Kissaki Omakase

Hello Fellow Adventurers,

Have you been feeling adventurous lately? Well, do I have a treat for you! Omakase restaurants are all the rage right now - delectable dining experiences where each dish is thoughtfully hand-selected by experienced chefs. Translating to "I leave it up to you", these meals offer unique culinary masterpieces that celebrate whatever ingredients happen to be in season and most flavorful. Be prepared to pamper your palate as you sit directly at the sushi bar and chat with the chef who is preparing a personal menu just for you. Omakase might be pricier than other restaurants in NYC – with costs ranging from $100 to $400 - but it's well worth every penny! And don't forget about tax and tip on top; that’s all part of this deliciously unique journey. So forget ordering off of menus - this time around, let's sit back and enjoy the show (ahem...taste!). 

Now, at a traditional Omakase experience, the chef will not only explain the course to you but will also guess what your next course should be based on your experience of the previous dish you have been served. The experience I had at Kissaki Omakase was slightly different, mainly because this meal was part of a restaurant week promotion. I have never been to an Omakase experience before and I figured that restaurant week was the perfect place to start. The meal consisted of two appetizers, eight pieces of negeri (the fish with the rice), and a dessert for $60, again before tax, tip, drinks, and other add-ons. The deal was too good to pass up.

My reservation wasn’t until 6:00, and I got to the Lower East Side pretty early, so to pass some time I decided to head into a bar and start my evening with a drink. Not far from the restaurant, I stumbled upon an awesome spot. Bar GoTo had quite the unassuming exterior but once inside discovered it to be a swanky Japanese-inspired bar with almost speakeasy vibes! With twelve seats at the small yet cozy bar and five tables to choose from - no wonder why this place was totally packed all evening long. Though small, this place drew in crowds - definitely worth checking out if you're looking for some good drinks and great company.

While I didn’t partake in any of the deliciously enticing craft cocktails (which I fully intend to go back for), I did order a tantalizing sake called the Dassai 45, a semi-dry sake with notes of fruit and a juicy texture. It was a wonderful sake, and a great way to start my night. The bar had a buzz about it that gave it a lively yet relaxed feel and I admit, I really wanted to stay longer than the allotted time I had. In fact, I had planned on going back after dinner, but I didn’t get around to it- just an excuse to go back another day honestly. Bar GoTo can be found at 245 Eldridge St in Manhattan or in Brooklyn at 474 Bergen St. Check them out, I’d highly recommend this spot for a date night for yourself or with a partner!

After eagerly anticipating my reservation at Kissaki, I arrived early and was seated right away! The atmosphere of the restaurant was undeniably marvelous. With its blue-painted walls adorned with intricately crafted Japanese artwork and a wondrous wooden archway, it exuded an air of elegance. Beyond that stood a vibrant bar comprised of two distinct sides: one for drinks, while the other lured me in as five to six chefs, worked hard harmoniously over what looked like sushi creations fit for royalty - this must have been the Omakase area!

Because of the restaurant week deal, I was not on the Omakase side of the bar with the chefs, but that didn’t negate the experience. Guests were treated to a first course of heavenly delight, beginning with the umami-packed dashi broth and succulent slice of daikon. Crispy fried tilefish accompanied by a refreshing spritz of lemon and sea salt tantalized taste buds for an incomparable start to the meal - but that dashi was something truly special! Paired perfectly with Kuni unfiltered sake; its velvety texture combined with hints of rustic flavor delivered each bite into blissful harmony. 

While the restaurant delivered an exquisite evening, there was something of a drag in between courses. It seemed that wait times were longer than one would want from such a well-polished establishment -possibly due to serving multiple people on their special Restaurant Week deal at once! Though understandable, it created quite a pause for us non-regular omakase customers and left me with only one qualm about our extraordinary experience.

I was so pumped when the nigiri course finally arrived! It had all my favorites - tuna tartar, ikura (salmon roe), King Salmon from New Zealand, sea scallop, toro belly, and yellowtail. The flavors were wonderfully balanced with a few drops of soy sauce on each piece plus just enough wasabi for zing without overwhelming you. And every bit tasted as good as it looked: fresh flavors bursting in each bite. Each piece melted in my mouth like butter. Even though it may not have been enough food for me personally due to an ever-brewing appetite monster inside me, I treated myself to an insanely tasty (though small) yellowtail handroll.

After an amazing meal, the icing on the cake was a delicious wafer cookie sandwich with succulent black sesame ice cream. The unique flavor of the black sesame delighted my taste buds and complemented perfectly against both the sweetness of the cookies and their crunchy texture. Though it had gone soft by the time I received it, this didn't stop me from enjoying every single bite!

So, what was the final verdict? After savoring every bite served up by the talented chef, I can say with confidence that this is one culinary journey worth going on again soon! With no rush or pressure between courses, there's nothing like journeying through an array of exquisite flavors at your own pace - something special even when dining alone. Based on what I experienced so far, you may see me sampling other Omakase restaurants around town shortly...stay tuned for more fun adventures from foodie trips throughout the city!

Omakase places provide a unique, elevated dining experience for all kinds of foodies. Whether you’re looking for something more traditional or modern, Omakase offers a chance to indulge in mouthwatering and artfully presented dishes. Eating out no longer has to be an ordinary affair when there are such unique and creative options available. While other cuisines come and go in trend cycles, Omakase has remained a staple part of food culture that continues to tantalize and drive creativity. By trying new dishes, expanding your palette, and visiting different establishments around town, you can continue on this path of experimentation and cultured discovery. And if that's not enough incentive for your next foodie foray into an Omakase restaurant - simply know it'll be an adventure! So join the journey and subscribe today; never miss out on another mouthwatering experience!