It’s no muss, no fuss, wham, bam, thank you madam at Sunny Teriyaki. Indeed, utilitarianism reigns supreme at the Ballard version of this reliable teriyaki chain.

My experience with Sunny Ballard occurred on the evening of February 13th, 2010. While my usual teriyaki partner Alexis had just been served her labor epidural (more on that in a minute), I took the opportunity to hit Market Street to secure some necessary post-labor vittels for the exhausted mom-to-be. What I discovered was a teriyaki joint without pretense.

For $5.99 + tax Sunny gives you the #1 chicken teriyaki in a matter of minutes and absolutely no conversation from behind the counter. So be it.

Inside the magical faux Styrofoam container is the typical, satisfying blend of teriyaki favorites. Those favorites include mostly white meat grilled chicken, iceberg lettuce with watered down honey mustard dressing, and a bed of fluffy white rice.

Overall the trio is good enough with the portions slightly lacking. The chicken’s one weakness is a slight rubberiness that grows bearable as the meal progresses. The sides are decidedly average yet get the job done. Obviously, minimal effort went into warming the meal, the final straw that brings it down just a notch below recommended.

As for Alexis: well, she delivered baby Siena at 8:54pm. Mother and baby are doing well and I am the proudest Papa on the planet.