Morimoto NYC has a stunning atmosphere.  The ceiling is vaulted and looks as if canvas has been draped and coated with plaster.  The decor is pure white and minimalist featuring a ‘sculptural’ wall of plastic water bottles backlit with blue-green lights.  The chairs are substantial cushioned white leather and quite comfy.  The entire back of the restaurant is the sushi bar.

iPhone shot of water bottle wall from our table

The dining experience here was very relaxed.  Nothing is a rush, the service is very quiet and unobtrusive.  Everything is presented elegantly and is the highest of quality.  We started with the rock shrimp tempura since we have a running contest on who’s got the best in town.  Forget all of our prior thoughts on the matter, as Morimoto wins hands down with his Rock Shrimp Tempura two ways – wasabi and hot/sour combination.  Ah, so light and delicious with incredible flavors.  The serving was quite generous.  We were expecting very small portions at very high prices.

We followed up with a la carte sushi and sashimi of our choice plus an eel roll.   It was absolute perfection.  Each and every piece melted in our mouths.  I was particularly in love with the scallops.

We even went for dessert.  It was called ‘Apple Turban’ which was sliced apple presented layered in slices shaped like a turban topped with cinnamon ice cream.  It sauced with ‘apple cider’ and vanilla bean.  On its own, the flavor was very vinegary, but combined with the other elements of the dish it was so complex and elegant.  A perfect ending.  We paired it with a pot of Spring Oolong tea.

OUR MENU

Morimoto Iced Tea
Ginger Lemonade

Rock Shrimp Tempura
Eel Avacado Maki Roll
Maguro Sushi
Sima Aji Sushi
Myoga Sushi
Hotate Sashimi
Ebi Sashimi

Finally, there were another few atmospheric highlights I’d like to point out, namely the bathroom and the subterranean bars.  In the bathroom there was an infinity mirror filled with cherry blossoms in each stall.  As if that were not enough, each had fully automated toilets with heated seats and all of the bidet options.  I cannot imagine using these features in a public restroom, but whatever floats your boat.

 

http://www.morimotonyc.com/
88 Tenth Ave. – Chelsea