Last week, OnMilwaukee.com readers voted Umami Moto in as a selection for "Downtown Dining Week" lunch reviews. But unfortunately I realized they don't serve lunch and so, we took it upon ourselves to swap one sushi restaurant for another and headed to neighboring Sake Tumi.
Arriving for lunch at noon, the narrow Milwaukee Street restaurant was packed and we opted to sit at the sushi bar in lieu of waiting for a table. Between the two of us -- co-worker Erin Ulicki and I -- we ordered one of everything on the three-course "Downtown Dining Menu."
Service was friendly and efficient. Despite a packed lunch crowd, our server kept us informed on our order time and brought things to us as they were ready to keep the lunch moving. Hastily rolling sushi rolls as she talked with us, staff seemed energized and eager to participate in the "Downtown Dining Week." In the end, lunch lasted about an hour.
The first course offers asparagus and green bean gomaae or kosher salted edamame. Both were equally refreshing; reflecting the subtle sweet and savory flavoring of Japanese cuisine.
The second course blended the hibachi and sushi sides of Japanese cuisine. The first option was a combination plate of chef's choice sushi and rolls. Our combination included an avocado roll and salmon roll as well as three pieces of tuna sushi. More than enough to share, standard pickled ginger and wasabi accompanied the plate.
The other option was bulgogi, a Korean sweet marinated shaved rib eye. Served on a compartmentalized tray, the hefty entree included a small green salad, shaved ribeye with peppers and onions, white rice and two pork fried dumplings.
Lastly, the third course was a selection of cold, creamy Japanese desserts. Green tea ice cream or raspberry sorbet, both were perfectly sweet yet light.
Overall, we had another great "Downtown Dining" experience; friendly service, great quality and tasty food.
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Maureen Post grew up in Wauwatosa. A lover of international and urban culture, Maureen received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
After living on the east side of Madison for several years, Maureen returned to Milwaukee in 2006.
After a brief stint of travel, Maureen joined OnMilwaukee.com as the city’s oldest intern and has been hooked ever since. Combining her three key infatuations, Milwaukee’s great music, incredible food and inspiring art (and yes, in that order), Maureen’s job just about fits her perfectly.
Residing in Bay View, Maureen vehemently believes the city can become fresh and new with a simple move across town.
