Sakura on Wikendon St. Still great rolls, still bad service

Sakura on Wikendon Street is something of an institution in Providence. There have been many "more upscale" sushi joints that have come and gone in the past couple decades but for natives there has always been the rivalry between this gem and Tokyo, which is just up the street. It is inevitable when growing up in the 02903 that you become a die-hard of one or the other. Some of my friends treat it something like the GM vs. Ford Rivalry, thumping tables and beating chests about which of the two is better. I've always been a Sakura man. I'm a sucker for the fact that there is still part of the restaurant that allows you to eat on the floor (and where people are relegated to when the rest of the place is packed). The BYOB is also great, much better to bring your own saki than to pay Haruki East's ridiculous prices. Best of all though, the great rolls fantastic and at around 12 bucks for 12 rolls, still a huge bargain. The presentation is so funky and whimsical. There have been nights when I've been at Sakura late with my girlfriend and Akira, the main chef and owner, will just do something really wacky like put lights in the radish as in the picture above. The service (or lack there of), however, is also part of the show. Staffed entirely by Akira and his wife Sakura's family, the check is always long in coming as is the food. Sure you could say its part of the charm. But as a devout the show is getting a little old. I appreciate a family business as much as the next dude but when you're in a rush this is not the place to go. Unfortunately you won't see me quit Sakura any time soon. The Crazy Roll and Tiger Maki are too good for me to give up on, even if it comes a half an hour cold.