The Death of the Sushi Run

by Eleanor Lippman

Before Covid, back when meals in the Plaza and Manor dining rooms were buffet style, there was a group of a dozen or so residents who met regularly on Saturday evening in the Umpqua Room of the Plaza for cocktails and conversation before dinner.

Every once and a while, the group would arrange a Sushi Run where everyone who liked sushi would drop ten or fifteen dollars into a cash pool and two people would volunteer to pre-order a variety of types from the local Japanese restaurant, supply the serving platters, and bring the goodies to the dining room. The other participants would wait around the big table for eight by the window as well as the neighboring table for four If needed.

The sushi order would arrive complete with rice, side dishes, chopsticks, etc. and the participants would feast on the goodies. Anyone wanting a salad or dessert could get one from the buffet. Dishes, utensils, water and hot tea were provided by the Plaza dining room servers.

The Sushi Runs were a popular change from the regular buffet offerings and were always a wonderful event. Good company, interesting conversation, a highlight among friends.

Sad to say, we cannot do it anymore with the way Arden is designed. And there is nowhere on campus where it would work.

Too bad. It was a big hit and very popular.

Farewell, Sushi Run. You were wonderful while it lasted.