The seminal event in our well orchestrated vacation was to be Uchiko. Uchiko is the sister restaurant of Uchi and is operated by Tyson Cole, a recent recipient of a James Beard Award on Lamar Blvd. in Austin. You may ask yourself why or how we would choose this restaurant. Let's just say we were impressed with the work of her executive chef, Paul Qui, on one of our favorite shows: Top Chef.
The restaurant's focus is fish in a all forms, with other Asian inspired dishes that accompany them. We opted for the tasting menu per our tradition, and we weren't disappointed Dish after dish wowed us and left us anticipating more. Right in the middle of our experience we were served a piece of nigiri that, for both of us, was the best single bite of food that we have ever had. I will lamely attempt to describe it for you.
The plate in front of us was small, almost saucer-like white place that could be found anywhere. Upon it was a piece of nigiri: a small loaf of rice, a slightly larger filet of Norwegian mackerel with some silver skin still visible giving it a shininess, and perched atop that a small, half pea-sized tomato. Somewhere within was supposedly a piece of truffle (presumably under the fish). We partook. Sweet rice with just a hint of vinegar, a rush of mild fish and salty oceanness, a delicately sour tomato jab, and then the earthiness of truffle. The flavor blossomed and lingered. I didn't want to drink anything afterward for fear of losing the tastes. It was amazing.
Menu: ★★★★★
Extensive and exhaustive. Unbelievable sushi, simple and refined dishes, plenty to choose from but not overly complicated. Great wine and sake list to accompany.
Food: ★★★★★
Stellar. Really some of the best I've ever eaten. It puts all other sushi to shame. Dessert was even killer, with a tobacco pastry cream dish (yes, tobacco, not tobasco). In a word: perfect.
Atmosphere: ★★★☆☆
For a restaurant this good, it was just a little to open and loud. A slightly more close in space would give quiet and a more personal feel. But apart from that, very well put together and definitely the place to be, even on a Wednesday night.
Service: ★★★★☆
Our waitress was amazing. She tailored to our tastes, made great suggestions and really made us feel welcome. One star off for not being seated on time despite our reservation (we only waited a few minutes past).