ago Kanki went through a major remodel and added a large modern sushi bar. Still, Waraji and Tokyo House became the places to go in North Raleigh for good sushi. Kanki receded as a fond memory of a place that my parents took me to about once every year.
That all changed this week. I happened to be in Crabtree at lunch time, so I thought it was finally time to get into the 21st century and give Kanki’s sushi a try. I’m glad I did. The service was prompt, the ingredients were fresh, and the roll selection was inventive.
The star of the show was the “Poseidon Roll,” lobster and shrimp tempura fried, masago, scallions, cucumber, and spicy mayo, in a reverse roll topped with crab and a seasoned sweet soy sauce.
Kanki gets a strong recommendation.