I was in Austin yesterday, and after a long day of good work, I thought I'd treat myself to a nice meal at Nori. It was such a wonderful decision!
I sat at the bar and was so kindly taken care of by Rachel and Keisha. I never once felt judged for how much I ordered and ate.
Shown here are my selections: Nigiri Sampler, Volcano Roll, Dragon Roll, and HOUSE-MADE Kimchi!
KIMCHI: Before yesterday, if you had asked me about the best kimchi I've ever had, I would have told you about an elderly Korean couple who owns a spot in Houston and makes their own. But now...I don't know, fam... Nori's kimchi is beautiful--ginger-infused flavor in every bite, sweet, salty, spicy, savory, and complex--I could have (and would have) eaten a whole batch of it! I wish I could buy a big jar.
NIGIRI SAMPLER: Each piece of the Nigiri Sampler is well thought and wonderful on its own, even better that they are presented together in this lovely, generous dish. From front to back--Cucumber is fresh, clean, crisp; Tofu is "meaty", savory, nutty; Avocado is creamy, rich, melt-in-your-mouth, balanced with micro greens; Tomato is juicy, tender, genuinely tricked my mind by how it truly looks like maguro; Tamago is sweet, fluffy, "eggy"; Asparagus is fresh, savory, soft yet crisp, perfectly-cooked.
VOLCANO ROLL: This is my new favorite thing of all favorite things. It has sweet potato inside which gives it such "body", plus avocado and spinach. The whole roll is deep fried then topped with sauces, fried onion, micro greens, and tiny black "caviar" that I was fascinated by and couldn't figure out what it is or how it is made. It was so delicious, especially with each spicy, savory dip into my small dish of wasabi-laced soy sauce.
DRAGON ROLL: Avocado is my favorite sushi ingredient, so I couldn't resist ordering this roll, and I'm so glad I did. Inside was tempura asparagus which had such a big bold *crunch* and kept its crispy texture throughout, Japanese eggplant which lended nice "body" to the roll, and cucumber; outside was topped with avocado, eel sauce, and honestly the thing that I felt elevated the whole dish to the next level--cilantro micro greens. Their distinct herbaceous flavor was just enough to freshen up the whole party without being overpowering.
Even though I ate a big, great meal, I was pleasantly surprised by my reasonable tab, especially considering the cost of competitor "vegan sushi" in ATX. Nori's value, bountiful flavors, and generous portions blows their competition out of the water. Their menu offerings are also extensive enough to keep me coming back to try more dishes that I didn't get to this time around--like the Creamy Crunchy Roll, Spider Roll, California Roll, Hearts of Palm Roll, and Rainbow Roll are all calling my name...not to mention several of the appetizers and that Lava Cake.
If you're looking for a sign, this is it: Go to Nori! read more