BY MIKE PUCKETT

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Yoi Sushi is located on the second floor at the La Torretta Lake Resort and Spa. This Sushi paradise is one of my favorite restaurants at the resort – and in all of Conroe, for that matter. Yoi Sushi has an experienced chef and amazing views that can only be found at this wonderful resort.

Once you climb the stairs to the second floor, you arrive at a large area – the perfect place to hang out! On one side, there’s an extensive bar with a piano which radiates a festive atmosphere. On the other side, you’ll find this fabulous Sushi bar with stunning views of the lake resort that will make your jaw drop.

I was joined by a group of good friends on a beautiful summer afternoon. As the sun began to fall, we started off on the patio with a couple of Kirin Ichiban’s. What Sushi experience is complete without Kirin, right?

We took a look at the menu to see what we had in store for us. Everything you might want is here – and that put a smile on my face. We asked the Sushi Chef what he would recommend as it is our custom to let the Chef choose our meal. Chef knows best! We went inside and ordered a couple of Asian Pear Martinis – a delightful cocktail made with pear juice, sake and pear liqueur – to have with our small plates. This martini goes very well with Sushi and I highly recommend you try it. The martini gets its name from sake, an undistilled drink from Japan, and pear-infused liqueur.

We started the meal off with a Spicy Crab Salad and the Tuna Tataki.

The Spicy Crab Salad was beautifully-presented: delectable crab chunks and sliced avocado drizzled with a tangy, spicy sauce. A piece of art that was as delicious as it looked. You must try this as a starter – you can thank me later!

We also sampled the Tuna Tataki: seared tuna, ponzu sauce, chives and sesame seeds. Again, a delightful dish with a presentation that’s to die for. Just take a look at the photography. You will be starting off on the right foot if you just follow my lead.

It honestly took everything in my soul to stop myself from ordering more of the same. But, I knew this experience was only going to get better.

We ordered some Seikyo Hot Sake to go with our entrees. Seikyo Hot Sake is clean, soft and rice-y in the best way. Wonderful Hiroshima lightness you can sink your teeth into. Lovely.

Our entrées included a Fancy Yellowtail Roll, King Crab Roll and a Pepper Tuna Roll. All were insanely fresh and on point and came served with a super-contagious smile from the Chef.

The Fancy Yellowtail Roll was built with tuna, salmon, and white fish with spicy sauce topped with yellowtail and jalapeno. The yellowtail was extremely fresh; it tastes like it must have been swimming earlier this morning… ha! But seriously.

Next up was the King Crab Roll – a delightful combination of Shrimp Tempura, crab topped with avocado and King Crab. This was my favorite roll of the night, but I am a sucker for Shrimp Tempura and King Crab. Let’s be honest… the king of the castle! I was really excited about the Pepper Tuna Roll. It was suggested by one of the staff at the front desk who said it was her favorite. I can see why: savory Shrimp Tempura, Spicy Salmon, pepper tuna, and avocado with ponzu sauce. Yet another masterpiece from the Chef here at Yoi Sushi.

And now for dessert – as if the evening wasn’t perfect already. I think the Chef was just trying to rub it in.

We order two more specialty cocktails. The Grasshopper, which is a sweet, mint-flavored, after-dinner drink which makes a perfect dessert all in itself. We also tried a true classic cocktail, a B&B – which stands for Brandy & Benedictine. Both were delightful.

The desserts were just as beautiful as the rest of the meal. Presentation is not a department they are lacking here at Yoi Sushi.

We enjoyed the Green Tea and Vanilla Crème Brulée, which tasted just as delicious as it looks. Fresh fruit prepared perfectly. And the chocolate sweet goodness gave me a rush only chocolate can provide.

The Five-Spice Molten Cake was served with white mousse and berries. I must say it is an extremely good idea to save room… or make room… for dessert.

Yoi Sushi may be a restaurant at the La Torretta Resort, but is still the best Sushi restaurant in Conroe.

So, if you get a craving for seafood while visiting Conroe, there is no better choice. Yoi Sushi is the perfect place to dine – whether you’re staying at the resort or not.

PHOTOGRAPHY: MIKE PUCKETT