Bites Nearby: Tachikawa Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar

Feeling hungry and in the mood for a eatery that literally keeps the food, service and imagination rolling?

Well, you could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each week, Pinole Patch picks a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out. Here's this week's choice:

At 632-E San Pablo Ave. in Pinole, is a spot that slides under the radar, but should be as hoppin' as wasabi.

A sparkling clean and creatively kimono-adorned interior makes this dining experience quite enjoyable and the menu is full of finger-food fun.

The names aren't the only refreshing part of a new menu which features artistically prepared specialty rolls like the Cherry Blossom (salmon and avocado inside, tuna outside, $12.95), the Oh Yes (deep-fried salmon, avocado, crab and cream cheese, $8.95) and the Double-Oh (unagi, albacore, yellowtail, fresh sake, ginger sauce and tobiko, $7.95).

Besides the sensational sushi, try the chicken teriyaki and tempura (pur-a-fect) combo dinner box, which is served with a sweetly dressed salad, warm white rice and savory miso soup ($13.95), or stop in for lunch and order the Ton-Katsu ($8.95), a lightly breaded, perfect pork cutlet.

Open Monday through Saturday. Lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; dinner, 5-9 p.m. Party platters and take-out available. 

For more information, visit Tachikawa's Web site: http://tachikawasushi.com/