I am such a sushi fan that I always look for sushi restaurants when I travel, but I long for the favorites close to home. Saturday night after the Visions Art Museum reception Beth and I went to dinner at Ikiru, which is just a bit more than block away from the Museum. We have eaten there many times in the past.
It is interesting to sit at the bar and watch the sushi chefs at their work. Every table was occupied and there were several groups of ten or more, so these two guys were working very hard to keep up.
It is interesting to sit at the bar and watch the sushi chefs at their work. Every table was occupied and there were several groups of ten or more, so these two guys were working very hard to keep up.
The fish is always kept cold and taken out quickly, the door closed, the sushi sliced and the remainder popped back in the refrigerated case. It must be as fresh as they can possibly keep it.
I ordered the Combo #1 which comes with a little tray of palate fresheners - pickled seaweed, wasabi and pickled ginger. The sea weed on the left of the bottom tray isn't served everywhere and Ikiru's offering is extra good. From the left the larger tray has "Crunchy Shrimp", "Ahi Ahi" w/spicy tuna center, "Pink" w/salmon outside, and "Tuna Blossom". DELICIOUS.
The rolls are cut into "bite sized" pieces, but they are usually a little too big for my bite. However, I manage to eat them.
Beth ordered this artfully arranged combo which was equally as delicious as my combo. We always share bites so we will know what to order next time.
This artful bite is wrapped in a thin layer of edible "rice paper". Beth noticed that it looks like a charming little city with tall buildings backed by palm trees. But she still ate it.
On the menu that evening was uni (sea urchin). It is an awesome presentation with the spines still moving. The inside is what is eaten - it is the bright yellow pile in the top left hand corner. I used to love uni - until I had some that was not so fresh. I never want to be that sick again. So, as much as I have fond memories I no longer eat it.
One of the groups of ten, mostly guys, ordered several different items, including this tray with sea urchin included - it is the bright gold pile in the front right. I just walked over to their table and asked if I could take a picture. They said I would have to pay, but I just laughed and took my picture. They were having a great time with saki shooters (at least, I think that is what they were drinking).
"The party's over." I just couldn't manage that last little bite. As it was, I didn't think I could even walk to my car. Stuffed - happily.
1 comment:
It's a gift to enjoy food!!
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