Are You Guys Trying to Get Me Drunk?

In which I check out a well-touted classical sushi omakase experience.

Wait… what is this? I’ve come out to Belgrano to sample what is being touted as one of the best classical omakase experiences in town. I entered through the sushi bar downstairs (Haiku), headed up the indicated stairway, and I’m now sitting on a lounge banquette in a low lit room with absolutely pounding music that is, let’s say, not to my tastes. Are we being served sushi at lounge tables in this environment? I’m sure I saw photos of a sushi bar, but I look around and there’s just this and a terrace. Well, at least maybe I can sit on the terrace where it’s a bit quieter….

Ahh… now I get it. Separate room entered off the terrace. Welcome to Shimada Omakase, F.D. Roosevelt 1806. But, what about that music?

In short order, the nine of us who are there (four separate couples and myself, solo) are escorted into the sushi bar. Like a well oiled machine, as the sushi chef signals the start of the evening, the music in the next door room (Mixtape Bar) is switched to a soft folk pop sort of vibe and the volume is cut to the point where it’s just background for us.

Before things really get underway, we are treated to a little “amuse” of fresh trout, trout roe, and an almond tofu cream.

The eponymous chef, Shimada (a common Eastern Japanese last name, I am informed, meaning “island rice paddy”), comes to each couple (or single) and presents the fish of the evening, talking through each one. It takes a bit of time, as he’s repeating the entire two-plus minute spiel five times. And some of the fish are unfamiliar to some of the guests, so he spends a bit more time describing them. Of particular interest to me is that he’s using some lesser used fish (here) - like two types of mackerel, geoduck, and razor clam.