Name: R. Rice Wok Grill Sushi
Menu: http://rrice.lmrpr.com/RR%20_%20DinnerMenu.pdf

A couple of weeks ago, I was personally invited to come check out R. Rice Wok Grill Sushi.  At that time, I had never heard of this place.  When I saw the restaurant's address in the email, I assumed that it had to be brand new.  I consider myself to be fairly familiar with the Hammond Dr/Perimeter Mall area and I couldn't seem to remember seeing a sign or a new building.  I definitely had never heard talking about this place (good or bad).  So, I went in with zero expectations.


Going in with a blank slate wasn't the worst idea I've ever had.  First, the restaurant sits at the corner of Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd and Hammond Dr.  This is particularly busy intersection which should be great for any business, right??  Well, not really.  R. Rice sits on the bottom floor of a 3 or 4 story building (if I remember correctly) that houses a Uncle Julios, a big medical school or office, and a few other retail shops.  The sign for R. Rice is so relatively small and humble compared the raucousness around it, it would be VERY easy to completely miss the place.


I walk in and the place was pretty nice.  Considering the area, I wasn't too surprised.  There was a full liquor bar, a sushi bar, and a plenty of comfortable seating.  And, the TVs happened to be tuned to ESPN.  Loving it already!!!  Right before I sat down, I was told to "order anything I wanted" because the tab was already taken care of.  Why did they tell me that??  My goal at that point was to sample as much as I could off of the menu (within reason) to get a true feel for the restaurant.  And so my foodie hurricane began.

Crab Rangoons (4pc) -  $4.75

Up first, the Crab Rangoons.  Not bad at all.  Definitely tasty and fantastic for the price.  Thumbs up from me all the way around.

Shrimp Tempura - $6.75

Next - shrimp tempura.  This was NOT the bizness!!!  Straight batter with no seasoning.  Plus the shrimp was way big and round which got me a little suspicious. 

Tuna Pizza - $13.75

At the recommendation of my waiter, I checked out the Tuna Pizza.  Comprised of a crispy tortilla, guacomole, thin slices of tuna drizzled with scallions, onions, masago: special sauce, this thing was actually pretty good. It was definitely something that I would not have ordered on my own.  And it was served cold which I'm usually never okay with.  I genuinely liked it though.  However, at $13.75, I'd probably never order it again.  It was also very small.  At that price, it needs to be Pizza Hut size.  Lol.

Honey Mango Chicken - $11.50

Based on a Foursquare tip, I opted to order the Honey Mango Chicken.  When it came out, I thought it was gonna be INCREDIBLE.  When I ate it, I thought "ehh".  Honestly, it tasted like anything you've eaten at a mall food court.  Now, don't get me wrong, I have quite a fondness for food court Chinese cuisine.  But, at $11.50, I'll pass.  I'd much rather hit up Chinese Buddha at that price and get something better.

Paradise Rolls - $9; Rainbow Rolls - $10

Last but not least, the sushi rolls.  Win Win Win!!!  These were definitely a hit.  Ya'll know that I'm not the big sushi eater in the crew, unlike Sakina, but I really enjoyed these. 

Overall though, with everything that I tried, I can't really say that this is a place I'd recommend.  There were so many more misses than hits.  And, with the location not being one that you would just readily come across unless you live or work in the area, I definitely wouldn't urge anyone to make a special trip over there.  But, if you are nearby, and you don't shoot past it because you can't find it, stop on by and see if it meets YOUR seal of approval. 

This is a post that I had to do because I wanna know what you guys think.  Simple question - Who has the best Chinese food in Atlanta??  Every year, I open Creative Loafing or I check Atlanta Magazine and it seems like Chin Chin is consistently voted #1 in the city.  For real for real, I've had Chin Chin quite a few times and I like Chinese Buddah on 10th St in Midtown or even Chou Lees on Covington Hwy in Decatur way better!!! 

Now, I'll admit, I'm not a very diverse Chinese food eater.  I don't do sushi at all.  I also tend to stay away from much of the pork or beef or noodle dishes.  I'm a shrimp and chicken man thru and thru.  Mostly Sweet & Sour, General Tso, Sesame, etc.  Chin Chin just doesn't do it for me like that. 

So, help me out.  Who's got the best Chinese food in the city?? 

Happy Eating!!!