“I’m not made of money.”

This is a statement I’ve been pushing for the span of my journalistic career. I am broke and I am not ashamed to admit it. My source of money and how I have made it this long without an income is a complete mystery. But throughout my life, I have learned to appreciate and enjoy cheap food.

A place that follows my ideology of cheap food is Sushi Ai. Sushi Ai is an “all-you-can-eat” STL chain restaurant located in the Lafayette Center at the corner of Sulphur Spring Road and Manchester. The place has two eating options: Standard and Premium. Standard comes with a limited menu at $16 but it is still “all you eat,” while Premium unlocks a full menu at around $20 (Prices may vary based on the time, the dinner one is more expensive but I’m a hack). The only catch is that you pay for any leftovers. Of course, you can order single meals, but you’re a fool if you choose that. 

During my recent venture to the establishment, I picked the Premium option because sometimes you have to treat yourself (even when you are broke). The sushi tasted like sushi.  I’m no sushi expert, and I don’t want to claim to be.  I can only compare Sushi Ai with the day-old Schnucks sushi, which is deserving of its own review. What I got at Sushi Ai was a California Roll(crab, cucumber, avocado). I believe that is the most basic sushi roll there is. Their California Rolls are refreshing and easy on my stomach. 

Another item I ordered was their crab rangoon. Their crab rangoon is pretty average. I’ve had better in my time on earth, but it definitely isn’t the worst (I’m referring to YOU obscure Chinese restaurant that I went to when I was nine years old).

The last thing I consumed during my time at Sushi Ai was their water. It’s good. The busser/waiter would fill it up every time it was getting low–great service. 

There is a lot more on the menu too besides water and crab-related food. There’s a whole plethora of rolls ranging from the Tuna Roll to the Obama Roll (a normal roll that the president apparently ordered). 

Sushi Ai is a great place to eat for a young adult or someone with only lint in their pockets. I don’t feel like garbage after eating, and it was cheap for the amount of food I got. The service there is also amazing. There are very polite people there. I give Sushi Ai 9/10 crabs.