So Much More!

After a few business lunches on separate occasions with two very smart Tyler ladies, the next “Man About Town” just had to be at Soju’s Sushi Bar and Asian Bistro. Mechele Agbayani Mills and Nora Reyes, the “Man’s” go-to professionals to get things done in the non-profit world, were our partners-in-crime for this issue. Turns out, that they also serve together with the Better Business Bureau of East Texas (BBB). Mechele is the president and Nora volunteers as a BBB Ambassador. So, we planned a party with the BBB Ambassadors, a delightful group of very special folk (more about them later).

Listen, “you must do Soju!!!" It’s a unique out-of-the-way place that literally bursts with atmosphere and surprises. The first surprise is finding the place. It’s on Old Jacksonville Highway just south of Grande Blvd at 6361 Old J’ville. That’s where it gets tricky. This golden nugget of a respite is in an “upper-end” office park just behind Chicken Express. But let me tell ya, it’s worth the hunt.

Now for the real surprises. Upon entering this exceptional eatery, you are greeted by the deep, rich tones of burgundy and gray slate contrasting walls and tastefully lit, modern-esque, stainless-steel signage bearing the restaurant’s name. Dark wood tones are highlighted throughout and two outstanding tall, fresh floral arrangements designed by Shellie Jacobs of FRESH by Brookshire’s are focal points. If that’s not enough to set the stage for a cozy, upscale experience; add the stunning paintings that adorn all the walls on display by local artists. Soju is a one-of-a-kind, unique, out-of-the-way place for a rendezvous of any kind… business or otherwise. It’s quiet, it’s elegant, it’s relaxing and it’s just marvelous.

The bar/sushi bar combo is full service, offering six drafts and 30 domestic and imported bottle beers. The wine list is extensive and offers both affordable and high-end, award-winning wines. Your choice: by the glass, carafe or bottle. The list also includes Japanese wines, sake and soju (an ancient Korean spirit distilled from rice or grain), which is similar to sake. The “Man” recommends the soju by the bottle for the table at dinner’s end. But don’t stop there! For starters, the martinis are over the top and are “created by Soju’s sexy mixologists” to perfection. One more thing (as you can see, it’s hard to leave the bar); the premium liquors flow “like milk and honey” and there is music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night! The “Man” is hooked already, and we haven’t moved to the dining room yet!

The dining concept is open with discrete, subtle Asian style room dividers. There is a generous supply of large, comfortable booths and tables, with mood lighting for a calm and cozy feel. Also, the inside is extended to the outside via a wall of windows overlooking a large, open-air patio with outdoor fire pits for effect and standing gas heaters for cool nights.

But, what about the food? Well, buckle up, for Soju is a modern take on traditional pan-Asian cuisine. It’s hallmark is a culinary-trained staff who are first-rate at concocting a progressive menu, using market-fresh seafood presented in a contemporary style. The menu has an eclectic selection from the freshest sashimi and sushi rolls, to Asian-inspired grilled ribeye (to die for)! Like its sister restaurant, Wasabi, Soju “strives to bring each guest a great experience along with a great meal.” Listen, with its upbeat and modern atmosphere, Soju is the right place to unwind or the perfect place to host a party.

Speaking of a party, ours was a humdinger! Nora and Mechele saw to it that the BBB Ambassadors were ready to rock. These folks are a special and informed group of motivated, enthusiastic and articulate business men and women who serve as the backbones of the BBB membership retention program. They are the full embodiment of the core belief of our Better Business Bureau to promote “a marketplace where buyers and sellers can trust each other.” The Ambassadors are the consistent face of the BBB to it’s membership and the community. It’s what they live for! So, since the “Man” is on the board of the BBB, and sees it’s work firsthand, it was natural to honor and party with the “creme de la creme” of better business practices in all of East Texas.

Our party began with a complimentary special of the house by General Manager Jon Florendo. And what a special it was! Scrumptious selections include: fresh fruit salad, Miso Shrimp, Crela Medallions, Salmon Crostinis, Surf-N-Turf roll and the new mini cupcake roll. Whoa! What a generous delight, down to the last bite. At the end of the dinner, Jon served up bottles of Lychez sake and Charnisul fresh soju. What an experience! We ordered and shared several of the exquisitely prepared and presented entrees. Mechele, Nora and the “Man” shared servings of the grilled ribeye steak, served with garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus; the pan-seared scallops, which are U-10 scallops served in grapefruit buerre blanc sauce with sweet potato puree, micro-greens and red tobic. We also sampled and maple leaf farm duck glazed with peach teriyaki sauce served with apple coleslaw and angel hair sweet potato.

The dinner, service, atmosphere and fun made this night one not soon to be forgotten. After the final sips of wine, topped off with extraordinary sake and soju samples, the group of Ambassadors and the “Man” were ready to retreat from this Asian Bistro respite to our respective warm beds to bask in the memory of an evening well spent.