Genki: Johnny Neptune and Raw Goodies

It was that fake holiday of fake holidays- Valentine's Day. My fiance and I never really celebrate the holiday, and I figured that lack of interest in the day would continue especially now that we are no longer 'just dating'-- we are engaged. Time to set the silly holiday obligations aside, right? Not so. Turns out, my fiance and I had a bigger and better VDay than in any years past.

How so? Thanks to a little place in Atlanta called Genki. Sushi is sushi, right? Stop right there. Genki not only revamps the idea of what can be created by rice, fish and veggies; this place completely dismantles the common concept of the boring California roll.

On the extensive Genki menu are offering that stretch far beyond simple sushi. Diners can create their own entree bowls of rice/noodles/broth and any assortment of veg-protein combo. As well, two pages of sushi rolls and sashimi savory options are offered up.

Oh, sorry. That huge and delicious menu not enough? How about we pair that with an impressive beer, wine and cocktail menu, plus an atmosphere that both cams and excites: huge fish tanks, very cool floating-in-the-wall jelly fish and a staff so friendly you'll leave with dozens of new Facebook friends.

The sashimi assortment was enough raw fish and pickled veggies to feed me for days (as it has proved to do). Michael ordered two rolls- one special for the holiday, The Cupid; the other a regular, The Olympic, a nod to the winter special events currently in play. We also started the night off with the seaweed salad and ginger salad, two small dishes light and fresh enough to share, though you may not want to.

We paired our fabulous meal with the night special cocktail, Me Love You Long Time (don't you love when restaurants aren't afraid to laugh at themselves) plus a traditional Asian Beer, Sappora. The also have a rather impressive beer menu, especially given the usual limited brew options at Asian venues.

VDay, any holiday or just a night out to eat, Genki is the perfect laid back, hot-casual metro dinning option. With two locations- the new spot at The Prado in Sandy Springs (5590 Roswell Road, Suite 100), and in Buckhead (3186 Roswell Road)- Genki is equally as convenient as it is delicious.

Fake holiday? Yes. Real real good food? Yes, yes.

Oh, and if you're lucky, you'll get DJ Johnny Neptune as your waiter. With his skinny black jeans, punked-out black hair and off beat sense of humor, he's a waiter sure to make any dinner a dining event.

A ride from the Classic City will cost you about an hour to The Prado location-- an hour well worth the drive. Visit genkiatl.com for more info.

Happy dining!