Nasu Blanca

 

4

96

K Sera S.

Columbia, MD

Certainly an unusual combination, but "unusual" doesn't necessarily mean "good."

The food is well prepared, but the portions a bit small and the prices a bit large. I'm no fan of the seven-times-the-portion-you-need thing, but I have to say, I do expect to at least be satisfied by an entree if I'm forking over $30 - $45 for it.

The small plates, too, are pricey. Now sure, there I expect to get a smaller portion, but again, I'd like to pay a bit less for it.

The cocktail menu that has been lauded in different local media is interesting, there's no doubt about it. But just because you chuck basil into a standard julep, does that really make it worth $13? (In a small, ice-filled glass at that?) I can't speak to the sake selection. It seems decent, but I don't like sake...

If you want to give NB a try, but don't feel like hocking your jewelry to pay the check, I'd say go during happy hour (T - F, 5:30 - 7:30), when things are a little cheaper.

Not the basil julep, though. You'll still get to pay $13 for that.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

13

25

Lee D.

Baltimore, MD

Conisdering they let me go, it's hard to be unbiased, but I don't lie about food.

Honestly, the food is good. Very, very good. I'd suggest sticking with the Japanese or the Spanish side of the menu, mix it up too much and it gets a little confusing. Personally, I like the toro tartare, the Kobe filet or the Nasu paella - well balanced, and suculent. Head Chef David Sherman really knows his ingredients, presentation is awesome.

The sake menu's also very good, but don't expect to find wines you're familiar with. If you're a Calirofrnia-style white drinker, just get a cocktail - trust me.

Prices are pretty steep; which may or may not be a deal breaker for you. Entrees are mid 20s-40, and the small plates are small, so get an entree or be prepared to get a lot of small plates.

Ambiance is okay, the place is tine(what isn't in Baltimore?) and tends to be dark and a little loud. Service is okay, but as chefs are owners, as of my departure, they hadn't hired a GM so no one is running front-of-the-house. Be prepared to hang out and wait a bit on weekends, and also be prepared for half the menu to be gone if yu're eating after 7 on a weekend night.

So, to recap:
1. food is excellent
2. go early or on a weekday

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

42

134

Josiah L.

New York, NY

4.5 stars

A Japanese Spanish restaurant, the decor is very mellow, with hints of both cultures mixed in the  ambient.

Must try: their specialty cocktails.

The wine/sake list is nice, the sake list is kind of short and overpriced though.

We had the lobster tempura and mussel for appetizer - i've never had a tempura this light before! The batter is thin, not oily and there are actually large chunks of meat inside. As for the mussel, they added some miso in the sauce and it's actually pretty good.

As for the entree, we had the old-aged steak and duck confit. You can taste the 'old-aged' in the steak, which you don't in alot of restaurants that promote old aged steak. The duck is very tender, you don't even need a knife to cut it, poke it with a fork and the meat will come right out.

We had the white chocolate banana bread pudding for dessert, and for a person who hates sweet (yes i'm weird like that), it is pretty good.

This place is great for romantic or party dinners, the staff is very friendly and the potion is perfect - enough to fill you up but not so much that you'll leave with a food coma.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review