Now that summer is here, lighter food is definitely at the top of my list. Creative sushi rolls are one of my favorite meals. They’re full of flavor but usually not chock-full of calories and fats.
A recent visit to Kata Robata on Kirby offered some great choices. Executive Chef Manabu Horiuchi (a James Beard Award-nominated chef) is known for his creative inspirations and use of seasonal ingredients.
My favorite roll on this visit was the Salmon and Soft Shell Crab. I was intrigued by the combo and curious to see the presentation. It didn’t disappoint.
The texture of the soft shell crab and the flavor of the fresh salmon made for a wonderful roll. The chef’s use of an earthy Korean BBQ powder added a lot of interest as well. The roll was topped with delicate micro-greens and chili threads—long, thin strands of lightly fried chilies that were delicious! At first glance, they looked like saffron.
The second roll we enjoyed was incredibly good too. I’m told it’s a crowd favorite—the Texas Hamachi with yellowtail and spicy tuna. It’s topped with jalapeños and yuzu juice that makes for a playful combination with just the right amount of kick.
The wine list is wonderful. It’s obvious a lot of thought went into the selections. There’s also an extensive Saki list as well as cocktails.
The only challenge at this restaurant is to find a parking place during peak hours. If I were the landlord, I’d think twice about ever raising their rent. 🙂
Kata Robata is open seven days a week. For more delicious recipes and fun food and wine pairing ideas, subscribe to my newsletter.
Leave a Reply