The storefront sushi shop on North University has changed names and configurations many times in the last decade. The first, hugely popular iteration was Sushi.com e (later Sushi.com). New owners upgraded the decor in 2014 and changed the name to Miya. Floor space was reduced along the way, making room for the Mezes Greek Grill next door. Then, in September, students and staff returning to campus were greeted by a bright new sign announcing Mama Satto Sushi & Noodle Bar.
Mama Satto is owned by Sunny Kim–she’s also a principal in Ann Arbor’s Seoul Garden on Boardwalk. And there’s a new Japanese chef, who spent the last weeks of summer coming up to speed on the menu he inherited. He then gave it the Japanese noodle shop tweaks that are his expertise, according to Mama Satto front-of-house spokeswoman and server Angela Jang (she worked at Seoul Garden before moving uptown to help launch Kim’s new enterprise).
When asked what the new Mama Satto name means, Jang pauses, then talks about the food a Japanese mother makes when her kids are hungry, then suggests Google Translate. What came up there is “Mom quickly,” so Jang explained it pretty well.
Mama Satto Sushi & Noodle Bar, 715 North University #2, 213-3044 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
