Izumi Sushi
Alice and Alon Than had created in Warsaw a true substitute of paradise. The owners of Izumi Sushi invite us to the Palm House. There, in the company of exotic trees, we can sin without restraint. If Adam and Eva knew what can you eat in Izumi, they would never had the apple. The chef, Alon Than has gained his experience in Tokio and now he uses the best traditions of japanese cuisine and boldly brings his own ideas to life. Sushi here is perfect (Best Sushi Restaurant in Poland award in 2010) and a separate story should be devoted to it. In the view of the wealth of the menu, it gets hot in here, so today I suggest tasting the hot dishes.
The absolute hit of the appetizers, the number one, to which I melt like a butter on a hot pan are the St. James’ clams in a creamy, spicy sauce. I dream about them at night and when they are on my table I ask my meal companions for silence so I can enjoy my culinary ecstasy in a full concentration. Dainty (39zł).
In Izumi you can order anything you want in this restaurant knowing that the food will be excellent. Among my favourite starters are also Eel and salmon skin with avocado (39zł) and Toko Yaki (25zł) – octopus spheres with a very interesting flavour.
The richness of soups in the culture of the Far East has its perfect reflection in the Izumi menu. For those who like delicate and sophisticated experiences I recommend Osuimono, the salty and clear fish broth with seafood (24zł). Fish soup with coriander (19zł), Miso (12zł) or Black Tiger (25zł) and Wonton (22zł) are a well-executed mandatory program. The true titbit is Ochuzake. You better leave preparation of the green tea with rice and roasted salmon to the professionals. This dish is a real proof of the Chef craftsmanship.
While you’re in Izumi it’s worth to try the noodles. There is no other place in Poland where you can taste the whole pallette of Japanese, Chinese and Korean noodles: Soba, Zarusoba, Yakisoba, Ramen, Yakiramen, Udon (33-39 zł) are here mostly in a good company of the seafood. My favourite is Udon – surprisingly comined with frutti di mare in tempura and spicy ramen.
If it comes to tempuras – thanks to this category the real connoisseur will know the quality of the Alon Than’s cooking. I encourage you to choose the Traditional Tempura (49zł) in the company of all available sauces (mild, spicy mayonnaise and tamarind-coriander).
Main dishes are the another sea of options. After such pre-feast I choose something small. Eel in Japanese – Unagi Don (67zł) or distinguished Steamed Halibut (67zł). I’m sure that every gourmand will find something interesting in the menu and won’t be disappointed. Who will find the strenght for dessert should try the ice cream in tempura, hot of course!
Personaly I’m very happy being able to visit Izumi Sushi, which is worth it’s price and fantastic location. The presence in the Palm House commits and the owners with their effort and attention to every detail and every component prove that they deserve it.
ごちそうさまでした (Gochisōsama deshita)
Bartek Żurowski
photos: Izumi Sushi