Upon arrival we were greeted by their friendly staff and promptly seated at our table. We were a little disappointed to find out we wouldn't be sitting at the sushi bar like we had assumed. Instead we were seated at a four-top table within view of the sushi bar.
It was pretty liberating not to have to look at the menu and decide what nigiri, sashimi and rolls we wanted and how many we should order for all four of us. It was also exciting to try things that we normally wouldn't order. We told our waiter we were there for exclusive omakase and with that he was off to put in our order.
First Course
I feel like such a bad foodie that I can't remember everything on this plate but in my defense it was over two months ago. I do remember the 3 items to the right. King Crab, monkfish liver, and sweet shrimp.
Second Course
Hamachi tartare w/ Salmon roe
Third Course
Seared foie gras
Fourth Course
Mixed baby greens with salmon sashimi.
They poured hot sesame oil over the salmon which cooked it slightly. The sesame oil was a great addition to the dish.
Fifth Course
From what I can remember it was clams in a miso broth soup. Very good course to cleanse our palette.
Sixth Course
They poured hot sesame oil over the salmon which cooked it slightly. The sesame oil was a great addition to the dish.
From what I can remember it was clams in a miso broth soup. Very good course to cleanse our palette.
Again, I feel bad that I can't completely remember what this is but i believe it was a shrimp roll that was tempura fried.
Pan seared black cod
This dish was the favorite of the group. The fish was cooked so perfectly that it just flaked so easily and wasn't dry. The bed of veggies also provided a great contrast of texture to the fish.
This dish was the favorite of the group. The fish was cooked so perfectly that it just flaked so easily and wasn't dry. The bed of veggies also provided a great contrast of texture to the fish.
Eighth Course
Assorted nigiri and rolls
My favorite item in this course was the otoro, tuna belly. If you haven't had it, you must try it. It's a little pricey compared to other items on a sushi menu but it is definitely worth it. It is so buttery! You can order it as nigiri or sashimi. The sushi restaurant may also have toro as well as the otoro. These are different parts of the tuna belly. The otoro is the more premium cut. Both are delicious and you won't regret it.
Ninth Course
Mochi and Fruit
At first I was a little disappointed that this was our final course and that it was mochi. It seemed like an anti-climactic ending to such a wonderful meal. But just like the rest of our meal, the chef knows best. It was such a light and refreshing way to end our meal. I think anything else would have been to heavy. Even though it looked like we had small portions, you have to remember that by this point we had 8 different courses of small portions so it was actually quite filling.
Assorted nigiri and rolls
My favorite item in this course was the otoro, tuna belly. If you haven't had it, you must try it. It's a little pricey compared to other items on a sushi menu but it is definitely worth it. It is so buttery! You can order it as nigiri or sashimi. The sushi restaurant may also have toro as well as the otoro. These are different parts of the tuna belly. The otoro is the more premium cut. Both are delicious and you won't regret it.
Mochi and Fruit
At first I was a little disappointed that this was our final course and that it was mochi. It seemed like an anti-climactic ending to such a wonderful meal. But just like the rest of our meal, the chef knows best. It was such a light and refreshing way to end our meal. I think anything else would have been to heavy. Even though it looked like we had small portions, you have to remember that by this point we had 8 different courses of small portions so it was actually quite filling.
Our first experience with omakase was so delicious and everything we had expected. Our waiter provided the best service and timed the courses well. We didn't sit for too long waiting for the next course nor did he bring it right away without giving us enough time to savor the previous course. He also did a great job explaining the dishes and could pour champagne like a champ! He also told us that if we come back to Nishino we should probably wait until the next season since they plan their menu around seasonal ingredients. I definitely want to go back and see how their menu differs from season to season.
* The expression is used at sushi restaurants to leave the selection to the chef. It differs from ordering à la carte.[1] The chef will generally present a series of plates, beginning with the lightest fare and proceeding to heaviest, richest dishes.[2] The phrase is not exclusive to service of raw fish with rice, and can incorporate grilling and simmering as well.[3] Customers ordering omakase style expect the chef to be innovative and surprising in the selection of dishes, and the meal can be likened to an artistic performance by the chef (Source: Wikipedia)
Holy fudge. I heart omakases! Unfort, I've had many disappoints..it hurts my tummy and my heart when it doesn't end well. :( Your's looks full of different flavors and dishes though!
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