Owner Dai Nguyen said Wasabi 88 has been at its location on Arlington Boulevard for almost three years and still, some Greenville residents don’t even know it exists.

He and his staff are hoping to change that with daily drink specials, including $1 drafts on Wednesdays and 2-for-1 sushi roll specials Sunday-Thursday.

The restaurant also got a nice plug in the July issue of Our State magazine — it was named Pitt County’s “place to eat” by food writer David Bailey.

To compliment their selected drink, the Asian Pear Martini, Nguyen prepared a sweet-tasting Mongolian Beef, served with brown rice, and The 88 Roll.

The Mongolian Beef contains caramelized beef cooked with scallions, onions and garlic, and prepared with special house sauce. The roll is made with tempura fried shrimp, cucumber, spicy mayonnaise and scallions and topped with a seared filet mignon.

“They’re the most popular,” Nguyen said. “This one (88 Roll) is my introduction to sushi.”
Nguyen explained that sushi doesn’t necessarily mean, “raw fish,” but more indicates that the dish consists of rice and vinegar.
Just remember to ask for the extra hot wasabi on the side.

Visit www.wasabi88.com to check out their menu, as well as two featured rolls a week. Wasabi 88 is located at 420 East Arlington Boulevard. Call 493-0510.

Asian Pear Martini by Bryce Rauhe, head bartender
“It gives people an unique way to try out sake — a drink with Asian influence,” Rauhe said. “It’s also a drink unique to this restaurant.”

in equal parts:

Moon Stone Asian Pear Sake

vodka

Apple Pucker

peach schnapps

sour mix

pear puree

Mix all ingredients with ice. Strain and pour into a martini glass. Serve with cherry garnish.