For a long time, the sushi-loving student population was limited to one mediocre Japanese restaurant on campus. QQ Revolving seems destined to serve the same underwhelming food as its neighbor on University Boulevard.
QQ stands directly opposite the Islamic Center of Tucson on Tyndall Avenue in the first floor of The Hub apartment building. It is out of the way from the busier streets around campus but not difficult to locate. However, once inside, flavorful food is hard to find.
Sure, the standards are fine. The California and shrimp tempura rolls are average in every sense of the word — a little lackluster but definitely edible. The miso soup could be improved with a little more salt, but that is easily remedied with a splash of soy sauce. The salad is little more than iceberg lettuce topped with a simple, but tasty, ginger-sesame dressing.
One can order regular rolls from the menu for a typical sushi price of $6 to $12 or take a more fun route and eat off the revolving conveyor belt whisking snack-sized plates of sushi, salads, fruits and Japanese Ramune sodas around the restaurant.
Though there were only six diners at lunch on a Thursday, if one is worried about not getting their pick of food, simply ask to sit closer to the start of the belt.
This food delivery system is very popular in other parts of the country, but QQ is currently the only revolving sushi restaurant in Tucson. Those seeking lighter fare will enjoy this option. A laminated card baring the name and a photo precedes the plates of food and identifies each dish. The food items are priced based on the color of the plate. The cheapest, a white plate, will set diners back $1.75, while the most expensive, a black plate, costs $5.25.
Four pieces of a rainbow roll costs $3.25, while “dynamite” mussels cost $2.25. The belt also brings around colorful, fresh fruit such as watermelon, oranges and pineapple. It is best to proceed with caution if choosing to eat via the conveyor belt, as the colorful plates — and the tab — can quickly grow.
The salvation of QQ is its wonderfully priced lunch specials. The above-mentioned food comes at the modest cost of $9. If two rolls will not satisfy a mightier appetite, a third roll will bring the total to $12.
If price is not incentive enough, the modern atmosphere and friendly service should build a loyal customer base.
All in all, QQ is not a “can’t” nor a “should miss.” If transportation is an option, it’s worth going a little more out of the way for better food, but in a pinch, QQ will more than suffice.
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