Wow.
What a meal I had last night at Daisho. From the moment I drove up to the building and took in all the people outside (in line for Noodle Bar) and the rooftop party the Shangri La was hosting on the rooftop I felt like it was going to be a sick night. There was so much energy in the building. I felt like I was part of something much bigger than me. I felt like I had "made it".
Anyway, I walked up and was promptly seated with my friends. Cocktails are pretty pricey at $16 and they're no different than something you would buy at any other cocktail-focused establishment in the city. Nevertheless I did get a Man About Town and it was stiff and tasty. Here's what food we ordered:
- Pork buns - pretty awesome with peameal and yolk. Breakfast in a bun!
- Rice Cakes - OMG. These were like rice gnocchi in an asian tomato sauce. Incredible texture and flavor on these.
- Wild Rice - least favorite dish. I found it quite salty for my palette.
- Grits - Matt Blondin used to make the best grits at Acadia. These were amazing!
- Apple and Bacon Salad - This dish really worked. Amazing idea, amazing presentation, great flavor profile.
- Cabbage - we got this on a limb and this was actually my favorite dish. They turned one of the most boring vegetables into something truly amazing. The edges of the leaves were slightly charred, that's all I can really tell you--I have no idea what else was in it but everyone at my table couldn't believe they were eating cabbage.
- Hangar Steak - served with bibb lettuce leaves and condiments so you could make your own lettuce wraps. A solid protein plate.
- Chicken - excellent presentation but the flavor left a little to be desired.
- Chocolate - we go the chocolate for dessert. It's like a mousse with some ganache and the chocolate was imported from france. I haven't tasted chocolate like this before.
The final damage was $100pp tip in. A very affordable and truly memorable dining experience. I will be returning to try some of the larger family-style plates.