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very satisfying omakase at Hamamori

May 21, 2013 Mad Hungry Woman 4 Comments

My friend Brenda loves food just like me, and whenever we lunch, sushi is generally the food of choice. Although it’s been only about a week since Brenda’s last visit, it’s been a while since mine and I was happy to see Chef James Hamamori in good spirits and jokingly cheerful as I take photos of everything I’m eating.

HAMAMORI (640x384)

We decided on omakase (please note prices reflect the price of a two piece portion) and started with Uni Toro ($19.50), Brenda’s choice — the fatty tuna together with the already decadent uni (sea urchin) was heavenly when combined. I looked at Chef James and damned him for presenting that to us first because it would be a hard act to follow. He deflected blame to Brenda — funny guy!

uni tuna (640x425)

Salmon with daikon and Ikura ($6) was a melt-in-your-mouth piece of salmon topped with a thin slice of pickled daikon (Asian radish) and topped with salty ikura (roe) and a little citrus zest.

salmon ikura (640x425)

I was remembering the fermented beancurd soaked in a sweet sake during one visit and Chef James decided to create a special piece of sushi using Halibut ($6.50). I absolutely love the taste, although it could be an acquired one for some.

halibut tofu (640x425)

I asked for toro next and Chu Toro ($12.50), my favorite of all the different toro (bluefin tuna) cuts. It is less fatty than the top of the charts otoro which can be so fatty it leaves a film in my mouth I prefer to eat it as the last piece in my meal. This chu toro is really flavorful and doesn’t overpower your palate.

chu toro (640x425)

Next came Spot Prawn Caviar ($11), a sweet spot prawn topped with caviar.

amaebi (640x425)

After eating the sushi, you have the option of having the head fried or served in soup. We chose the fried.

shrimp head (640x425)

I love yuzu kosho, a paste made from yuzu and other aromatics. Scallop Yuzu Kosho ($6) was melty good. Loved it!

scallop (640x425)

Brenda remembers the lobster from a previous visit so we had an order of Lobster ($12) topped with this incredible sauce. I asked Chef James if it was miso and ponzu and he shook his head. He wasn’t about to divulge his secrets to me!

lobster (640x425)

We ended with Albacore Onion ($6.50) a beautiful piece of albacore tuna topped with fried onion bits. I highly recommend eating this last so the onion doesn’t overwhelm your palate. You need to keep your tastebuds clean when eating sushi.

albacore onion (640x425)

Brenda and I shared Pumpkin Flan ($8) for dessert. The kabocha squash flan was subtle and lightly sweetened, my perfect kind of dessert. A very enjoyable meal with a good friend!

flan (640x425)

Go and have some sushi and enjoy some laughs with Chef James!

Hamamori
3333 Bear Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Tel: 714-850-0880

Hamamori on Urbanspoon

Costa Mesa CA, fine dining, Japanese, sushi

Comments

  1. Adrea says

    May 21, 2013 at 8:07 am

    Every dish looks insanely beautiful and yummy!

    Reply
  2. Sharon (@crazykids6) says

    May 21, 2013 at 10:15 am

    That Scallop Yuzu Kosho looks yummy!

    Reply
  3. John Olsen says

    May 21, 2013 at 4:23 pm

    beautiful

    Reply
  4. realarmyofmoms says

    May 21, 2013 at 5:55 pm

    Oh another great place to try on date night. Keep it coming!

    Reply

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About Me

This blog is a journal of mostly my eating adventures, but also, other things I'm passionate about, including travel, the arts, and also, necessities to complete my life. Centered predominantly in and around Orange County, CA, some will extend to Los Angeles, San Diego and beyond. I am constantly searching for delicious food to eat and fun things to do, nothing is out of bounds. Sometimes it doesn't end well, but I can definitely say, it will always be an interesting journey.

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