Riptide has become a part of Orange County (along with Chomp, its counterpart in Fullerton), partly because it seems to be one of the few businesses in the Kaleidoscope that has flourished (others being the theater and Islands). Its success is understandable when you see the stylish, spacious interior and the large island that the sushi chefs stand in. The size of this huge island gives a lot of room to the sushi bar. You can stretch out and get comfy while waiting for your fish fix. There?s also an impressive waterfall-wall type decoration, and a big shiny motorcycle on a kind of pedestal that makes it feel like a nice attention-getting centerpiece. It all comes together to make a space that?s tailored to the nightlife crowd, with an impressive bar, big gleaming teppan yaki tables and the the large colorful aquarium in the front.
While Riptide fully embraces the ?fun? approach to atmosphere, don?t think this is a bad thing where the food is concerned. Huge pink slabs of salmon were draped over a cutting board, just waiting to be artfully prepared. The tuna was deep ruby red, as it should be, and had good firm texture. As I sipped my Sapporo, a new roll came that was wrapped not in rice, but carved strips of cucumber. The contrast between the red tuna and the green cucumber really popped, and it lent itself to pictures well. I am usually more into fish than rolls, but the cucumber wrapping was a nice alternative to rice. The veggies were watery and crisp, and it felt even lighter than sushi usually does. I will definitely get something like this again.
The message to take away is that you?ll have a great time at Riptide. Try and get a seat on a Friday or Saturday ? it will be a blast. Have some drinks, order some adventurous stuff, and you will not be disappointed. It?s not really a Japanese restaurant, (they have burgers and other standard kinds of stuff) but a night-spot where you can get some great food if you?re cool with the fact that it?s their own interpretation.
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