Aki, on the west

I wasn't very big on Japanese food because when I went to a sushi place all I would get was the avocado roll. Don't get me wrong I love avocado rolls but they are sort of the norm. Of course all of this was before Aki, now there is Japanese restaurant. The place is small and intimate with a chic and modern decor but the food is art.



I began my culinary adventure by ordering a yuzu* citron ginger tea. This elixir was sweet and very refreshing. I first tasted a citrus flavor followed by a soft and slightly spicy ginger flavor. I usually drink my drinks quickly but this time I wanted to savour each sip.



I ordered Nasu-Dengaku, fried eggplant with miso sauce. Normally when I order this dish I get an oily and mushy limp eggplant and a very salty miso sauce. At Aki, however, I got an eggplant that was very well composed visually and tasting wise. On top of the eggplant there were two sauces one mustard colored and the other a dark brown. When I took a bite of the eggplant it melted in my mouth. It was very balanced not salty and not too sweet. It was one of the best eggplants I have ever had.

After the appetizer my main dish came. I had ordered the Aki vegetable sushi. I was expecting the run of the mill sushi rolls. Boy was I surprised. There was only one roll in the middle the, spicy veggie roll but it wasn't like a regular roll . It had a delicious spicy sauce that complemented the softness of the avocado. It also had borduck which gave it a crunch and spinach which is just healthy. Surrounding this wonderful roll were different pieces of vegetable sushi. Each piece was a master piece in there own right. The avocado was beautifully fanned out over the sushi rice. The shiitake mushroom piece was a gentle shiitake mushroom and rice wrapped with a thin piece of nori. The heart of palm was an interesting invention.

I couldn't help but order the tofu panna cotta. It was different yet I really liked it. It was soothing to the stomach and very refreshing. It wasn't as visually stunning as the rest of the meal though but it was the perfect way to end a meal.

Notes: If you go to Aki it is helpful to make reservations. Also know that the portion size is more on the small side. When going to a non-vegan restaurant always ask what ingredients the items have in them and also where they are cooked.

Aki
181 W 4th St - Btwn 6th & 7th Ave
New York, NY 10014
212 989-5440