SantaCruzSentinel.Com February 12, 2021 | READERS CHOICE | 21
she and her husband Kevin help
run Imura. "My brother Jim and his
wife Melissa also work every day,"
says Jee. The fact that one of the
owners is always there to work with
staff and greet customers, Jee says,
contributes to Imura's success. Imu-
ra also won runner-up in this cate-
gory in 2018 and won Best Sushi last
year. And Sentinel readers awarded
Imura the prize for Best Japanese
Food this year, and in 2018!
"At Imura, all of our custom-
ers feel welcome. Whether you are
a first-time or regular customer,
you will get the same quality and
prompt service," says Jee. When
asked why Imura is so popular, Jee
responds, "We have a variety of
rolls including lots of vegetarian
ones, and we are happy to make
substitutions. We can meet strict
dietary restrictions, whether you
are a vegan, or have a gluten, nut or
even fish allergy. We do our best to
meet every customer's individual
needs." For their fish, they use dif-
ferent companies to receive fresh
items throughout the week. "We
also use a local produce company
to get fresh vegetables daily," Jee
adds. "Other than fish and Japanese
foods that we get from our trusted
distributor whom we have had a re-
lationship with for almost 30 years,
we try to use everything local."
Imura is also known for selec-
tions like its Korean Bibimbap
(beef, chicken or tofu with assorted
vegetables and egg served on rice)
and Sukiyaki. "Another customer
favorite is bento boxes, with gen-
erous servings," says Jee. Some in-
clude sushi or sashimi while others
have items like chicken teriyaki and
tempura.
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