First Time at ShinBay in Phoenix for Omakase β A Pleasant Surprise π£
π ShinBay 3720 N Scottsdale Rd #201, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 The experience at ShinBay was quite impressive overall. With an average cost per person of over $350 (excluding alcohol, tax, and tip), the service, dishes, and ambiance were top-notch β definitely better than some places Iβve been to in Philadelphia. I had a reservation for 8 p.m. on a Saturday, but when I arrived, the restaurant wasnβt fully ready yet. The door was even locked, and it took a few minutes before they opened it for us. π βββ Appetizer Platter βββ This was my first time trying such a combination, and it was delightful. The green wakamomo peaches were so sweet and cute β Iβve never had them before. I asked the waiter, and he said theyβre not available here in the πΊπΈ US; you can only find them in π―π΅ Japan. My dining companion thought the conch had a bit of a fishy taste, but I found it quite acceptable. π βββ Steamed Dish βββ The chawanmushi was delicious no matter how it was made β not too salty and perfectly smooth. π₯‘ βββ Sashimi βββ I absolutely loved this course! The Bluefin Tuna was melt-in-your-mouth amazing, and the Baby Glass Eel had a delightful texture, almost like liangpi (Chinese cold skin). Iβm not usually a fan of bonito, but it was still quite tasty. π£ βββ Grilled Dish βββ The sauce was a bit too salty, but the meat itself was delicious. π βββ Sushi & Sashimi βββ Oyster: Richly flavored and incredibly smooth in one bite. Blue Mackerel: I donβt have many specific memories, but it was definitely delicious. Bluefin Tuna: Beautiful color and excellent texture. Aji: Iβm not a big fan of this fish, but it was still edible. Ocean Trout: It tasted very similar to salmon, with a bit more chewiness β quite nice. Japanese Spanish Mackerel: Pretty good. Saltwater Eel: I encountered a few small bones. Black Throat Sea Perch: I forgot the exact taste, but it was delicious. Tile Fish/Broad Bean: The fish was okay, but I couldnβt get over the appearance of the fried fish skin and curled scales. It was a bit off-putting visually. Bluefin Tuna/Uni: Amazing! How could this combination of ingredients not be delicious? π₯Ή If I could order more, I definitely would have, but I was already quite full by this point. βββ Soup βββ Just a regular miso soup with two clams inside. π₯’ βββ Dessert βββ I mentioned it was my birthday when making the reservation, so in addition to the black sesame ice cream and roasted sweet potato that everyone gets, I received an extra small bowl of a red sugar dessert with a texture similar to mochi or yΕkan. The presentation of the dessert was quite fun, and the chef even gave a little performance. π #Phoenix #PhoenixFoodie #PhoenixLife #StreetFood #GlobalFoodReview #Arizona
