There’s something fishy going on in SouthPark … a new sushi spot that’s what

Sushi, sake bombs, and a taste of the Big Apple

By Megan White

With the opening of more than three new sushi bars in the Uptown area — Fiji, Room 112, and Enso — in the past few months, one can safely assume that sushi rolls whose names no one can pronounce and sake bombs are the new trend. According to Cy, one of the owner’s and executive chefs of Cyros Sushi Bar, the new sushi spot opening in the SouthPark area, his place is bringing a new flavor and different flair to the menu of Charlotte’s sushi spots.

Unlike Enso and Fiji, Cyros won’t be concentrating on the nightlife and entertainment aspect of promoting their sushi. Sorry guys: No half-naked girls lying in front of you covered in barely there leaf loin cloths with strategically placed raw fish on them. It’s all about the rolls, rice … and sake at Cyros.

Never heard of Cyros as a franchise? It hasn’t been around. For years, Cy Santos and Ro Lawsin have been business partners while promoting their sushi through major sporting events such as the U.S Open, Bobcats and Panthers games and the Wachovia Championship.

The idea of Cyros originated from a cute little place called Nobu, one of the most popular sushi bars in the heart of New York City. These guys plan on bringing the same upbeat New York atmosphere to Charlotte, but without the ridiculous pricing. A night out for great sushi and even better sake will run you about 20 bucks. Can’t beat that.

All of the sushi rolls are made from scratch, specializing in signature rolls such as the Avant Garde, which Cy likes to call his most “kick-ass roll” thus far.

Although the soft opening for Cyros is Dec. 3, and invite-only, the grand opening should be soon thereafter. I’ll definitely keep you guys posted on how those “kick-ass rolls” taste.

This article appears in Nov 17-23, 2009.