Find it: 8801 University Ave., Suite 22, Clive, 225-8111
Info: coolbasiliowa.com
Everything Cool Basil does is elegant, including its sushi. A long list of fusion items are available, like the Caterpillar (crab meat, mayo, fish eggs and avocado) and Des Moines (tempura salmon, avocado, crab, cream cheese, scallions and cucumber). Here, specialty sauces, “crunchies” and tempura fried items are common on the menu, as well as several cooked options. Nigiri is also available, but less popular.
Try: The Orange Dragon. The long, curving “dragon” is filled with tempura shrimp, cucumber and crisp-tender asparagus, topped with fresh salmon and slivers of bright green avocado. The shrimp, cucumber and asparagus create a crunchy bite, and the smooth textures of the salmon and avocado round out the flavors.
