Miku Sushi

I went to Miku for lunch today with a dear friend.  I hadn't heard of Miku until she suggested it, and boy am I glad she did!  It's a sushi restaurant on Hastings that sets itself apart from other sushi restaurants based on its Aburi (sear-flamed sushi) concept and the fact that specialty sauces are created for each dish, so they're designed to be eaten without soya sauce or wasabi.

 

I checked the menu online before going to this restaurant and, for someone who eats sushi regularly, I was a little shocked to realize that I didn't recognize half of the items on the menu and was not going to have any clue on how to order.  Luckily, my lunching partner knew the tricks of the trade, and we were able to order a delicious lunch!  Not to mention, the servers were very helpful.

 

I'd definitely recommend checking this unique restaurant out.  However, I'd make sure you do it when you're ready for a bit of a treat (or when you can expense it).  Number one, the restaurant itself is very nice, and it would be a shame to waste it on a rushed meal.  Number two, it's quite a bit more expensive than your average sushi restaurant.  That being said, the food is also nothing like your average sushi restaurant.  Definitely a fun experience.  Thanks lunching partner!

 

Spicy pork gyoza: pork, cabbage, shiitake, welsh onion, garlic, ginger, shrimp, ponzu with shichimi ($10).  Amazing pieces of artwork!  Plus, they were scrumptious.  A lot more refreshing and less greasy than traditional gyoza. 

 

The miso soup came with a lid!  I loved it.  And it was very yummy.  Not too salty.  ($2.50)

 

Aburi Salmon Oshi Sushi: local salmon pressed and dressed with their Chef’s own soy & MIKU sauce, topped with jalapéno ($14).  The Miku staple.  I quite liked this.  It was unlike any sushi I have ever had.  The only thing I wasn't a fan of was that it had a bit of an oil taste because it had been grilled.  I'm so used to sushi being a clean, refreshing lunch that I wasn't sure how I felt about it.  It wasn't super greasy, just different than regular sushi.  Definitely worth a try.

Pacific roll: albacore tuna, jalapeño, cucumber, wrapped in shiso and yellowtail, cracked pepper, avocado sauce ($12).  Hands-down my favourite roll.  The flavours were amazing and it was filling but light.

When you order green tea, you get your very own, cute, bottomless teapot!  I loved it. ($3)

Poke roll: soy marinated spicy seafood, avocado, cucumber, flying fish roe ($11).  This was a very fun roll, but not as flavourful as the other two.  Plus, it was hard to fit the crunchy bit and the roll into your mouth all at once.  So, we ended up eating the crunchy part and then the roll part.  Definitely fun to try, though.

 

The restaurant!  I really loved the space and design.  If it looks familiar to you, it's the old Spotted Prawn location.  Very bright and fun...especially when the chefs yell hello every time someone walks by them to their table!

 

http://mikurestaurant.com/