While the Hibachi cooking table looked intriguing in the new vibrantly decorated dining room for Hirosaki Prime I decided to dig deeper into the menu for a few different items.
For starters I picked the Deep Fried Tofu Sprinkled with Bonito Shavings. The tofu was perfectly fried in a very light batter. While the Tofu was very light I was unable to discern the taste of the bonito flakes. A slight disappointment given the very light taste of the the tofu with tempura batter.
As a main course I opted to pick three appetizers or sides instead of the Hibachi Table.
Ceviche – Assorted – marinated with sweet lime, thai chili, shallots, chives, and rice wine. Three different types of fish were prepared in thin slices. The dish was quite good with the various flavors of the chives, shallots, lime and rice wine complimenting the selections nicely.
Seaweed Salad -seasoned with sesame ans citrus – A large portion of the seaweed salad was presented in martini glass topped with sesame. The presentation was excellent, but the dish lacked the distinct citrus flavors and aromas that had been promised.
Exotic Mushrooms – When the plate arrived I was a bit surprised to see a plate full of white button mushrooms. Thoughts of Shitake, Crimini, Woodear, Straw Mushrooms amongst other were quickly changed to their more domestic cousin. The mushrooms were prepared in a nice brown sauce with scallions. Taste and preparation were exceptional. They just missed their exotic flair.
Overall worth another visit. Food quality and preparation were excellent. The menu seems to be a little more creative than the actual food delivered. Creative writing or an off night for the exotic flavors promised? -DO