Reservations are hard to get -- my friend and I booked one within a minute they were released (14 days prior at 8:45 AM). We were one of 11 guests this past Friday's 5:30 PM reservation where we enjoyed a phenomenal journey of eating and story-telling. It was a 19-course omakase if you don't get any additional courses for a base price of $180 per person. There was an option to add on a wagyu nigiri (+25) and/or uni flight (+50).
1 - FLAMED JELLY FISH SHOT
Jelly fish was crunchy, but the other ingredients (red algae, bonito, vinaigrette, etc.) added depth and complexity. Brightened by the citrusy yuzu -- a refreshing and energetic start to the meal.
2 - HAMO
Hamo was lightly fried, soft and still had a crisp even though it was sitting on a deeply savory dashi broth. Chrysanthemum stems and leaves added a slight bitterness that complemented well.
3 - SEAFOOD DONBURI
Uni was mixed into the rice, which gave it a rich creaminess. Snow crab was sweet, sea grapes were reminiscent of caviar, and shiso blossoms had nice floral notes. Very briny and packed with umami.
4 - MADAI (JAPANESE SEA BREAM)
Light and buttery, mixed with subtly seasoned rice -- clean and delicate bite.
5 - KIJIHATA (HK GROUPER)
Slightly chewy and not very flavorful on its own, mostly tasted the rice.
6 - KOREAN FLOUNDER
Lime zest was bright and the bite was citrus-forward. Slightly chewy texture, but refreshingly sweet.
7 - ENGAWA (FLOUNDER FIN)
Each fin only makes about 7-8 bites. Lightly torched with a buttery texture and smoky finish.
8 - MISO SOUP
The intermission before the start of the fattier cuts. An aged red miso soup blended in the dashi made from all the heads and bones of the fish we ate thus far -- incredibly comforting broth that was very sea-sweet. Piece of black sea bass filet was silky and tender. Best miso soup I've ever had.
9 - YELLOWTAIL AMBERJACK
Creamy texture, brightened by yuzu and a touch of heat from the wasabi.
10 - SPANISH MACKEREL
Cold-smoked the night before, it was soft and rich with a well-balanced smokiness that enhanced the flavor of the fish.
11 - BLUE MACKEREL (OSHIZUSHI)
Salt-cured, vingar pickled, and aged over 12 days. Flavors were sweet and pickle-y. One of the top bites of the night.
HOKKAIDO UNI FLIGHT
3 uni bites, two greens and purple in the middle. Starting from left to right, the first was the sweetest, creamy with a bit of white miso vinaigrette. The middle was very earthy, citrusy and bright from the kumquat zest -- my favorite of the 3. The last uni was simply seasoned with soy sauce and wasabi, sweet, a bit smoky, and complex.
12 - SALMON WITH BURGUNDY TRUFFLE
Lightly torched, the salmon melted instantly on the tongue. It was paired perfectly with the earthy truffle flakes, a phenomenal combo. Another top bite.
13 - AKAMI (LEAN TUNA)
Very buttery despite being a lean cut, extremely fresh and clean-tasting.
14 - CHUTORO
Luxuriously soft and melted in my mouth instantly, balanced well with the seasoned rice.
15 - OTORO
Surprisingly light for the belly cut -- rich but not overwhelming. Hints of mustard added contrast and cut through the fat.
16 - SPICY TORO HAND ROLL
Super crisp nori, folded with soy fermented miso and chili, pickled radish, shiso mint, and creamy spicy tuna. Flavorful with a clean finish.
ICED MUGICHA (BARLEY TEA)
A refreshing palette cleanser before the start of dessert. Tasted subtly like iced coffee, very nutty.
17 - SALTWATER EEL
Very delicate, the eel was poached in broth from skins and spines with a lightly sweet sauce that was reduced for 72 hours into eel gelatin.
18 - TAMAGO CASTELLA
Sponge-like texture, very light and subtly sweet. Made with egg, sugar, mountain yam and even a bit of minced fish.
19 - STRAWBERRY SORBET
Topped with peeled strawberries (which made it 20x sweeter) and egg roll crisps, the peels were used to give the sorbet its vivid red color. A clean treat to end a beautiful meal.
We appreciated the background info on all the courses, ranging from where the ingredients were sourced and how they were prepared. The pacing was perfect, and we were done within two hours. We both agreed that this omakase experience is worth a return in the future. read more