This was my first time going to Vanilla Fish. I instantly loved the ambiance because it was a small dimly lit room. It took me to a place where I didn’t feel like I was in Chino Hills anymore. I sat at the bar top due to lack of tables, but at least I was able to see the workers cutting sushi. I wish I knew to pay cash ahead of time so that I would have been able to get a 10 percent discount when ordering a minimum of $20. Vanilla Fish had happy hour prices ranging from $6 for appetizers and traditional rolls to $5 house drinks. The first thing I ordered was the $5 Kirin draft beer 25 oz. For those who are not sure if the beer is to your liking, the server will offer a taster for no charge. The first thing I ordered for food was the $6 pork shumai (six piece).
There is an option to choose pork or shrimp shumai for those who prefer shrimp over pork. The pork shumai was delicious, but I practically inhaled the shumai because they were so small, and I was also sharing with my mom. Sharing is caring. However, for how small the shumai were I wouldn’t pay $6 for them because the portion was more worth $4 or even a $4.50.
The second thing I ordered was the $6 salmon collar, and to my surprise, was a nicely sized appetizer that sat on a bed of lettuce noodles that contained a citrusy dressing. On top of the salmon were little orange fish eggs. Sounds sad, but it was good.
The last thing I ordered was the $6 California roll (Blue Crab) (eight piece). The California roll wasn’t bad, but I have had better elsewhere. However, it was only $6 so I cannot complain; it did its job and I was full.
The cool part about their menu was a sushi etiquette to show the “do’s” and “don’ts” when it comes to picking up sushi. The only two things I was impressed by were how big the beer was and the size of the salmon collar. However, the food was delicious so I would go back and order more of their happy hour.
When: Monday-Thursday: 7 p.m.- 9 p.m.
Where: 15870 Soquel Canyon Parkway Ste G. Chino Hills CA 91709
Happy Hour 