Kinme Omakase
Tucked away on a charming corner in Bankers Hill, where 5th and Laurel meet, lies a hidden gem waiting to transport you to a world of culinary wonder. Kinme Omakase, the brainchild of visionary restaurateur Shihomi Borillo (of Azuki Sushi fame), is not just a restaurant; it's an immersive experience that redefines the meaning of fine dining.
Stepping into Kinme feels like stepping into another world. The space, once home to Hachi Ramen, has been transformed into a serene haven reminiscent of a traditional Japanese teahouse. The hushed ambiance, the warm glow of light, and the soft murmur of conversation create an atmosphere of hushed anticipation, the perfect backdrop for the culinary symphony that awaits.
At the helm of this symphony is Executive Sushi Chef Nao Ichimura, Borillo's partner from Azuki Sushi, along with a talented team of chefs led by Chef de Cuisine Kevin Alvarado. Together, they weave a magic spell through a meticulously crafted 10-course omakase tasting menu, a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and ignite your senses.
The open kitchen, visible through the sleek counter, becomes the stage where this culinary drama unfolds. Pristine seafood, flown in directly from Tokyo's Toyosu fish market, takes center stage, alongside seasonal bounty from California's fertile lands. Each dish is a brushstroke in a larger masterpiece, a testament to the chefs' artistry and passion.
The journey begins with a delicate dance of textures and tastes. Imagine paper-thin slices of sashimi, gently seared with binchotan charcoal for a touch of smoky intrigue. Then, a warm embrace of simmered courses followed by soul-warming soups that soothe the body and awaken the palate. This playful interplay of raw and cooked, the very essence of kaiseki cuisine, is a journey through the seasons, a taste of Borillo's native Japan brought to life in Bankers Hill.
But the crescendo of this culinary opera is reserved for the grand finale: melt-in-your-mouth slices of Miyazaki A5 wagyu beef, the undisputed king of the beef world. Each bite is a burst of rich, buttery flavor, a luxurious reward for embarking on this epicurean adventure.
Each menu at Kinme is a unique composition, with opening acts like caviar-adorned oysters and blood orange pearls, white asparagus kissed with miso from local fermenter West Coast Koji, and a decadent chawanmushi starring morels and Dungeness crab. But the true beauty lies in the ever-changing nature of the experience. Sashimi and nigiri morph daily, keeping the palate guessing and the excitement fresh. Monthly menu transformations ensure that every visit to Kinme is a brand new adventure, a testament to the restaurant's unwavering commitment to culinary innovation.
No culinary journey is complete without the perfect accompaniment. Kinme's beverage pairings are like supporting melodies, enhancing the flavors of each dish. Select sakes, natural wines, and Japanese whiskies offer a symphony of their own, adding another layer of cultural immersion to the experience.
And as the final curtain falls with a traditional matcha service, the taste of Japan lingers on your tongue, a sweet memory of the magic that unfolded before you. Kinme is not just a restaurant; it's a portal to another world, a place where artistry and tradition intertwine to create an unforgettable dining experience. So, if you're seeking an escape from the ordinary, a chance to lose yourself in the beauty of Japanese cuisine, look no further than Kinme Omakase. The 10 seats at this Bankers Hill gem await, beckoning you to embark on a sensory journey that will leave you forever changed.
Kinme Omakase is located at 2505 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA. Make a reservation at kinmeomakase.com
