Lake Dora Sushi & Sake, Just around the lake is the place in Central Florida for sushi lovers

Written by Rori on 01 February 2012

Lake Dora Sushi & Sake is now open in Tavares, Just Around The Lake... Photo Rori Paul

Restaurants tend to be places where people congregate, but also where fans are created and regulars become like family. Lake Dora Sushi & Sake is destined for just such a life, not so much because I’m a fortune teller, but because it’s the 2.0 of sushi from your hosts, Takashi and Fumiko. These two sweet, dear and wonderful people (yes, I consider them friends) were once the owners of the now defunct Mt Dora Sushi (long story, but they left to come over to this side of the lake), bringing with them the food, fun, and warmth that make their offerings what they are.

That congregation of fans and friends? Following from their former Mount Dora location, you’re going to find those locals and friends right here in this new location. They’ve been named “Best” sushi in the past, something also sure to follow, and with a new lease on life and new table filled with sushi and sake, this new beginning is one with a bright future, for Takashi and Fumiko and for you, their guest.

The warm, friendly interior is great for any type of "group" - including a private group area - but many prefer the sushi bar right up front for the show. Photo Rori Paul

We have gotten to know your hosts and other members of the family over time and as their recent guests (we sadly had to miss their Grand Opening), partook in a tasty evening of friendship and food that was a delight.

I’d first tried their sushi and hospitality at the old location about two years ago and found it to be a delight and worthy my sushi-consideration. I am so not a sushi eater (remember, I didn’t much like fish at all until a recent visit to Charlotte Harbor area) with no real desire to eat fish that isn’t cooked, and not all that keen on the stuff that is, I’m one to avoid it, but willing to at least try – when pushed (LOL). But they’d gotten me up and going that first night with “Sushi for beginners” or “with training wheels” and I enjoyed it. I was also served a beef dish (yep, land-lubber stuff) that was amazing. I mean, amazing!

On our return to visit, (my second time with their sushi and Laura’s first with any sushi) and in their new location, I brought along Laura, a fish-liker, but not all that excited to try sushi. She really likes fish, but the idea of raw… well, you understand.

I was struggling that night, on the 6th week of a 6+ week flu and stomach virus that had taken its toll, so for me just the idea of eating wasn’t all that thrilling. However, you want to support your friends, and so off we went.

Our visit was at the end of the night, but our friends & hosts welcomed us warmly - something you'll se often here. Photo Rori Paul

Our hosts and friends, including Brian of WhatToDoInMountDora.com and Janet of Little Fish Video, did the ordering, bringing to the table a number of plates of food. I will be honest, I was trying NOT to pay all that much attention; remember, I said stomach virus! But gave it the old college try.

Laura joined them in trying a range of dishes, including calamari and sushi that yes, she did enjoy. She was mainly trying and wasn’t always sure, but in the end, found herself enjoying the food and looking forward to a return visit.

I was offered up a Kobe beef plate with a sauce (I believe Teryiaki) that was simply amazing. As good as the first time (which I still have dreams about), this beef was perfectly made, delicious and something I cannot wait to return to – without a stomach virus that kept me to only a few pieces.

I couldn’t handle the sake, but that’s more to my alcohol tastes and wimpiness than anything, but Laura enjoyed, as she did the tea. I stuck with Coke and was grateful for the familiar friend.

I don't know what it is they do but I LOVE their beef! Photo Rori Paul

We arrived later at night, at traditional closing, so while the doors remained open for us, soon they were closed to others. Regulars and locals did stop in before that, sliding up to the bar (while two new-to-Laura & I-friends joined us) where they were greeted by everyone with warm hellos and even a few hugs. That’s the kind of place this is. You soon become part of the fun and family and are welcomed warmly upon each new arrival.

If you’re into sushi, sake, or that amazing flavor of beef, Lake Dora Sushi & Sake is now open and ready to serve you what I’m told is the best sushi around. And they’re now Just Around The Lake… I came up with that saying! And proud to have done so, because good people, good food, and good friends are always a wonderful way to enjoy the blessings of life…

Yep, that's sushi. This fish-wimp still sits on the fence with the stuff, but if I'm going to eat it, Lake Dora Sushi is where I'll do it - and yes, I've liked it. Photo Rori Paul