Interior.

When we arrived, a minute after 5.30 because I hadn't mastered google maps yet, it was empty. In hindsight, I probably didn't need to book a month in advance but it's better to be safe than sorry and I probably would do it again because I love this place. It was lovely inside, we were promptly seated and given a drinks menu to study and the table next to us in the photo is where we would later be seated. 

 

Monkey and Dragon.

The reason why we were moved was because Jack had to make it awkward and spill his cocktail all over the table. They were so nice about it though and replaced his drink as well. At Tatsumi they do their own japanese inspired cocktails based on the chinese zodiac and even though we're not monkeys and dragons, they sounded tastier, and they were.

 

Complimentary Appetiser

Anything that's free makes me happy, even if it's something little, I'm yours. Smoked salmon with avocado in pastry cup. Simple but flavorsome. And FREE!

Fish Carpaccio

We decided to go for the degustation menu and share the choices so we could eat more things but had to add the carpaccio because it's always been our favourite dish and no one does this better than they do. NO ONE! 

Assorted Appetizer

First Course. This was awesome. I've never had gooseberry in my life and then Jack broke into his story telling mode about it, long story short, i thought it tasted like tomato but I am wrong. Anyway, left to right, top to bottom, oyster shot in tomato vodka concotion (bloody mary?), marinated fish (Jack loved this), fried fish, edamame beans with lotus root, duck and gooseberry (so tender) and beef tataki.

  

 

Pan Seared Scallops

Second Course. With a parsnip puree and miso beurre blanc sauce. Jack was very kind and let me have the extra scallop. We were very behaved and did not lick the sauce.

 

Variety of Sashimi. Tuna, Salmon and Blue Cod

 

Tempura Soft Shell Crab

Third Course. Only thing I didn't like about this dish was the goat cheese in the salad, but that's because goat cheese  tastes too farmy for me and I haven't quite acquired the taste for it yet. Other than that, delish!

Crispy Skin Salmon Teriyaki

With creamy wasabi mashed potato, portobello, onion rings and blue cheese tortellini. This was very filling despite only being in mini form and the mash was sooo good. I'm ashamed to say that I was actually nearly full after this.

Assorted Tempura

Canterbury Wakanui Blue Beef Steak

Main Course. Tempura is pretty straight forward. The dipping sauce was nice and warm. The beef was accompanied with polenta crisps, a puree, mixed mushrooms (apparently according to Jack) and a pickled ginger shoot which they explained could only be eaten at the fat end but that did not stop Jack from trying.

 

Assorted Nigiri Sushi

Sushi Course. I discovered that I love scampi. It tastes so much like crayfish. Jack gave me half of his :D then I discovered (so many discoveries that night) that I am possibly allergic to raw scampi and crayfish because my mouth went a bit numb, throat got scratchy and I started swelling around my mouth, not the first time this has happened but I survived, it was very mild and not going to deter me, I want more!

Scampi Miso

 

Scampi Battle

This was so cute. A little twist to the miso in a teacup and because we're not very mature and to be honest, why wouldn't you?! Scampi battles! I like to think my scampi won. 

 

Green Tea Fondant

Black Sesame Creme Brûlée

Dessert. We got to choose our own desserts and like the good old days, we chose our favourites. As usual Jack shared most of his and I was very stingy with the sharing of my fondant... it was too good! I gave him my candied orange though!

Dinner was a two hour affair and the first hour we were the only ones in the restaurant. When we left another table came. I hope they get busier because they really are a wonderful restaurant and I can not wait to go back to Auckland to eat everything else on the menu with the fish carpaccio as well of course...

They don't have pictures on their website yet but they do have a delicious sounding menu which I frequent weekly, if not daily... definitely worth a visit.

http://www.tatsumi.co.nz