Minami Restaurant (Dine Out Vancouver 2013)- Flame Torch ALL The Sushi!

One of the restaurants on my Top Picks for Dine Out Vancouver 2013 list included Minami, the sister restaurant of Miku (also known as the aburi or 'flame torched' sushi place). Meta Knight and I decided to check this off our Dine Out list because we couldn't resist tasting the delicious aburi salmon oshi again.

Their dine out menu is different from other restaurants in that it does not allow you to choose, rather it gives you a sampler set of items called the Minami Zen. For their appetizer, they give you a selection of four seasonal items.

(left to right) The Ebi Fritter consisted of a black tiger prawn, spiced couscous, soy balsamic, and sweet chili aioli. The beer batter was delicious and Meta knight said it was the best shrimp tempura he has ever had. The Slow Roasted Beet was compiled of baby frisse, fuji apple-raisin chutney, creamy tuzu, and goat cheese. I like the combination of goat cheese with beets so it was a good starter for me.

(left to right) My favourite of the night was the Soy Braised Short Rib. I mean, who could resist the taste of an extremely tender AAA sterling with yukon potato puree and wasabi pickles? I couldn't get enough of this. Meta Knight on the other hand enjoyed the Saikyo Miso Baked Sablefish the best with kale goma-ae on the bottom. 

For your entree, you are given a 7 piece sushi platter consisting of (left to right) Hamachi Aburi, Zuke Maguro, Saba Aburi, Minami Roll, Sunset Roll, Aburi Ebi Oshi, and Aburi Salmon Oshi.

Out of the 7 pieces of sushi, I enjoyed the Aburi Ebi Oshi the best, followed by the Saba Aburi, and then the Aburi Salmon Oshi. The least memorable two were the Sunset Roll and Zuke Maguro.

Our waiter highly raved about the Dine Out Menu dessert which was a Piemonte Panna Cotta with Bitter Orange Sorbe Cassis Coulis. Boy, it did not disappoint. The creaminess and sweetness of the panna cotta was balanced out by the bitter (indeed it was quite bitter!!) orange sorbet and granola. Spectacular dessert! It was the perfect way to end our meal. :)

I had high expectations for Minami but it lived up to my expectations with its extremely prompt service and delightful and creative offerings. I highly encourage everyone to give this place a try, especially during dine out when it gives you more bang for your buck. But, thats if you can still make reservations.

Service Rating: 4/5
Food Rating: 4.5/5
Price: $$$$$ ($40+)

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Happy Eating!


courtesy of http://www.hsmemes.com/locale/18118/Oxbridge-Academy/24