Sake Japanese Bistro - (Posted 4/7/07)
Stepping into Sake Japanese Bistro on a spring evening I was a little apprehensive. Never trying Sushi before I didn’t know what to expect. Everything I’ve heard about Sake has been wonderful and it certainly didn’t disappoint.
Downtown
on 10th street Sake Japanese Bistro is lined with faded blue couches
on the right and low tables. Obviously adding an Asian feel to “The
District”. Square and round tables sit to the left that can accommodate
two people or many more. The Sushi Bar unfolds in the back adding an
air of mystery to your experience. You are more than welcome to sit
at the Sushi Bar and see how it’s all put together.
Uniquely delightful is a great way to describe Sake. From their table accents, fireplace and dishes to the energetic atmosphere Sake is sure to become a favorite. The menus brought to your table seem overwhelming at first but break them down and it gets a lot easier.
First
up is a Martini and Sake menu. They offer drinks that will be hard to
find anywhere else in Mid-Missouri. The Rising Sun and Samurai Martini
take advantage of Sake mixed with other liquors. Red and white wines
are available by the glass or bottle. For Sake drinks you might be better
off asking your waitress for help, it’s a little hard to explain
in writing. However, try your hand at Sake selections like Horin, Wakataki,
Momokawa or even Hot Sake and you won’t be disappointed.
The other menus at Sake Japanese Bistro include your appetizers, entrees, and of course Sushi. Your meal can start with a variety of unique selections like Gyoza, a traditional Japanese dish, stuffed dumplings seared and served with a ginger-soy sauce. Beef Tataki is a popular choice, medium rare New York strip steak thinly sliced and accompanied with ponzu sauce. The appetizers carry a vast array of choices and most will be a new sensation for your palate.
Sake
Japanese Bistro offers entrees that you can find at most restaurants
but it also offers many that are hard to find. Yaki Soba is Japanese
Soba pasta sautéed with mushrooms, shrimp, and vegetables. Donkatsu
will fill your stomach with two tender pork loins, which are breaded
with traditional Donkatsu sauce and rice. Both offer unique flavors
that will thrill.
Along with the entrees make sure to pick out one, or two, of Sake’s Sushi rolls. The spicy tuna roll, Futomaki roll, Unagi roll, or even the Mizzou roll will all be different and splendid. Don’t worry about getting in over your head, the back of the menu tells you exactly what goes into each roll.
I tried the Seafood Tempura and it was an absolute hit. Fresh prawns, scallops, Ika crab, and vegetables lightly fried in traditional Japanese style. The seafood at Sake was magnificently fresh and the light Tempura batter was a remarkable marriage with each piece of seafood. Even the vegetables had new life after mixing with the batter. This dish is a definite reason for a return trip to Sake.
Also
brought to the table was an exceptional display of color as our Sushi
rolls had arrived. The Big O Roll and the Volcano roll were sitting
in front of us with a serving of ginger slices and Wasabi. The Big O
roll at Sake Japanese Bistro is crabmeat, avocado, and cream cheese
lightly fried in Tempura. Warm rice outside led to a cool blend of crabmeat
and cream cheese. The Volcano roll on the other hand invited cucumber
slices in, just to cool your tongue for a second before the spice kicked
in. TNT mix and spicy sauces added a punch to your meal. Both rolls
were contrasting and delicious.
Uniquely different and just as delightful Sake Japanese Bistro is wonderful place for any celebration any night of the week. If you’ve never tried Sushi or authentic Japanese cuisine Sake Japanese Bistro is an outstanding first step.
Adam L.
Food Evangelist
foodevangelist@midmodiningguide.com
MidMoDiningGuide.com
From time to time, we are going to spotlight an area restaurant. Let us know who we should spotlight. We'll also take into account which restaurant has the highest overall rating from you, our guest.
