I've been anticipating the opening of the new noodle place Umani since I read about its conception. Having studied the history of ancient Japanese art culture in college has made me a bit of a Japanophile due to the subtle approach they take in all things beautiful; and Umami pulls this off.
My daughter and I went there for lunch and sat next to the blooming orchid in the alcove near the entrance. (Good for a escape route with an almost 3-year old). We were greeted right away and made to feel welcome. We choose one of three lunch combination options. The Miso Udon with Roast Pork soup (other choices include chicken and shitake) and the Chicken and Shitake Dumplings for ten bucks (other choices are pork, chicken and chives & veggie). They were nice enough to bring us edamame that wasn't on the menu.
The Soup was out of sight. Although I wish it were hot I know that is sacrilege to a Miso which survives to be the most nourishing at a certain temperature. The noodles were perfect. The Pork melted in my mouth. I had to ask about the infused egg which was quite honestly, a turn-on. An almost hard boiled chicken egg with a creamy center but not runny. It had a dark liquid running through it which the waiter couldn't explain to me.
Which brings me to the service. Of corse Umami is still working out the kinks of what a new restaurant brings and I understand that. So I can overlook the waiter not knowing how to describe something, especially when it's so damn good. But what's hard to comprehend is the counter service. In a day and age where people don't have money to tip but still want to dine out, a lot of counter service joints have sprung up. But Umami lends itself to table service. I don't want my dumplings or soup to get cold while I go up to order another Sake. And even more important, I might not order another Sake because I have to get up and leave my food and my experience!
The experience is lovely here. With wall accents of ripe and unripe persimmon colors and the slate grey bar with bamboo inspired tile. The place is simple and sophisticated with and great ambient music and discrete lighting. It's just so wonderful that I want someone to bring me my drink so that I can take it all in and not put it on pause. I dream of going back without a child to get a buzz that only good sake can give, and to try the Ahi tuna seaweed salad and the braised pork belly buns with homemade hoisin sauce.