Hope you all had a great Valentine’s Day 
My day started out at the gym of course. An awesome chest, abs and cardio workout followed by a light lunch. And off to the city I went.
We caught The Vow.
I won’t ruin the movie for you, but I expected a bit more from the movie. But if you like Rachel McAdams, she is stunning and radiating a certain warmth that only she can. There is also Channing Tatum, if you’re watching the movie for him, you won’t be disappointed. They find any reason for him to have his shirt off in this movie.
The BF really wanted to take me to Jewel Bako for Valentine’s Day. It’s a bit pricey, but after we finished our meal. It really isn’t all that expensive considering you’re getting fresh fish Fedexed daily from Japan. The quality is impeccable and service is nothing but the best.
You walk in and you are immediately greeted, coat hung and lead to your table. You cannot help but admire the chic, wooden tunnel-like ceiling. Although the restaurant is small, they did a great job adding this feature in, I think it appears make the restaurant bigger.
We were seated and our friend who works there realized we had arrived. The hostess was very happy to switch our tables and carry everything over for us.
We started off with a bottle of Oni No Shitaburui Honjyozo ”the devil’s quivering tongue”, dry and refreshing, from tottori prefecture. I must say this is absolutely the best sake I’ve had! Definitely refreshing and went well with everything. I love that they chill your bottle in the back and are very attentive with refilling your glass.
The waiters are genuine, knowledgeable and friendly. The BF ordered the Chef’s Omakase Tasting Menu, which included almost everything you’d want to try. This was great because we were able to share everything besides his main sushi dish. They are definitely not skimpy on any of their tastings.
I went with the regular Sushi Omakase, we mentioned that I really loved Uni (Sea Urchin) and told us he’d make sure that I’d get a special Uni dish. I also am not a fan of tuna, which he also noted. How awesome
Complimentary Yellowtail Fried Onigiri
Yellowtail was melt in your mouth amazing.
The fried onigiri was perfect sandwiching a light spicy sauce.
We were served a bowl of edamame and a delicate white miso soup.
No pictures, because well I just forgot
Crispy Scorpion Fish with soy radish and ginko reduction
I have never had scorpion fish, the fish was so moist and flavorful.
Perfectly crispy and went so well with the light reduction
Special Uni Cup
Abundant amount of the freshest Uni ever w. squid, freshly grated wasabi over a bed of rice.
I need to come back for this. If you love uni, you must request this, it is not on the menu!
Oyster – don’t remember the name, the BF loved it
Crispy Salmon Skin Salad w. micro beets
Spicy Yellowtail in a wonton cup
Ankimo (Monk fish liver, foie gras of the sea)
I loved it the first time I had it, but is nothing compared to having it here.
So fresh, with a light buttery flavor sitting atop a light sweet sauce. Melt in your mouth!
Both of us let out a sigh of “omg this is so good”
Sashimi Tasting
Need I say more?? I often don’t care for Red Snapper, it never tastes like much to me dont you agree?
It’s just bland. But this Red Snapper was on the verge of being a lighter yellowtail to me, buttery and melts in your mouth!
Whatever fish you didn’t like before, you will change your mind
My only complain the Ebi head (shrimp) did not taste like anything, nor was there anything inside.
I will never forget having an ebi head in Japan!
The Grand Finale Sushi Omakase
Mackerel bundled with a fresh shiso leaf
- Probably my least favorite, nothing wrong with the fish, just wasn’t my thing. BF loved it
Sweet Ebi
Yellowtail
Uni
Salmon
Unagi – freshwater eel
- Never will I have regular eel again. So delicious
Scallop (they switched out my tuna, boy was I in heaven)
Squid
Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich
One word – yummy!
Complimentary dessert wine to seal the deal
All in all it was a wonderful experience. Although I still love Tomoe, Jewel Bako is probably the best sushi I’ve had in New York. It is a whole other catagory in sushi itself. Tomoe is still amazing for its price and sushi quality. But, Jewel Bako would win it for ambiance, service, sushi quality and is really just not all that pricey for what you are getting.
I do have to agree with another review that I stumbled upon. There can be a bunch of fat married bankers with their young mistresses, bragging about their high profile positions and money. Listen buddy, she looks my age and pretty bored with your endless jibbering. Yes, I did sit next to one of these tables.
Do yourself a favor and try Jewel Bako :)
We actually did go for a second dessert. The fatty BF (JK) insisted. It was amazing, wanna know where I went? Check out my next post!
Jewel Bako
239 E 5th St
(between 2nd Ave & Cooper Sq)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 979-1012
