Dancing Lobster Roll at Kataki Sushi & Ramen
We had already nibbled on edamame and tempura vegetables and were slurping on pork belly-kimchi ramen that we had already earmarked for tomorrow’s lunch when our server told us we’d better make some room: Our sushi order was almost ready. Turns out we got a little carried away in our roll selection, and when the exquisite boat of sushi landed — flashing lights and all — we were giddy.
Aboard the boat was the Salmon Family Roll ($15.95), the Pink Lady Roll ($17.95, alas, named for the pink soy paper employed, not the movie “Grease”), the spicy Asian Tiger ($17.95) and our favorite, the chef’s special Dancing Lobster Roll ($22). Everything about it was near perfection: crispy but delicate lobster tempura and firm pieces of asparagus were cozied up inside the roll, which was topped with ripened-just-right mango slices. Mango and eel sauces enhanced but didn’t overpower, and tobiko (roe) was a snappy addition, tying all the textures together.
This newish sushi and ramen gem opened in late 2022, in the former Vina Restaurant. Looking back, it’s no-frills on the décor side, but with the genuinely warm service and the beautifully plated food, we didn’t even notice. (Nicole Hvidsten)
6401 Nicollet Av. S., Richfield, katakisushi.com

Burrito bowl at Puralima
The concept sounds familiar: Select tacos, burritos, rice or salad bowls and then customize your order with fixings as you head down the line. However, the Latin-inspired, fast-casual Puralima Cantina aims to distinguish itself. Like its sibling Crisp and Green, the locally owned outfit with three metro-area outposts emphasizes whole, healthy ingredients.
During a recent visit to the Edina location in the 50th and France commercial district, we tried the bowl ($8.75-$12.75), starting with a choice of white or brown rice and pinto or black beans, opting for the latter in each category. Of the half-dozen proteins and more than a dozen topping choices, we had no regrets about the decision to go with grilled chicken marinated in flavorful achiote. We were also pleased with our topping selections of romaine lettuce and pickled onions that we dressed/doused with chipotle cashew cream, pineapple pico and guajillo salsa (decisions are hard). It was a light and bright flavor profile with a smoky kick and a fun, delicious way to cover several healthy food groups in one sitting.
And there’s more to come from the concept that debuted in Minneapolis’ North Loop and has since expanded to Edina and Wayzata. According to the website, Puralima outposts are “coming soon” to Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Blaine and Woodbury. (Nancy Ngo)
3925 W. 50th St., Edina; 740 E. Lake St., Wayzata; 548 Washington Av. N., Mpls.; puralima.com