I had read about KenZen on the internet---a sushi fusion cafe in Mt. Shasta???? Even I was skeptical.
No more! I stopped in the first night for udon before I collapsed from a day's travelling and was greeted by the staff and patrons with a hearty "Irishai!" (it sounded like that---Japanese for "Welcome, honored guest!") The service and food were excellent, but I was sleeping in my soup so vowed to return the next night for dinner.

KenZen has a wonderful staff of three young, meticulous, talented Los Angeles-trained sushi chefs who take great pride in their work---as they should. I sat at the sushi bar the next night and watched as creation after gorgeous creation was made before my eyes, then delivered to tables of appreciative diners. The cafe staff were helpful and professional, and a local musician entertained at the piano, along with the owner on guitar!

My spicy octopus and Northern California rolls were delectable and perfectly turned out. I finished it off with green tea ice cream and conversations with locals from the area, who flock to the eaterie as it has fast become one of the best around. The night before, two Japanese gents seemed to be clearly enjoying the offerings at the sushi bar.

There is fusion cuisine in addition to sushi and sashimi, including Hawaiian Lomi Lomi salmon and a delicious looking pumpkin soup---the specials and the sushi menu vary daily according to what is fershly in season, plus drinks, wine, sake and desserts. Some of the sushi creations border on the whimsical---Hawaiian roll with spam and sweet potato, Cancun roll with crab, chiles and lime, and a hotheads-only spicy tuna roll :) as well as the standard fare. It all looked delicious!!! I will definitely be back the next time I am up in the area---believe me, it is worth the trek, and from one who has had excellent sushi in many major capitols of the world, this place compares with the best of them!