Oakland - Contemporary Japanese Cuisine
By
Carol & Joe Davis
Dining Detectives
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Downtown
Oakland's "Restaurant Row" is a hotspot for upscale
dining. It is hard to believe that Ozumo Oakland
which led the way to help revitalize this area has been open for
almost two years now. This impressive and stylish restaurant features
a Sushi Bar, Robata Grill, a
beautiful Bar with a D.J.in the evening, and a Sake Lounge
with the largest "By the Glass" Premium Sake selection
in the United States. Executive Chef Yo Matsuzaki
has raised the level for Japanese cuisine in the Bay Area with
his creative and traditional dishes.
We
started out our dinner with Voss Sparkling Water and warm Edamame
Japanese style beans. Megu, our professional server, encouraged
us to pair Sake with each course which sounded great and we let
her make the selections for us. The first course which we always
enjoy was traditional Miso Soup. Next, we tried the Hanabi which
was a wonderful appetizer of Hamachi with avocado in warm garlic,
jalapeno ponzu. It was cut extremely thin and had very complimentary
flavors.
The
Masumi Arabashiri Nama Sake (unpasturized sake) paired perfectly!
Our next course was flavorful Futago "twins" Washu Flatloin
beef on spinach from Snake River Farms in Idaho known for their
American Kobe Beef. The Sushi and Sashimi course was fabulous
as well! We particularly enjoyed the JP Saba Mackerel, Botenabi
Sweet Prawns and the Sake Salmon. The white ginger, wasabi and
low sodium soy sauce were all a cut above as accompaniments. The
Masumi Karakuchi Kipon Sake paired perfectly.
Our
next course was the Kushi Platter Robata Grill skewers which included
salmon, beef, chicken, prawns and grilled corn served with sweet
onion butter. The Japanese Sumi charcoals for high heat and fast
cooking sealed in all the flavorful juices. The Wakatake Daiginjo
Sake paired perfectly. Warm towels were a nice touch, as we relaxed
and anticipated our dessert which was Dark Chocolate Fondue. The
Belgian chocolate was rich and subtle, not too sweet and we loved
the tasty cake and fresh fruit which included liche, raspberries
and strawberries. The Toki Meki "Love at first Sight"
Sake paired perfectly.
Ozumo
is currently featuring a four course Prix Fixe dinner menu with
multiple choices for only $35.00, Happy Hour from 4:00PM-8:00PM
including specials for Golden State Warrior home games and has
Valet parking in the evening. We really enjoyed our fabulous meal,
the attention to detail, beautiful atmosphere and the professional
friendly staff. What could be better!
OZUMO
Oakland
2251 Broadway (at Grand Avenue)
Oakland, CA. 94612
510-286-9866
www.ozumo.com/oakland/
