Kishimoto Japanese Kitchen & Sushi Bar: I got Lucky

I love sushi! I've heard so much about Kishimoto Japanese Restaurant on Commercial Drive, so I finally decided to go. Please note that they do not take reservations and you have to walk in and write your name down! On the brighter side, they can text/call you when they have seats so you can walk around! The place is fairly small and we were told that it'd be almost an hour wait for table for 2. After waiting 15 minutes, we were going to go elsewhere and hence, we walked back to the restaurant to let the hostess know to remove our name. She did not seem disappointed as this probably happens often at this restaurant! As I was walking out the door and outside, she called me back and said they have a table ready for us as somebody else left and cancelled their table! Joy! 

Salmon Oshi (wild salmon/jalapeno/creamy sauce/cracked black pepper/torch seared)

Salmon Oshi must be one of their most popular dishes as this has popped up on my instagram numerous times! It is without a doubt that this dish is popular - it was amazingly delicious! Kishimoto is known for their reasonable prices and fantastic plating and without a doubt, I was indeed impress with their fancy plating!

Caterpillar Roll (unagi, cucumber, unagi sauce, wrapped in avocado, mayo and ikura on top 

Again, the presentation was a full 10/10. Ingredients tasted very fresh, each piece was detail oriented, and I was only wanting seconds!

Toro

To me, the toro was good, but not great. To be fair, I'm not a huge fan of tuna sashimi to begin with. For freshness, it didn't taste 10/10, maybe a 9/10. 

Unfortunately, I don't recall what this was called but it was one of their seasonal specials. This dish came on ice and while there are the sashimi pieces, the head is fried! 

3 types of sauces!

Entrance

Another look at the details put in to the Salmon Oshi dish! 

Overall, very yummy indeed. I would say Kishimoto is definitely one of my favourites in Vancouver. Not only do they have unique rolls, but also fresh and delicious. Also, for the average prices, you also get fantastic plating. Nevertheless, be prepared to wait! They are busy and popular and hence, no surprise you'll have to wait if you go during a popular time! 

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Sushi Aria: First restaurant meal of 2016!

Happy New Year! Wishing you all a year filled with happiness, good health, and good food!

My first restaurant meal this year was at Sushi Aria, which opened a few months ago. This location was a travel agency, then a modern dessert place, and finally a sushi place now. Situated between Copa Cafe and Corner 23, and across from Landmark Hot Pot, I think it's perfect to have a sushi restaurant in this area. We came here on a Saturday evening without reservations, and we were seated quickly!

Sushi Aria

Menu

Agedashi tofu $4.75

The agedashi tofu was lightly fried and gave off a nice crispy outer layer even when dipped into the sauce.

Salmon teriyaki with rice $8.95

The salmon teriyaki was nicely cooked and still maintained a smooth texture. This plate had lots of bean sprouts (yay for veggies!), however, I think it had too much pepper. The pepper made this dish a little overly spicy.

Chopped scallop roll $3.95

The chopped scallop roll was satisfying as it was filled with lots of scallop! I also liked how there isn't too much rice on the roll.

Alaska combo $8.95

The Alaska combo came with 2 salmon nigiri, 1 tuna nigiri, 1 ebi nigiri, and a full order of Alaska roll. Alaska roll is usually my go-to sushi roll because I love California roll and I love salmon sashimi. So, Alaska roll is just the perfect combination for me. However, where's the imitation crab meat in this Alaska roll?! Even though it was filled with chunks of avocado, which made this roll creamy, it just didn't taste right without the imitation crab meat. As you can see, there's something on top of the Alaska rolls (and no, I'm not referring to the salmon), but the mushy, creamy-like orangey which I have yet to figure out what it is. My friend says it's crushed tempura.

Nabeyaki udon $6.95

I thought the Nabeyaki udon was one of the best nabeyaki udons I've had. The udon noodles were done just the way I liked them - a little bit chewy and the soup was rich. However, it was lacking a bit in terms of toppings as it basically only had chicken, mushrooms, and little veggies. I must comment on the way they thinly sliced the carrots because it complemented the noodles well. However, nabeyaki udon is not complete without fish cakes!

One thing I really liked about this restaurant is that it is very spacious! Most of their tables are booth seats and hence, a very private space. Finally, I must mention that the waitresses were constantly filling our cups with tea. We stayed there for quite some time and I was really surprised that I had never for once needed to ask them for to refill our tea. Thank you for keeping us hydrated and warm with the green tea! 

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