The more I learn about food, the more I am drawn to food with layers. I love a clorful dish. It’s something that I always keep in mind when I cook at home. I think it makes the dish more appealing, more appetizing and who am I kidding, just plain beautiful. But I haven’t quite conquered texture yet, but Uma Temakeria has.
Yum! That was the first thought I had when I bit into Uma Temakeria’s temaki at a VIP Preview at the Gotham West Market, the newest location. Under Chris Jaeckle, the chef and co-owner, Uma Temakaria fuses together the vibrancy of Brazilian cuisine with the simplicity of Japanese cuisine using sustainable ingredients.
I chose a temaki with white rice, shrimp and green curry. The nori had a slight saltiness, there was a soft chew from the rice and shrimp, and an unexpected crunch of the vegetables. In my opinion, the green curry took the sushi hand roll to the next level. It gave me a gentler nostril burn that I absolutely love when I eat wasabi. I know, I’m crazy. And when the heat became too much to bare, I washed it down with a warm cider sake cocktail that absorbed a subtle apple taste from the pieces that were served in my glass.
Throughout the night, employees passed out other deliciousness including sushi burritos. There were also these tasty rice balls that were rolled in different spices making you forget that you are eating just rice. I was hesitant to eat them, but members of the mixed crowed that was comprised of men donning tailored-made suits and fashionistas with shag coats, encouraged me saying they were so good. And they most certainly were.
I have to admit, while I enjoyed the food, I’m a sucker for good customer service. Everyone was so polite, but specifically Banetta. She was so sweet making sure everyone was enjoying themselves as she cleaned the tables. She kept the wooden crates that held two types of sake inside filled. She even went out of her way to bring Channing water.
I was stuffed after the sushi burrito with salmon so I didn’t try the chirashi rice bowls. But if you ask me, that’s all the more reason to go back for more.
