Minami

Minami has been on my radar for a while now. I guess it's not a new restaurant anymore, it has been open for about a year now. The last time I've been to this space was back when it was still Goldfish restaurant. Minami seems to be doing quite well there; the restaurant was very busy!

The restaurant walls are painted with these beautiful waterscapes.

The reason for this outing was for my friend, Winw's birthday celebration. When she made the reservation, Minami offered a private room but she was told the party will have to spend at least $750 in order to book it. My friend politely declined but when they heard that it was for her birthday, they decided to book it for her anyways! It was a surprise because they didn't tell her they did until she arrived at the restaurant. What great customer service! The table seats ten people and the room has a TV (in case you want to watch the game or something) and also it's own music system.

Minami is known for its sushi, more specifically, the Aburi sushi. Looking over the menu, I really wanted to try everything! I ended up splitting the chef's menu: Minami Shokai, with Winw in addition to some other dishes.

Minami Shokai costs $80 and is "an introduction to the Minami experience through an assortment of trademark dishes from the kitchen, sushi and pastry chefs." It is 6 course menu and it is up to the chef what they serve you. There is another $100 option, Minami Omakase but that one requires 3 days notice! I wonder what kind of special dishes are in that?

We started off with a trio of sashimi. Salmon, tuna and maybe yellowfin tuna? I didn't really take down what the names of every dish during this meal. I was too busy enjoying the symphony of tastes that was playing in my mouth. Very nice!

Next was a box of four different food items. They are miniaturized versions of the appetizers found on their regular menu.

From left to right, top to bottom: Kale Goma-ae, Ebi Fritter, Albacore Tuna & Kaiso Tartare, Heirloom Tomato & Slow Roasted Beet salad. They all tasted great but I have to say my favourite was the Albacore Tuna & Kaiso Tartare; the Goma-ae is a strong second.

Our third course was Saikyo Miso Baked Sablefish with gomae-ae, king oyster mushroom, and yuzu miso foam. The sablefish tasted heavenly. Mmm-mm!

Next was a meatier dish: Soy Braised Beef Short Rib. I liked the short rib the best (the one rolled up in the foreground). So tasty, tender and flavourful. 

Winding down the meal, we were presented with a selection of Nigiri and specialty sushi. Amazing! 

I don't remember what this dessert was called only that it had a citrusy sorbet that was sooo good. All the flavours on the plate complemented each other and ah! It was just not enough.

Minami Shokai is worth the price with all the dishes you get to try. I was pretty stuffed by the end and your bill will probably end up about the same even if you order à la carte. I did share some other dishes with my friends though.

Aburi Carpaccio, organic 64° egg, asian pear, fern alley greens, lotus root chips, wasabi pickles, jalapeño-garlic ponzu

I was going to share this Aburi Carpaccio with K but she ended up eating most of it herself. The one slice I had was yummy.

     Aburi Salmon Oshi Sushi pressed local salmon, jalapeño, miku sauce

Everyone orders this. You cannot leave without trying Minami's Aburi Salmon Oshi Sushi because this is what they are known for!

Soft Shell Shrimp Roll soft shell shrimp karaage, sous vide salmon, asparagus, wrapped with golden tobiko

I shared this with Winw. It looked amazing with the golden tobiko. It tasted pretty good but the sauce on the bottom made it a little spicy.

Miku Roll salmon, uni, crab, cucumber, rolled in flying fish roe, MIKU sauce

If I had to pick between the Miku roll and the Soft Shell Shrimp roll, I'd go for the Miku roll hands down. Again, was going to share this with K but she only allowed me to trade one Soft Shell Shrimp roll for one of hers. I think I got the better end of the deal. =P

Green Tea Opera Green tea génoise, dark chocolate ganache, green tea ice cream

 Didn't try this dessert but it looks amazing!

Warm Valrhona Chocolate Fondant molten matcha ganache, genmai tea tuile, jasmine gelée, chocolate sauce, jasmine tea ice cream

Almost everyone ordered the Warm Valrhona Chocolate Fondant. I shared one with Winw after we decided the dessert that came with the chef menu was too little. I'm glad we did because it was heavenly! I especially loved the jasmine tea ice cream.

 Mmmm gooey goodness!

The meal was amazing and I had was so delicious. Yes, I'm totally broke now but it was worth it; It was a celebration and it is nice to indulge once in a while!