the new Omi

[Endy']

after a long absence, Omi is back, now at the corner of Carlton and Parliament. Few random thoughts:

-distinct Korean influence in many of the dishes served (really liked that)

-same characteristic Omi style of "twists" on conventional sushi/sashimi

-beautiful beautiful platings

-there's now an a la carte menu, but it's mostly apps with a few trite mains. But why would you go for anything but omakase anyway?

-beautiful space (seating maybe 36), but no actual seating at the sushi bar itself. There is a bar/countertop that runs along the west wall (seats 12), but you're not exactly at the sushi bar. I sort of wonder if this is a mistake since a lot of the fun of Omi was the dialogue with Chef Lee and the energy of watching him work.

pics of the meal are up on Flickr. Favourites were the take on bibimbap and the salmon sashimi.

EDIT: one more thing, the restaurant is just called Omi Restaurant...and I believe the restaurant in the former space on Church is still called Omi as well...?

Edited October 20, 2008 by Endy' (log)

[jenc]

More shots here, though same dishes.

I really liked the bimbimbap as well. The salmon was particularly creamy and tasty, as was the sweet scallop on our sashimi dish. Also enjoyed the pork belly. Nice starter. Not sure about the creamy miso soup, it wasn't bad and suited the cold weather, (heartier than normal clear miso), but I could take it or leave it.

And I totally miss the bar seating, though the familiar music piping though was a nice comfort.

Edited October 21, 2008 by jenc (log)

[phoenikia]

Great pictures;) Can't wait to give a the new Omi a try. But I gotta say, I'm happy they have a carte in addition to the omakase- sometimes I just don't have the time or patience for a string of courses, and sometimes I don't feel like being surprised.

Does anyone know if Chef Lee is willing to vary his omakase if a diner has food preferences?

[Endy']

he's definitely pretty chilled about that sort of thing, so discussing preferences with him won't be a big deal.

on the a la carte point though -- I would personally save Omi for when you have the time/etc. to do the omakase. I don't get the sense that his a la carte sushi is really much better than that elsewhere. That said, maybe some of the apps on his new menu are worth a try on their own. I think the pork belly was on, but what he _really_ needs to make available is that bibimbap with fish.

[phoenikia]

good to know, Endy. Glad to hear he's chill about that type of thing.