The Sushi Room debuts in Mount Clemens

By Sarah Cormier
C & G Staff Writer

MOUNT CLEMENS — The Fondue Room immediately became the restaurant to try when it first opened in the city of Mount Clemens in February of 2003.

And still, nearly six years later, the restaurant is considered a staple in the city’s downtown. Located at 82 Macomb Place, The Fondue Room has stayed the test of time.

Perhaps because of that, owners of the venue have decided to try out something else, hoping to provide a little mix to a place well known for serving up delicious fondue favorites.

Just over two weeks ago, The Sushi Room, located in the front of The Fondue Room — in the restaurant’s old lounge area — debuted. In the area is an approximate 9-foot-long sushi bar filled with all the ingredients the new chef needs to make any of the over 60 different sushi rolls and platters on the menu.

Vaughn Johnston, co-owner of The Fondue Room, said that The Sushi Room was added, “to give the restaurant a face-lift.”

“We’re trying to add to the diversity of downtown Mount Clemens,” agreed co-owner Jennifer Hawk.

Hawk said that The Sushi Bar is the first of its kind in Mount Clemens. “There’s nowhere in the area that you can get sushi,” she said.

“I love sushi, (but) there is none in the area,” agreed Johnston.

Both admit that fondue and sushi aren’t generally served together in the restaurant world, but they were eager to try something different.

“They don’t go together, but they seem good together,” said Johnston.

And so far, it seems as though Johnston’s words are ringing true. He said that since The Sushi Room opened, patrons seem to love having the option of eating a sushi dish while enjoying their fondue meal.

“A lot of people love it and eat here everyday,” he said.

Hawk agrees.

“A lot of people that come in end up trying the sushi,” she said.

Johnston said that he doesn’t know what the future of The Sushi Room holds, but he did say if things continue to go well, he would consider expanding it. Currently, The Sushi Room is open during The Fondue Room’s evening hours, but Johnston said he is looking to open The Sushi Room during lunchtime soon.

Johnston added that he hopes that his customers will come to love The Sushi Room as much as he does.

“I crave it now,” he said.

Call The Fondue Room or The Sushi Room at (586) 463-8568 or visit www.thefondueroom.com.

You can reach Staff Writer Sarah Cormier at scormier@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1095.