Morimoto, 888 10th Ave (part of Chelsea Market, entrance from the
outside on 10th Ave). July 16 lunch.
Very nicely decorated…modern funk but provides a calm dining
atmosphere because the space is broken up into smaller enclosures. We
were seated in a space that held 4 2-person tables on one side and 2 4
person tables on the other side of the room. It was a little past 12
noon and the place had not yet filled which may account for the very
loud music. We asked for the music to be turned down and this was
done immediately, much to our pleasure. We then proceeded to order
our lunch. There was a prix fixe menu with items similar to their
regular bento box lunch. My companion ordered the Angry Chicken and I
ordered the Sushi Set. These came with a salad and a miso soup.
These were brought out immediately. The miso soup was exceptional.
It had a fresh slightly smokey flavor. The salad was mixed with a
very light delicate sauce, just enough to moisten the leaves. Our
entrees arrived and a young man (presumably the maitre d' or his
assistant) explained in detail what each piece of sushi contained.
The fish was fresh and tasty. I only wish they provided a choice of
soya sauce (regular, less salty and white soya sauce or lemon juice)
to enhance its flavor. I also missed the different sauces offered by
the Nobu café for their sushi. My companion's "Angry Chicken" was
wonderful. Very flavorful with well balanced spices and a dramatic
presentation. We made the unfortunate decision to have dessert. I
ordered a bitter chocolate tarte and my companion a chocolate brownie
concoction with expresso ice cream. The brownie concoction was good,
could have done with less sugar. My tarte came on a thin oatmeal
wafer that was unfortunately stale. Most people do not realize that
anything made with whole grains need to be refrigerated because the
oils contained therein can go rancid quickly in the heat. I think
this was what happened. This rather spoiled the meal for me. Tea and
coffee were also unspectacular affairs. I would go back and hope that
the restaurant has improved. It would be a pity for it not to succeed
because Morimoto is such a good cook.
====
outside on 10th Ave). July 16 lunch.
Very nicely decorated…modern funk but provides a calm dining
atmosphere because the space is broken up into smaller enclosures. We
were seated in a space that held 4 2-person tables on one side and 2 4
person tables on the other side of the room. It was a little past 12
noon and the place had not yet filled which may account for the very
loud music. We asked for the music to be turned down and this was
done immediately, much to our pleasure. We then proceeded to order
our lunch. There was a prix fixe menu with items similar to their
regular bento box lunch. My companion ordered the Angry Chicken and I
ordered the Sushi Set. These came with a salad and a miso soup.
These were brought out immediately. The miso soup was exceptional.
It had a fresh slightly smokey flavor. The salad was mixed with a
very light delicate sauce, just enough to moisten the leaves. Our
entrees arrived and a young man (presumably the maitre d' or his
assistant) explained in detail what each piece of sushi contained.
The fish was fresh and tasty. I only wish they provided a choice of
soya sauce (regular, less salty and white soya sauce or lemon juice)
to enhance its flavor. I also missed the different sauces offered by
the Nobu café for their sushi. My companion's "Angry Chicken" was
wonderful. Very flavorful with well balanced spices and a dramatic
presentation. We made the unfortunate decision to have dessert. I
ordered a bitter chocolate tarte and my companion a chocolate brownie
concoction with expresso ice cream. The brownie concoction was good,
could have done with less sugar. My tarte came on a thin oatmeal
wafer that was unfortunately stale. Most people do not realize that
anything made with whole grains need to be refrigerated because the
oils contained therein can go rancid quickly in the heat. I think
this was what happened. This rather spoiled the meal for me. Tea and
coffee were also unspectacular affairs. I would go back and hope that
the restaurant has improved. It would be a pity for it not to succeed
because Morimoto is such a good cook.
====
