Morimoto- Napa

Sunday we finally got a chance to go to Morimoto in Napa. I had never been to Napa before.  We got there a little early since I wanted to check out the Oxbow Market and see a little of the town.  Amazingly we found plenty of parking right by Morimoto.  It is on Main Street so as we walked to the market we passed a number of well known restaurants (which I added to my "to go to" list) plus Tyler Florence's shop.  It's cute and has some nice things in there but I didn't see anything that I really needed, which was a good thing.  The Oxbow Market is a lot smaller than I had thought it would be.  It reminded me of a smaller version of the Grandville Market in Vancouver.  It has the usual vegetables, pastries, meats, cheeses, teas,etc.  Cute place.
Jeanne and Tennis were already at Morimoto when we got back there and we were promptly seated.
The waiter explained the menu and about the Omakase, the tasting menu.  You get eight courses so you get a little taste of everything.  We all opted for the Omakase.  

fist course- Toro Tartare

Kampachi

Bagna Cauda w/garlic anchovy oil and local vegetables

Foie Gras Chawan Mushi w/ duck breast

pallet cleanser of watermelon sorbet

Nigiri plate

Lobster, tempura veal cheeks, kobe beef

Desert- don't remember what it was but it was GOOD!

Everything was excellent.. Service was outstanding.  All the plates came out at once, so we always had at least two servers so no one was left waiting for their plate at any given course.  For the Bagna Cauda course, my server wasn't there when the other two servers got to the table.  The looks on their faces was of such embarrassment that all the plates were not there..so much apologizing too.  Turns out the flame kept going out in my little pot so my waiter had to keep stopping to lighting it and it made him late. 
The restaurant also keeps a note of what items were on the Omakase so that if you order that the next time you will not get the same items.  Also since Tennis couldn't have any alcohol that evening they made him the most delicious spritzers.  It seemed each time they brought him one it was a different fruit combination.
I am looking forward to going back again, there are a lot of items on the menu that I'd like to try.
If your in the Napa/Sonoma area go!!  You won't be disappointed.


Morimoto Napa
610 Main Street
Napa  CA
(707)252-1600

OSAKA SUSHI

Last night a group of us went to Osaka Sushi for dinner.  This was my husband and my  first time there since I (and yes, I'm Japanese) don't usually go out for Japanese food or eat a lot of Japanese food for that matter. 

Osaka Sushi is located in a large strip mall on Center Parkway off Sheldon Rd.  The restaurant itself is large, well lit and has a very friendly atmosphere.  It's one of those places you like as soon as you walk in. 

We were seated and Linda ordered multiple plates of nigiri and  sushi rolls.  I thought this was going to be dinner but it was just the appetizers.  All the fish was  nice and fresh and the rolls as you can see were beautifully made. We got the Spider Roll, the Y2K Roll and a variety of different nigri sushi. They were all delicious and there was plenty to bring home for lunch the next day. 

I really should have stopped there with the sushi but for an entree I ordered the Seafood Tempura.  This was a mix of oysters, squid, prawns, white fish, crab and scallops all in a nice light crunchy tempura batter,and not greasy at all.  It was one of the better tempura dishes that I've had.  They for sure didn't skimp on the amount of food that they give you.  I have to say, normally I don't like cooked oysters but this was very good. Everything was fried perfectly. After all the sushi I wasn't hungry but I didn't have to worry about any of the tempura going to waste, my husband finished it off.   Other items ordered for dinner were the  Shiyoyaki Salmon (grilled salmon seasoned with salt and pepper), the Yosenabe which is a hot pot of broth with fish and cellophane noodles and vegetables and the boys ordered the House Ramen another big pot of ramen noodles, barbecued pork, chicken and vegetables. 

All the orders came quickly with just one missed order.  Poor Dave didn't get his Ramen, the waiter thought he and his brother were going to split one order. The did finally bring it to him, and he was a happy camper.
Osaka Sushi has a huge menu from appetizers to Sukiyaki. I was very impressed with the food and the friendly staff.

Osaka Sushi
8785 Center Parkway
Sacramento  CA  95823
916 689-8228

Miyagi Bar and Sushi
2580 Fair Oaks Blvd
Sacramento  CA  95825
916 485-2299

Osaka Sushi Woodland
608 Main Street
Woodland  CA  95695
530 668-6288